MOTOR VEHICLE WITH A SECONDARY CHASSIS CAPABLE OF SLIDING BACKWARDS ON A MAIN CHASSIS FOLLOWING A HEAD-ON COLLISION

摘要

A vehicle comprising, in addition to a main chassis, a secondary chassis (5) supporting the floor (10) and the seats (11, 12) of the vehicle. The secondary chassis is rigidly connected to a crossbar (9') and arranged to be slidable relative to the main chassis when the crossbar is struck by a substantially frontal impact. As a result, the effects of a frontal impact on passengers may be greatly reduced as the seats are driven backwards at a speed that is equal and opposite to that of the main chassis following the impact. The above arrangement may used in conventional motor vehicles fitted with safety devices such as seat belts, air bags, and headrests.