Abstract: According to the invention, the front face (1) of the vehicle can be rigidly attached to the front ends (2) of the two main rails (4) of the automobile. The front face includes (1): two shock absorbers (26) provided as an extension of the respective front ends (2) of the main rails (4), each absorber (26) being adapted for absorbing the so-called “medium-speed” shocks; and a rigid transverse beam (10). The beam (10) is rigidly attached by opposite transverse end portions (37) to the front ends (2) of the two main rails (4), said end portions (37) being provided between the shock absorbers (26) and the front ends (2) of the main rails (4).

Abstract: The invention concerns a protective assembly (1, 101) for the lower limbs (31) of a motor vehicle passenger comprising an actuating device (2, 103) secured to the vehicle and capable of displacing a rod (3, 108) which is linked to a protective system. The invention is characterized in that: i) the actuating device contains a pyrotechnic system (9); ii) the protective system comprises a protective cushion (6) mounted on a shaft (5, 105) integral with the vehicle; iii) said protective cushion is mobile in rotation under the effect of the displacement of the rod so as to accompany, in the contact zone provided between the passenger's lower limbs and said protective cushion, the movement of said lower limbs.

Abstract: The invention concerns a protective assembly (1, 101) for the lower limbs (31) of a motor vehicle passenger comprising an actuating device (2, 103) secured to the vehicle and capable of displacing a rod (3, 108) which is linked to a protective system. The invention is characterised in that: i) the actuating device contains a pyrotechnic system (9); ii) the protective system comprises a protective cushion (6) mounted on a shaft (5, 105) integral with the vehicle; iii) said protective cushion is mobile in rotation under the effect of the displacement of the rod so as to accompany, in the contact zone provided between the passenger's lower limbs and said protective cushion, the movement of said lower limbs.