WEARABLE PROTECTION DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wearable protection device (10) which comprises at least one inflatable member (20) designed to move between a deflated condition and an inflated condition remaining inside a casing (30) of the wearable protection device (10). According to the invention, in the deflated condition the at least one inflatable member (20) has outer dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of available space inside the casing (30). Moreover, in the deflated condition, the at least one inflatable member (20) has at least one portion (22) folded with an accordion shape, whereby such an accordion-shaped portion (22) expands when the at least one inflatable member (20) moves from the deflated condition into the inflated condition and such an accordion-shaped portion (22) contracts when the at least one inflatable member (20) moves from the inflated condition to the deflated condition.

Claims

1. A wearable protection device comprising at least one inflatable member designed to move between a deflated condition and an inflated condition remaining inside a casing of the wearable protection device, characterized in that, in the deflated condition the at least one inflatable member (20) has: (i) outer dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of available space inside the casing, and (ii) at least one portion folded with an accordion shape, whereby such an accordion-shaped portion expands when the at least one inflatable member moves from the deflated condition into the inflated condition and such an accordion-shaped portion contracts when the at least one inflatable member moves from the inflated condition to the deflated condition

2. The wearable protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing comprises at least one accordion-shaped portion.

3. The wearable protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that the accordion-shaped portion of the at least one inflatable member and the accordion-shaped portion of the casing are shaped and sized so that the accordion-shaped portion of the at least one inflatable member is housed into the accordion-shaped portion of the casing.

4. The wearable protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that an outer layer and/or an inner layer of the casing consists at least partially of an accordion-shaped portion suitable to match a facing accordion-shaped portion of the at least one inflatable member.

5. The wearable protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing is provided with an accordion-shaped portion in proximity of the accordion-shaped portion of the inflatable member.

6. The wearable protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing is delimited between an inner surface and an outer surface of the wearable protection device.

7. The wearable protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing is provided on a supporting layer of the wearable protection device.

8. The wearable protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that said accordion-shaped portion of the casing is arranged at one or more of the shoulder area, the chest area, and the back area of the wearable protection device.

9. The wearable protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one end of the accordion-shaped portion of the at least one inflatable member is fixed by means of fixing means to a corresponding end of the casing.

10. The wearable protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that side ends of the accordion-shaped portion of the at least one inflatable member are fixed to corresponding ends of the accordion-shaped portion of the casing.

11. The wearable protection device according to claim 2, characterized in that one or more of the accordion-shaped portion of the at least one inflatable member and the accordion-shaped portion of the casing are obtained by means of a thermoforming process of at least a portion of inflatable member and/or the casing.

12. The wearable protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing comprises one or more elastic inserts connecting selected points provided on an outer surface of the casing so as to create an accordion-shaped portion in the underlying outer surface of the casing.

13. The wearable protection device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more elastic inserts passing through holes provided at selected points in a side of the inflatable member and in an overlying surface of the casing so as to create the accordion-shaped portion of the inflatable member and an accordion shaped-portion of the casing in the portions of the inflatable member and of the casing crossed by said one or more elastic inserts.

14. The wearable protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one inflatable member comprises at least one elastic insert connecting selected points provided on a first side or on a second side of the inflatable member so as to create the accordion-shaped portion in the inflatable member.

15. The wearable protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing is made at least partially with an elastic or stretchable material.

16. The wearable protection device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising at least one inflator device designed to be coupled to the at least one inflatable member for inflating said at least one inflatable member; said inflator device (40) containing more than one inflation charge.

17. The wearable protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing consists of a separate housing provided inside or outside with respect to the wearable protection device.

18. The wearable protection device according to claim 1, characterized iu that the casing consists of a pocket provided on the inner surface or on the outer surface of the wearable protection device.

19. The wearable protection device according to claim 9, characterized in that side ends of the accordion-shaped portion of the at least one inflatable member are fixed to corresponding ends of the accordion-shaped portion of the casing.

20. The wearable protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing is provided with an elastic portion.

Description

[0030] FIG. 1 shows, in schematic form, a partial rear view of a first embodiment of a wearable protection device according to the present invention, wherein the inflatable member is in a deflated condition;

[0031] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 wherein the inflatable member is in an inflated condition;

[0032] FIG. 3 shows, in schematic form, an enlarged view of the particular of FIG. 1 identified by the letter A;

[0033] FIG. 4 shows, in schematic form, an enlarged view of the particular of FIG. 2 identified by the letter B;

[0034] FIG. 5 shows, in schematic form, a front view of a second embodiment of a wearable protection device according to the present invention, wherein the inflatable member is in a deflated condition;

[0035] FIG. 6 shows a view similar to FIG. 5 wherein the inflatable member is in an inflated condition;

[0036] FIG. 7 shows, in schematic form, a front view of a further embodiment of a wearable protection device according to the present invention, wherein the inflatable member in a deflated condition;

[0037] FIG. 8 shows a view similar to FIG. 7 wherein the inflatable member is in an inflated condition;

[0038] FIG. 9 shows, in schematic form, a rear view of the wearable protection device of FIG. 7, wherein the inflatable member in a deflated condition;

[0039] FIG. 10 shows a view similar to FIG. 9, wherein the inflatable member is in an inflated condition;

[0040] FIG. 11 shows a detail of the mutual arrangement between the casing and the inflatable member in the wearable protection device of FIGS. 7 and 9;

[0041] FIG. 12 shows a view similar to FIG. 11 wherein the inflatable member is in an inflated condition;

[0042] FIGS. 13 and 14 show views similar to those of FIGS. 11 and 12 respectively, but relating to a different embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 15 show a perspective schematic view of the casing shown in FIGS. 13 and 14;

[0044] FIGS. 16 and 17 show views similar to those of FIGS. 11 and 12 respectively, but relating to a further embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 18 shows a view similar to that of FIG. 15, but relating to the embodiment of FIGS. 16 and 17;

[0046] FIGS. 19 and 20 show views similar to those of FIGS. 11 and 12 respectively, but relating to a further embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 21 shows a view similar to FIG. 19, but relating to a different embodiment.

[0048] In the following description of the wearable protection device according to the invention, as inner there will be indicated the portion of the different components of the wearable protection device which during normal use is relatively closer to the user's body and as outer the portion of the different components relatively farther. With reference to enclosed figures, a wearable protection device, according to the present invention, is indicated in its whole by the reference 10.

[0049] The wearable protection device 10 can be a garment, like for example a vest, a jacket or a suit, or alternatively can be an undergarment suitable for being used in combination with an outer protection garment.

[0050] In a further embodiment, the wearable protection device 10 can be a harness designed to be worn on top or under a further garment.

[0051] The wearable protection device 10 is preferably designed to protect the body of a user from impacts and/or falls during sport and/or working activities.

[0052] Moreover, the wearable protection device 10 can be designed to protect elderly persons from injuries that result from accidental falls.

[0053] Advantageously, the wearable protection device 10 can be used by a user involved in a dynamic activity, like for example motorcycling, cycling, skiing or riding.

[0054] Preferably, the wearable protection device 10 is a garment for motorcyclists.

[0055] The wearable protection device 10 comprises an inflatable member 20 designed to move between a deflated condition and an inflated condition, remaining inside a casing 30 of the wearable protection device 10.

[0056] According to the invention, in the deflated condition, the inflatable member 20 has outer dimensions which correspond to the dimensions of available space inside the casing 30.

[0057] Moreover, in the deflated condition, the inflatable member 20 has at least one portion folded 22 with an accordion shape, whereby such an accordion-shaped portion 22 expands when the at least one inflatable member 20 moves from the deflated condition into the inflated condition and such an accordion-shaped portion 22 contracts when the at least one inflatable member 20 moves from the inflated condition to the deflated condition (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0058] In the context of the present description, a first dimension corresponds to a second dimension when first and second dimensions have substantially the same extension. Specifically, the fact that, in the deflated condition, the inflatable member 20 has outer dimensions which correspond to the dimensions of available space inside the casing 30 implies that the inflatable member 20, in the deflated condition, substantially occupies the whole cavity enclosed by the casing 30. In other words, the inflatable member 20 occupies all the volume available inside the casing 30.

[0059] Moreover, in the context of the present description, as accordion-shaped portion will be indicated a portion of an element, in particular the inflatable member and/or the casing, formed by a series of alternating peaks and valleys which are parallel to each other and define a plurality of folds suitable to expand and contract. With reference first to FIG. 6, the inflatable member 20 preferably comprises a first side 27 and a second side 28 joined to each other along the perimeter edges 31 of the inflatable member 20 so as to define an inflatable chamber 29.

[0060] As it is well-known in the art, the first side 27 and the second side 28 of the inflatable member 20 can be sewn together along their perimeter edges 31. Alternatively, first and second sides 27, 28 may be sealed at their perimeter edges 31 by means of an adhesive membrane or layer.

[0061] In a further embodiment, the inflatable member 20 can be made by means of a single weaving operation using, for instance, a Jacquard loom, so as to obtain a so-called one-piece woven (OPW) airbag which is formed by two fabric layers 27, 28 perimetrically joined by a connecting portion.

[0062] In a further embodiment, the inflatable member 20 can be made by means of a single knitting operation so as to obtain a knitted closed structure.

[0063] The inflatable member 20 can comprise one or more internal tethers (not shown in the enclosed figures) connecting the first side 27 and the second side 28 in order to limit the distance between the sides 27, 28 of the inflatable member 20, once the letter is inflated.

[0064] In a different embodiment, the inflatable member 20 can be provided with internal seams (not shown in the enclosed figures) connecting the first side 27 and the second side 28 of the inflatable member 20 to create inside the inflatable member 20 not inflatable zones.

[0065] As it is shown in FIGS. 1-2, 5-10, preferably the inflatable member 20 is positioned at the portion of the wearable protection device 10 designed to protect the shoulders and/or the chest and/or the back of the user.

[0066] Alternatively or in addition, the inflatable member 20 can be positioned at the portion of the wearable protection device 10 designed to protect the hips and/or the legs of the user.

[0067] The wearable protection device 10 can be provided with a single inflatable member or with a plurality of inflatable members each designed to protect a different body portion of the user. In case of a plurality of inflatable members 20, the inflatable members may be separate or in fluidic communication to each other.

[0068] The wearable protection device 10 also comprises at least one inflator device 40 designed to be coupled to the inflatable member 20 for inflating the latter when the inflator device 40 is triggered. If the wearable protection device 10 is provided with separate inflatable members 20, a plurality of inflator devices 40 can be arranged on the wearable protection device 10.

[0069] As it is well known in the art, the inflator device 40 is preferably chosen from the group comprising pyrotechnic inflators, compressed gas inflators and hybrid inflators. The inflator device 40 can comprise a plurality of inflation charges for inflating the inflatable member 20 more than once so that the inflations of the inflatable member 20 take place in different moments in time, namely in a chronological order.

[0070] The activation of the inflator device 40 can be electrically controlled, by a control unit 42 which constantly monitors the movements of the user and/or other parameters sensing the occurrence of an accident causing the fall of the user wearing the protection device.

[0071] Advantageously, as shown in FIGS. 9-10, the inflator device 40 and the control unit 42 can be housed in a back protector 44 fastened directly or indirectly to the wearable protection device 10.

[0072] Alternatively, the inflator device 40 can be mechanically controlled, for example by means of an activation cable.

[0073] Once inflated, the inflatable member 20 is designed to remain inside the casing 30, namely the inflatable member 20, when it moves from the deflated condition (see FIG. 1) into the inflated condition (see FIG. 2), does not emerge outside the wearable protection device 10 remaining within the limits defined by the casing 30. The casing 30 can be delimited between an inner surface and an outer surface of the wearable protection device 10, wherein as inner surface is indicated the surface closer to the user's body. For example, the casing 30 can be defined between the outer surface of a jacket and its internal lining.

[0074] In a further embodiment, the casing 30 may consist of a pocket provided on the outer surface or on the inner surface of the wearable protection device.

[0075] Alternatively, the casing 30 may consist of a separate housing provided inside or outside with respect to the wearable protection device 10; such housing may be preferably fastened in a removable way to the wearable protection device.

[0076] Advantageously, the casing 30 can be provided on a supporting layer 50 (see FIGS. 7-9) of the wearable protection device 10. Preferably, the casing 30 is removably fastened to the supporting layer 50 by means of fixing means 52 (see FIGS. 8-10). The back protector 44 can also be fastened to the supporting layer 50.

[0077] As it is shown in the enclosed figures, for example FIGS. 1-4, likewise the inflatable member 20, the casing 30 preferably comprises at least one accordion-shaped portion 32.

[0078] Advantageously, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30 is arranged at the shoulder area of the wearable protection device 10.

[0079] In a further embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30 can be arranged at the shoulder area and at the chest area of the wearable protection device 10.

[0080] Additionally, as clearly visible in FIGS. 9 and 10, the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30 can be arranged at the back area of the wearable protection device 10. However, different arrangements of the accordion-shaped portion 32 are possible, in order to meet other specific needs.

[0081] Preferably, as it is schematically shown in FIGS. 5, 11, 13 and 16, the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the inflatable member 20 and the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30 are shaped and sized so that the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the inflatable member 20 is housed into the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30. In other terms, peaks 24 and valleys 26 of the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the inflatable member 20 are positioned so as to correspond to peaks 34 and valleys 36 of the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30.

[0082] In a different embodiment, see for example FIGS. 19, only the outer layer 30a or the inner layer 30b of the casing 30 consists at least partially of an accordion-shaped portion 32 suitable to match the facing accordion-shaped portion 22 of the inflatable member 20.

[0083] Alternatively, see for example FIG. 21, the casing 30 is provided with an accordion-shaped portion 32 in proximity to the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the inflatable member 20.

[0084] Advantageously, the casing 30 can be made with a breathable material. Moreover, the casing 30 can be made at least partially with an elastic material. Alternatively the casing 30 can be provided with an elastic insert or portion. Furthermore, the casing 30 can be made at least partially with a stretchable material, for example it can be made with a fabric having a mesh structure.

[0085] As it will be clear from the following description, the casing 30 and the inflatable member 20 are manufactured in order to keep a partial accordion shape during the normal use of the wearable protection device 10, when the inflatable member 20 is in a deflated condition.

[0086] Advantageously, the inflation of the inflatable member 20 causes the expansion of its accordion-shaped portion 22 and, consequently, the expansion of the corresponding accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30 so that a larger area of the user's body is covered.

[0087] When the accordion-shaped portions 22, 32 of the inflatable member 20 and casing 30 are positioned at the shoulder area and/or at the chest area of the wearable protection device 10, the expansion of the accordion-shaped portions 22, 32 can be directed from a central zone towards a peripheral portion of the wearable protection device 10. Such an expansion in FIGS. 8 and 10 is schematically indicated by letter F.

[0088] When the accordion-shaped portions 22, 32 of the inflatable member 20 and casing 30 are positioned at the back area of the wearable protection device 10, the expansion of the accordion-shaped portions 22, 32 can be directed from a top zone towards a bottom zone of the wearable protection device 10. Such an expansion in FIG. 10 is schematically indicated by letter T.

[0089] Advantageously, as it is schematically shown in FIGS. 11-14, 16-17 and 19-21, at least one end of the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the inflatable member 20 can be fixed by means of fixing means 54 to a corresponding end of the casing 30. Preferably, the side ends of the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the inflatable member 20 are fixed to corresponding ends of the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30 (see for example FIG. 11).

[0090] The fixing means 54 may be able to removably or permanently fix the ends of the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the inflatable member 20 to corresponding ends of the casing 30. To obtain a removable connection hook-and-loop fixing means 54 can be used, while to obtain a permanent connection stitches or adhesive layers can be used.

[0091] Advantageously, the provision of fixing means 54 between the inflatable member 20 and the casing 30 at the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the inflatable member 20 permits the joint expansion of the casing 30 together with the inflatable member 20, when the inflatable member 20 moves to its inflated condition. Similarly, inflatable member 20 and casing 30 thanks to the provision of the fixing means 54 can jointly return to their initial configuration, when the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the inflatable member 20 contracts following the deflation of the inflatable member 20.

[0092] In this way, the wearable protection device 10 as a whole is able to get back to its initial configuration and, in case the inflator device 40 contains more than one inflation charge, it is able to be used again without requiring any maintenance.

[0093] Inflatable member 20 and/or casing 30 can be at least partially folded into an accordion shape in different ways according to the invention.

[0094] With reference first to FIGS. 11-12, the accordion-shaped portion 22, 32 of inflatable member 20 and/or casing 30 can be obtained by means of a thermoforming process of at least a portion of inflatable member 20 and/or casing 30. In particular, the thermoforming process can be carried out on the inflatable member 20 and/or on the casing 30 by using a properly shaped mold, wherein the base and the cover of the mold define a cavity having portions with a V or sinusoidal shape.

[0095] The thermoforming process needs to be carried out at temperatures which do not damage the inflatable member and the casing in terms of mechanical properties. Moreover, it is important to ensure that the thermoforming process does not affect the air tightness of the inflatable member.

[0096] In case the inflatable member is made of polyester or polyamide fabrics, the thermoforming process is preferably carried out at a temperature between 60 C. and 220 C.

[0097] Higher thermoforming temperature can be used if the sides 27, 28 of the inflatable member 20 are coated with a protective layer suitable to resist to higher temperature, like for example a silicon layer. In this case the thermoforming process can be carried out at a temperature reaching 300 C.

[0098] The thermoforming process can be applied only to the inflatable member 20. In this case by inserting the inflatable member 20 inside the casing 30, the portion of the casing 30 in correspondence of the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the inflatable member 20 will be forced to assume a corresponding accordion shape.

[0099] Alternatively, the thermoforming process can be applied only to the casing 30. Also in this case by inserting the inflatable member 20 inside the casing 30, the portion of the inflatable member 20 in correspondence of the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30 will be forced to assume a corresponding accordion shape.

[0100] A further possibility envisages that both inflatable member 20 and casing 30 undergo a thermoforming process of at least one portion.

[0101] In this case the insertion of the inflatable member 20 inside the casing 30 will be carried out so as to match the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the inflatable member 20 with the corresponding accordion-shaped portion of the casing 30.

[0102] With reference to FIGS. 13-15, the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30 can be obtained by connecting an elastic insert 56 at selected points on the casing 30, preferably on the outer surface 30a of the casing 30. In other terms, the casing 30 comprises an elastic insert 56 which connects selected points provided on the outer surface 30a of the casing 30 so as to create the accordion-shaped portion 32 on the underlying outer surface 30a of the casing 30.

[0103] Preferably, the ends of the elastic insert 56 are fastened to selected points on the casing 30.

[0104] The elastic insert 56 can be connected to the casing 30 by means of stitches, glue or through removable fasteners, like for example snap fasteners or buttons.

[0105] The elastic insert 56, before being fastened to the casing 30, is subjected to tangential stretching and then it is applied to the casing 30. Once the fastening operation is concluded, the elastic insert 56 is able to reassume its original shape thus providing an accordion shape in the underlying portion of the casing 30.

[0106] As above mentioned, also in this case, by inserting the inflatable member 20 inside the casing 30, the portion of the inflatable member 20 in correspondence of the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the casing 30 created by means of the elastic insert 56 will be forced to assume a corresponding accordion shape.

[0107] At the same time, when the inflatable member 20, after the inflation, starts to resume its deflated status, the elastic insert 56 will be able to contract the surface of the casing 30 to which it is applied by consequently allowing the restoring of the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the inflatable member 20.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 15 more than one elastic insert 56 can be applied to the casing 30 to create the accordion-shaped portion 32.

[0109] As shown in FIGS. 16-18, accordion-shaped portions in the inflatable member 20 and in the casing 30 can also be created by means of an elastic insert 58 passing through holes provided at selected points in a side of the inflatable member 20 and in the overlying surface of the casing 30. In other terms, the wearable protection device comprises at least one elastic insert 58 passing through holes provided at selected points in a side of the inflatable member 20 and in the overlying surface of the casing 30.

[0110] The elastic insert 58 can be applied to the inflatable member 20 and to the casing 30 similarly to the elastic insert 56 previously disclosed.

[0111] After having inserted the inflatable member 20 inside the casing 30, the elastic insert 58 is subjected to tangential stretching and then it is applied to the casing 30 and to the inflatable member 20 by running through the holes provided in the casing and in the inflatable member. The holes can also be created during the same fastening operation. Once the fastening operation is concluded, the elastic insert 58 is released so as to be able to resume its original shape by creating an accordion shape in the portions of the inflatable member 20 and of the casing 30 crossed by the elastic insert 58.

[0112] The elastic insert 58 thus joins together the casing 30 and the inflatable member 20. Consequently, the casing 30 will be able to expand and to contract together with the inflatable member 20 when the latter moves between the deflated condition and the inflated condition.

[0113] Also in this case, a plurality of elastic inserts 58 can be passed through a surface of the casing 30 and the underlying side of the inflatable member 20.

[0114] The holes provided in the inflatable member 20 to allow the fastening of the elastic insert 58 have dimensions such not to compromise the inflation of the inflatable member 20 and consequently the impact protection offered by the wearable protection device 10.

[0115] A further embodiment of the wearable protection device 10 according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 19-21.

[0116] In this embodiment, the accordion-shaped portion 22 of the inflatable member 20 is obtained by connecting an elastic insert 60 at selected points on a side of the inflatable member 20. In other terms, the inflatable member 20 comprises an elastic insert 60 connecting selected points provided on the first side 27 or on the second side 28 of the inflatable member 20. Preferably the ends of the elastic insert 60 are fixed to selected points provided on the first side 27 of the inflatable member 20.

[0117] The elastic insert 60 can be connected to the inflatable member 20 by means of stitches, glue or through removable fasteners, like for example snap fasteners or buttons. Also in this case, the connection of the elastic insert 60 to the inflatable member 20 is made so as not to affect the air retaining properties of the inflatable member 20.

[0118] The elastic insert 60, before being fixed to the inflatable member 20, is subjected to tangential stretching and then it is applied to the inflatable member 20. Concurrently, the outer ends of the casing 30 and the outer ends of the inflatable member 20 are fastened to each other by fixing means 54.

[0119] Once the fastening operations are concluded the elastic insert 60 is able to reassume its original shape by creating an accordion shape on the underlying portion of the inflatable member 20. At the same time, since the casing is perimetrically fastened to the inflatable member 20, also the casing will be able to assume at least partially an accordion shape.

[0120] Preferably, in this case, the casing 30 is at least partially made with an elastic material or is provided with an elastic insert so as to be able to expand when, owing to the inflation, the accordion-shaped portion 32 of the inflatable member 20 expands. In this way there is no risk that a tearing occurs in the casing.

[0121] At the same time, when the inflatable member 20, after the inflation, starts to resume its deflated status, the elastic insert 60 will be able to contract the surface of the inflatable member 20 to which it is applied.

[0122] Similarly, due to the provision of the perimeter fixing means 54 and, optionally, to its elastic properties, the casing 30 is allowed to return to its initial configuration.

[0123] Also in this case, the inflatable member 20 may comprise a plurality of elastic inserts 60.

[0124] At this point it is clear how the predefined objects may be achieved with the wearable protection device 10 according to the invention.

[0125] The provision of corresponding accordion-shaped portions in the casing 30 and in the inflatable member 20 allows to reduce the area of the user's body covered by the inflatable member 20 during the normal use of the wearable protection device 10, offering higher ventilation to the user's body.

[0126] At the same time, the mutual arrangement between casing 30 and inflatable member 20 does not hinder the deployment of the inflatable member 20 when the latter is inflated, permitting that, after the deployment of the inflatable member 20, a larger area of the user's body is protected, so as to offer an improved protection to the user. Furthermore, the provision of accordion-shaped portions in the inflatable member 20 and/or in the casing 30 permits to reduce the area of the user's body covered by the wearable protection device 10, when the latter is not activated so as not to hinder the freedom of movement of the user. For example, as it is clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 it is possible to leave exposed the shoulder area so as to facilitate the movement of the arms. At the same time, as it is visible in FIGS. 9 and 10, it is possible to leave partially exposed the back of the user, so as not to hinder the bending of the back. Moreover, the specific mutual arrangement of the casing and inflatable member permits to reduce the weight of the wearable protection device. As a matter of fact, the casing can be sized to correspond to the inflatable member without the provision of extra-material in the casing.

[0127] Furthermore, the casing can be sized and shaped so as to easily stay adherent to the user's body so as to improve the aerodynamics offered by the wearable protection device. Moreover, the aerodynamics of the wearable protection device is also improved thanks to the provision of the accordion-shaped portions on the casing. As a matter of fact, when the motorcyclist is bent over the motorbike assuming his riding position, the air drag is reduced since the airflow can pass through the peak and valleys of the accordion-shaped portions of the casing.

[0128] Finally, in case the inflator device 40 is provided with more than one inflation charges, the provision of the accordion-shaped portions in the casing and in the inflatable member permits the wearable protection device 10 to resume its initial configuration once the inflatable member is deflated so as to be able to be reused in case of danger. In this occurrence the wearable protection device 10 will be able to offer the same level of safety to the user.

[0129] With regard to the embodiments of the wearable protective device 10 described above, the person skilled in the art may, in order to satisfy specific requirements, make modifications to and/or replace elements described with equivalent elements, without thereby departing from the scope of the accompanying claims.