Mounted protection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wearable protective device (10) comprising at least one inflatable member (20) adapted to move between a resting configuration in a contracted state and an active configuration in an inflated state, characterized in that said at least one inflatable member (20) comprises at least one elongated portion (22; 22a, 22b) originating from a connecting body (26), said at least one elongated portion (22; 22a, 22b) being in fluid communication with said connecting body (26). According to the invention, at least a portion of said at least one elongated portion (22; 22a, 22b) is encased by at least one restraining means (24) designed to limit the expansion of said at least one elongated portion (22; 22a, 22b) when the inflatable member (20) moves to the active configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the technical field of wearable protection devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a wearable protection device having an inflatable member suitable for inflating in dangerous situations to provide additional protection to a user against impacts and / or falls. Such wearable protection devices are also referred to as "wearable airbag devices" and are suitable for wearing during various types of activities such as riding a motorcycle, cycling, skiing, walking, and during industrial work activities.

Background Art

[0002] Typically, a wearable airbag device is composed of wearable items such as, for example, a jacket, a suit, a vest, a dress, a belt, etc. The wearable item generally includes an inflatable bag, an inflation means for the bag, and a system for operating the inflation means. The activation system can be electronic or mechanical based on data detected by sensors applied to a vehicle used in combination with the clothing or the wearable airbag device.

[0003] Current inflatable bags are made of a low-stretch knitted fabric or film that can maintain the force exerted by the fluid that inflates during inflation.

[0004] In the contracted state, due to its low elasticity, the inflatable bag has a shape similar to that of the body part that will be covered / protected when the bag is inflated, making the wearable airbag device quite rigid.

[0005] Also, even if the inflatable bag is placed inside a casing made of breathable fabric, due to the structure of the bag, it is impossible to let air through, heat accumulates on the user's body, and the amount of sweating decreases.

[0006] Furthermore, even if the inflatable bag is made of a low-elasticity material, once it inflates, it tends to take on a balloon-like spherical shape.

[0007] Such a balloon shape reduces the protection provided to the user. In fact, inflation causes a contraction of the sides of the bag, thereby reducing the area covered by the bag. Furthermore, since the inflation of the inflatable bag is not controlled, there is a possibility that the inflation may compress the user's body and cause injury.

[0008] At the same time, in the case of an unwanted activation, the balloon shape can, in the worst-case scenario, impede the user's movement leading even to a loss of control of a motorcycle or a bicycle.

[0009] The use of internal tethers to control the expansion of an inflatable bag is known. In particular, the tethers are designed to connect the upper and lower layers of the inflatable bag in order to prevent the inflatable bag from "bulging".

[0010] If the inflatable bag is manufactured by sewing together a lower panel and an upper panel along a vision measurement portion to obtain a so-called "sewn" airbag, the internal tether can be formed by threads fixed to such opposite panels of the inflatable bag.

[0011] If the inflatable bag is manufactured by a single weaving operation, for example using a Jacquard loom, to obtain a so-called "one-piece woven" (OPW) airbag, the tether can be formed inside the inflatable bag during weaving. In this case, the internal tether is made of the same warp and weft threads that form the upper and lower layers of the inflatable bag.

[0012] The use of internal tethers enables control of the final shape of the inflatable bag, but such a solution has several drawbacks.

[0013] First, the incorporation of internal tethers into the inflatable bag is not only labor-intensive but also tends to require a significant amount of time.

[0014] In the case of an OPW airbag, the production of an airbag without a tether is easy to manufacture and inexpensive, but the production of an airbag with an internal tether is more expensive and complex because a specific tooling for a Jacquard loom is required.

[0015] Conversely, in the case of a "sewn airbag", fixing the end of the tether to the wall can cause perforation of the wall and there is a possibility of fluid leakage during inflation. To avoid this, the upper and lower layers are generally coated with an additional layer, such as a PU or silicon layer, to provide the impermeability required for the bag. In the case of an "OPW airbag", the provision of an internal tether does not affect the permeability of the airbag and a coating can be applied to the outer surface of the airbag to reduce the permeability of the upper and lower layers.

[0016] Obviously, adding such a coating in both cases increases the weight and stiffness of the inflatable bag.

[0017] However, even if a coating layer is applied to the wall of the airbag, the points where the tethers are connected to the wall are important because they are subjected to high tensile forces. Due to such tensions, partial separation between the wall and the coating layer similar to peeling occurs, and as a result, the bag may fail.

[0018] Furthermore, even if the use of an internal tether makes it possible to control the inflation of the airbag, the inflated airbag becomes very rigid and unable to conform to the user's body.

[0019] It is known to place an internal tether with a "zero height", i.e., a non-inflatable zone, in the inflatable chamber of the bag to make it more flexible than when the bag is inflated. However, such a "zero height" zone is created by an internal joint connecting the opposite walls. The internal joint can affect the integrity of the entire airbag structure, similar to what has been previously disclosed for internal tethers.

[0020] Furthermore, the internal joint itself cannot bend the airbag when the airbag inflates. In any case, the airbag needs to be placed within a specific housing created in the clothing.

[0021] Examples of known wearable protection devices are disclosed in WO2011 / 148354A1 and US2013 / 276213A1. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Accordingly, a main object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protection device comprising an inflatable member configured to overcome or at least mitigate the above-mentioned drawbacks with respect to known wearable airbag devices.

[0023] More specifically, a main object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protection device comprising an inflatable member, wherein the inflation of the inflatable member can be restricted without the need for an internal tether.

[0024] A further object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protection device comprising an inflatable member that can better adapt to the anatomical structure of the user's body.

[0025] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protection device comprising an inflatable member suitable for allowing an air flow therethrough, thereby improving the breathability and comfort of the wearable protection device.

[0026] Again, a further object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protection device comprising an inflatable member, wherein not only the final shape but also the final volume of the inflatable member can be controlled during inflation.

[0027] Finally, an object of the present invention is to provide a wearable protection device comprising an inflatable member that can be manufactured at a competitive cost. These objects, and other objects that will appear hereinafter in this description, are achieved by the wearable protection device according to claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] The advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the wearable protection device with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an embodiment of a wearable protection device according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

[0030] The wearable protection device 10 may be, for example, a piece of clothing such as a jacket or a suit, or alternatively, an undergarment suitable for use in combination with an outer protective garment.

[0031] In a further embodiment, the wearable protection device 10 can be a harness or belt designed to be worn over or under additional clothing.

[0032] The wearable protection device 10 includes at least one expandable member 20 adapted to move between a stationary configuration in a contracted state (see, for example, FIGS. 6 and 10) and an active configuration in an expanded state (see, for example, FIGS. 7 and 11).

[0033] The expandable member 20 is designed to expand with a fluid such as air or gas, for example, to protect the wearer of the wearable protection device 10 from impacts, falls, or slips when dangerous.

[0034] To effect inflation of the inflatable member 20, the wearable protection device 10 preferably comprises inflation means 12 in fluid communication with the inflatable member 20 (see FIG. 2). In particular, the inflation means 12 comprises one or more outlets designed to be connected to corresponding inlets of the inflatable member 20. According to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 - 3, the inflatable member 20 is suitable for protecting the shoulders, chest and back of the wearer. However, different arrangements of the inflatable member 20 are possible to meet other specific needs. For example, the inflatable member 20 can also be designed to protect the arms, waist and / or legs of the wearer.

[0035] As shown in the accompanying figures, the inflatable member 20 comprises at least one elongated portion 22. As an "elongated portion", it is shown that a part of the inflatable member 20 has a dimension, such as length, that is significantly larger than other dimensions when the inflatable member is in a contracted state. In fact, in a stationary configuration, the inflatable member has a substantially two - dimensional structure.

[0036] Advantageously, at least one elongated portion 22 can have a substantially rectangular shape in the contracted state and take a substantially cylindrical shape in the inflated state.

[0037] Preferably, the inflatable member 20 comprises a plurality of elongated portions 22. As a "plurality of elongated portions", at least two elongated portions are shown.

[0038] In particular, the elongated portions 22 of the inflatable member are designed to be arranged adjacent to each other. Advantageously, once inflated, the elongated portions 22 form a cushion body consisting of a plurality of substantially cylindrical cushion elements in close proximity to each other.

[0039] As will be described below, the number and extension of the elongated portions 22 depend on the size and shape of the inflatable member 20.

[0040] As schematically shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 5A, the elongated portion 22 starts from a connection body 26 with which the elongated portion 22 is in fluid communication. The connection body 26 has the function of joining the elongated portions 22 together to facilitate handling and positioning of the elongated portions 22 within the wearable protection device 10.

[0041] The connection body 26 can be a connecting pipe. Preferably, the connecting pipe is made of a rigid material and can be, for example, a metal pipe. The connecting pipe 26 can be connected to the inflation means 12 by a connecting duct 13 (see FIG. 5A).

[0042] In this embodiment, the connecting pipe 26 preferably comprises one or more outlets 27 designed to be connected to corresponding inlets of the elongated portion 22.

[0043] Alternatively, the connection body 26 can coincide with the inflation means 12. In this case, the inflation means 12 is preferably provided with at least as many outlets as there are elongated portions 22.

[0044] Although not shown in the accompanying figures, in a further embodiment, the inflation means can comprise two or more canisters, each canister being designed to inflate a different elongated portion of the inflatable member.

[0045] Alternatively, the connection body 26 can be part of the inflatable member 20, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0046] In a first embodiment, the connection body 26 can be the inflatable part of the inflatable member 20. Alternatively, the connection body 26 can consist of a non-inflatable part of the inflatable member 20, such as a connecting duct connecting two different parts of the inflatable member 20, for example a duct connecting the front and rear parts of the inflatable member.

[0047] When the connection body 26 is the inflatable portion of the inflatable member 20, the connection body 26 is disposed around the wearer's neck and can be overlapped on the upper part of the trunk. As a result, the various elongated portions 22 can start from the connection body 26 and extend over the user's shoulders, back, and chest (see FIGS. 1-3). However, different arrangements of the connection body 26 and the elongated portions 22 are possible to meet other specific needs.

[0048] Preferably, when the connection body 26 is part of the inflatable member 20, the inflation means 12 is connected to the connection body 26. As a result, the inflation fluid can flow through the connection body 26 before reaching the elongated portions 22. In this way, faster inflation of the inflatable member 20 can be obtained. At the same time, it is also possible to introduce the inflation fluid into the inflatable member 20 at a high pressure. Also, in this case, the inflation means 12 can include two or more canisters, and each canister is designed to inflate different portions of the inflatable member, for example.

[0049] According to the present invention, at least one portion of at least one elongated portion 22 of the inflatable member 20 is surrounded by at least one restraint means 24.

[0050] As described below, the function of the restraint means 24 is to limit the inflation of at least one elongated portion 22 when the inflatable member 20 moves from the stationary state to the active configuration. Therefore, thanks to the provision of the restraint means 24, it is possible to control the shape of the inflatable member 20 when the inflatable member 20 is inflated without being forced to provide an internal tether.

[0051] At the same time, thanks to the provision of the restraint means 24, it is also possible to control the volume of the inflatable member 20, and thus the internal pressure, when the inflatable member 20 is inflated.

[0052] In the context of the present invention, the expression "limiting the expansion" is intended to mean that when the internal pressure exceeds 0.2 bar, it is possible to detect the volume difference between the free part of the expandable member and the part wrapped by the restraint means.

[0053] As shown in the enclosed figure, advantageously, the restraint means 24 is designed to wrap only the elongated part 22 of the expandable member 20 without preventing the expansion of the connection body 26. In other words, advantageously, the restraint means 24 does not completely enclose the entire expandable member 20.

[0054] Preferably, a part of at least two adjacent elongated parts 22 of the expandable member 20 is wrapped by the at least one restraint means 24.

[0055] The adjacent elongated parts 22 are advantageously arranged close to each other and not necessarily in contact.

[0056] According to the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5A, for clarity, the expandable member 20 is shown in a partially expanded configuration, the restraint means 24 is not shown, the elongated parts 22 are preferably aligned, laterally spaced from each other, and an air flow passage 28 can be defined between the parts 22.

[0057] Advantageously, the air flow passage 28 makes it possible to improve the breathability and comfort of the wearable protection device 10.

[0058] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, similar to FIGS. 4 and 5A, the expandable member 20 is shown in a partially expanded configuration, the restraint means 24 is not shown, the elongated parts 22 are preferably aligned and are laterally connected by a connection layer 30 provided between the opposing surfaces of the parts 22.

[0059] The connection layer 30 defines a non - expansion zone of the expandable member 20. Preferably, the connection layer 30 can be made of the same material as that forming the expandable member 20.

[0060] Alternatively, the connecting layer 30 can be made of a breathable fabric so as to provide a breathable zone between two adjacent elongated portions 22.

[0061] The function of the connecting layer 30 is to ensure the alignment of the elongated portions 22 even in the inflated state of the inflatable member 20.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 10-11, the restraining means 24 can consist of strips arranged transversely to the elongated portions 22. Preferably, the restraining means 24 is a strip arranged transversely to at least two adjacent elongated portions 22 to be connected.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, each elongated portion 22 can be connected to a different elongated portion 22 by different restraining means 24.

[0064] Advantageously, for example, the same elongated portion 22 can be connected to a first adjacent elongated portion by a first restraining means 24 and to a second adjacent elongated portion by a second restraining means 24.

[0065] At the same time, for example, referring to FIG. 1, the elongated portion 22 disposed on the user's shoulder or back can be wrapped by a first restraining means 24, and the elongated portion 22 disposed on the chest can be wrapped by a second restraining means 24 different from the first restraining means.

[0066] When the restraining means is a strip arranged transversely to the adjacent elongated portions to be connected, this strip can be made of a fabric or a polymer material. Advantageously, the strip 24 can be made of a flexible material, and in some specific embodiments, the strip 24 can also have limited elasticity.

[0067] Alternatively, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 6 and 7, the restraint means 24 can consist of a casing that functions as a partial cover for the adjacent elongated parts to be connected. Preferably, the casing 24 completely covers the elongated part 22 to be connected.

[0068] Advantageously, the casing 24 can be made of a material with controlled flexibility in order to allow the elongated part to better adapt to the user's body without impairing its holding function.

[0069] Preferably, the casing 24 can be made of a breathable material, for example, a mesh material or a breathable fabric.

[0070] Advantageously, if the casing 24 has limited flexibility, the casing 24 can also, if necessary, obtain a planar configuration when the elongated part 22 is in an inflated state, that is, a configuration having a substantially uniform thickness of the elongated part 22. In particular, the provision of the casing 24 makes it possible to set a specific thickness of the inflated elongated part 22, for example, 5 - 6 cm. Such a configuration is particularly useful because it does not require the placement of additional protective elements such as plates, back protectors, or chest protectors on the elongated part 22 to provide uniform protection to the user.

[0071] In fact, the casing 24 helps to disperse the impact force acting on the inflatable member 20 over a larger surface by avoiding the impact force acting locally and directly on the elongated part 22.

[0072] Thus, for a given impact force, by dispersing the impact force over a larger surface, the inflatable member can maintain an increased external pressure without the need to be combined with additional rigid or semi - rigid protectors when provided with the casing 24.

[0073] At the same time, the casing 24 can also be advantageously used when the elongated portion 22 is placed under a further protective element (not shown in the accompanying figures). In fact, the expansion of the elongated portion 22, which is planar and limited by the casing, does not interfere with the protective element.

[0074] At the same time, the provision of the flexible casing 24 advantageously allows the elongated portion 22 of the expandable member to better adapt to the user's body when the elongated portion 22 is in the expanded state. In fact, the elongated portion 22 can also assume a bent configuration as required.

[0075] Advantageously, the strip configuration of the restraint means 24 can be used to connect the elongated portions 22 that are also connected by the connection layer 30.

[0076] In this case, the connection layer 30 preferably comprises slits 32 suitable for being engaged by the restraint means 24 (see FIGS. 10 - 13).

[0077] At the same time, the strip configuration of the restraint means 24 can also be used to connect together three elongated portions 22, namely the central elongated portion 22a and the elongated portions 22b adjacent to the two sides (see FIGS. 10 - 13).

[0078] Such a configuration can be advantageously used when the area protected by the expandable member 20 is large.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 10 - 13, the central elongated portion 22a is connected to each of the elongated portions 22b adjacent to the sides by separate restraint means 24.

[0080] Preferably, in this embodiment, in the remaining configuration, the central portion 22a is aligned and partially overlapped with the portion 22b adjacent to the side portion. In this way, when the connection layer 30 is made of a breathable material, the air flow path is still provided between the intermediate portion 22a of the inflatable member 20 and the portion 22b adjacent to the side portion without affecting the protection provided to the user. In fact, thanks to the arrangement of the above-mentioned restraining means 24, it can be assumed that when the elongated portion is inflated, the intermediate portion 22a is sandwiched between the side portions 22b and comes into contact with the side portions 22b.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, in the inflated state of the elongated portions 22a, 22b, the connection layer 30 can be sandwiched between the opposing surfaces of the elongated portions 22a, 22b.

[0082] In this embodiment, the inflation of the elongated portions 22a, 22b stops when the volume defined by the restraining means 24 is completely occupied.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in this embodiment, the inflatable member 20 preferably includes a plurality of restraining means 24 arranged at intervals from each other. In this way, similar to the casing configuration of the restraining means 24, the inflation of the elongated portion can be restricted and controlled along the entire length of the elongated portion.

[0084] The provision of the restraining means 24 enables the elongated portions 22 that are independent of each other to better adapt to the user's body. For example, when the elongated portion 22 is arranged on a substantially flat surface such as the user's back, the restraining means 24 can keep the portion 22 in a substantially flat configuration when the elongated portion 22 is inflated. At the same time, when the elongated portion is arranged on a curved surface such as the user's shoulder or side, the restraining means 24 can enable the bending of the elongated portion 22, and as a result, the elongated portion 22 can adapt to the lower surface.

[0085] Advantageously, the casing configuration of the restraint means 24 can also be used to connect the elongated portions 22 that are spaced apart from each other.

[0086] In this case, referring to FIGS. 6-9 for example, the casing 24 includes a partition wall 34 designed to define an internal chamber 36 within the casing 24, and each chamber 36 houses one of the elongated portions 22 connected by the casing 24.

[0087] Advantageously, the provision of the partition wall 34 helps the elongated portions 22 to remain aligned in both the stationary and active configurations. Further, the partition wall 34 advantageously limits the expansion of the casing 24 and ensures that when the elongated portions 22 are expanded, the expansion of the elongated portions 22 is controlled (see FIGS. 7 and 9).

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the elongated portion 22 in the stationary configuration can be arranged to be at least partially folded within the internal chamber 36. In an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the elongated portion can be arranged to be at least partially wound up within the internal chamber 36.

[0089] In this way, when the casing 24 is made of a breathable material, an air flow passage is provided between the elongated portions 22 to improve the comfort provided by the wearable protection device 10.

[0090] At the same time, such an arrangement does not affect the protection because even if the elongated portions 22 are folded in the stationary configuration, they fill the entire volume of the internal chamber 36 when they are expanded.

[0091] At this point, it is clear how a predetermined objective can be achieved by the wearable protection device according to the present invention.

[0092] The expansion of the expandable member 20 is controlled by the restraint means 24 without the need for an internal tether within the expandable member 20.

[0093] Furthermore, thanks to the provision of the restraint means 24, the inflatable member 20 can better adapt to the user's body.

[0094] In fact, when the elongated portion 22 of the inflatable member 20 is designed to protect a substantially flat portion of the user's body, such as the back or chest of the user's body, the restraint means 24 assumes a substantially flat configuration even when the portion 22 is in an inflated state, without affecting comfort and reducing the risk that the user's body can be compressed during inflation of the inflatable member 20, making it possible to provide improved protection to the user.

[0095] Similarly, when the elongated portion of the inflatable member is designed to overlap a curved portion of the user's body, such as the shoulder or side, the restraint means 24 enables the elongated portion 22 to bend so as to better adapt to the user's body for protection. At the same time, the provision of spaced-apart elongated portions makes it possible to create an air flow path through the inflatable member to improve the comfort and breathability of the wearable protection device without affecting the protection provided.

[0096] Furthermore, the restraint means 24 not only controls the final shape of the inflatable member but also limits the internal volume and thus makes it possible to control the increase in its internal pressure.

[0097] Here too, the restraint means 24 in the form of a casing with internal partition walls helps to disperse the impact force acting on the inflatable member 20, particularly the elongated portion 22, over a larger surface, enabling it to withstand increased external impacts without the need to combine with rigid or semi-rigid protection.

[0098] Furthermore, the restraint means 24 does not affect the inflation time of the inflatable member by acting only on the elongated portion without interfering with the connection body of the inflatable member.

[0099] Finally, both the "sewn airbag" and the "OPW airbag" can be used in combination with the restraint means 24 without the need for specific adjustments. Thus, the inflatable member 20 can be manufactured at a competitive cost in both cases because there is no need to provide internal tethers or coat additional layers to control fluid retention.

[0100] Regarding the above-described embodiments of the wearable protection device, those skilled in the art can change and / or replace the described elements with equivalent elements without departing from the scope of the appended claims to meet specific requirements.

Claims

1. A wearable protection device (10), comprising: at least one inflatable member (20) adapted to move between a stationary configuration in a contracted state and an active configuration in an inflated state, said at least one inflatable member (20) comprising at least one elongated portion (22; 22a, 22b) starting from a connection body (26), said at least one elongated portion (22; 22a, 22b) being in fluid communication with said connection body (26), at least a portion of said at least one elongated portion (22; 22a, 22b) being enclosed by at least one restraint means (24) designed to limit the expansion of said at least one elongated portion (22; 22a, 22b) when said inflatable member (20) moves in said active configuration, said at least one restraint means (24) consisting of a strip laterally disposed on said at least one elongated portion (22; 22a, 22b), the wearable protection device (10).

2. A portion of at least two adjacent elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b) is enclosed by said at least one restraint means (24), said at least two elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b) being arranged in alignment and laterally spaced from each other, and an air flow passage (28) being defined between said at least two adjacent elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b). The wearable protection device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. Said portion of said at least two adjacent elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b) enclosed by said at least one restraint means (24) is aligned and laterally connected by a connection layer (30) provided between opposing surfaces of said at least two adjacent elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b), said connection layer (30) defining a non-inflated region of said inflatable member (20). The wearable protection device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. Said at least one inflatable member (20) comprises at least three adjacent elongated portions formed by an intermediate elongated portion (22a) and two side adjacent elongated portions (22b), said intermediate elongated portion (22a) being connected to said two side adjacent elongated portions (22b) respectively by another restraint means (24). The wearable protection device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. The wearable protection device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the connection layer (30) comprises a slit (32) suitable for being engaged by the at least one restraint means (24).

6. The wearable protection device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the intermediate elongated portion (22a) in the stationary configuration is aligned and at least partially overlaps on the elongated portion (22b) adjacent to the side portion.

7. A wearable protection device (10), comprising: at least one expandable member (20) suitable for moving between a stationary configuration in a contracted state and an active configuration in an expanded state, the at least one expandable member (20) comprising at least two elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b) starting from a connection body (26), the at least two elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b) being in fluid communication with the connection body (26), at least a part of the at least two elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b) being wrapped by at least one restraint means (24) designed to limit the expansion of the at least two elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b) when the expandable member (20) moves in the active configuration, the at least one restraint means (24) consisting of a casing acting as a partial cover of the at least two elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b), the casing (24) comprising at least one partition wall (34) for defining at least two internal chambers (36) inside the casing (24), each internal chamber (36) accommodating one of the at least two adjacent elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b), the wearable protection device (10).

8. The wearable protection device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that a part of the at least two adjacent elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b) is wrapped by the at least one restraint means (24), the at least two elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b) being aligned and laterally spaced from each other, and an air flow passage (28) being defined between the at least two adjacent elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b). Claim 9. The wearable protection device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that at least two adjacent elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b) in the stationary configuration are arranged to be at least partially folded or wound inside the internal chamber (36).

10. The wearable protection device (10) according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that the connection body (26) is an inflatable part of the inflatable member (20).

11. The wearable protection device (10) according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that the connection body (26) is a non-inflatable part of the inflatable member (20).

12. The wearable protection device (10) according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that the connection body (26) is preferably a connecting pipe made of a rigid material.

13. The wearable protection device (10) according to claim 12, comprising inflation means (12) in fluid communication with the inflatable member (20), characterized in that the connection body (26) coincides with the inflation means (12).

14. The wearable protection device (10) according to claim 1 or 7, comprising inflation means (12) in fluid communication with the inflatable member (20) and at least two elongated portions (22), characterized in that the inflation means (12) comprises two or more canisters, each of which is suitable for inflating a different elongated portion (22) of the inflatable member (20).

15. The wearable protection device (10) according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that the at least one inflatable member (20) comprises a plurality of elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b) designed to be arranged adjacent to each other, and when inflated, the plurality of elongated portions (22; 22a, 22b) form a cushion body consisting of a plurality of substantially cylindrical cushion elements that are close to each other.

16. The wearable protection device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the restraint means (24) is made of a breathable material.

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