An inflatable restraint device for the luggage space of a motor vehicle

The restraint device (1) is fitted in the luggage space (10) of a motor vehicle, in an area just behind the backrest (12; 16, 18) of a rear seat (14). The device includes at least one inflatable tubular element (2) with a first end portion (2a) secured to the said back rest (12; 16, 18) and a second end portion (2b) secured to a side wall (22) of the luggage space (10) at a point (24) longitudinally to the rear of the back rest, coupled to a source of gas for inflation (3) to be activated in the event of the vehicle being in an impact. When inflated, the tubular element (2) is operable to dilate radially and to contract longitudinally in such a way that, in the event of an at least partially frontal impact, it is able to counter forwards movement of the backrest (12; 16, 18) and forwards movement towards the backrest by luggage and other items placed loose in the luggage space (10).