Patent Publication Number: US-2017354554-A1

Title: Method and Device for Transporting an Incapacitated Person

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a flexible stretcher to aid in the transportation of a person unable to move under their own power, and a method for utilizing the same. The device may be affixed to a chair, such that it forms the upper layer of the chair. That upper layer may then be easily detached and used as an emergency stretcher. The device of the present invention may be used on chairs that exist on board means of transportation, including airplanes, trains, buses, and passenger ships. In that manner, persons on board such means of transportation may be evacuated in an efficient manner. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Emergencies or other incidents on public transportation necessitate the evacuation and/or movement of one or more passengers. For example, aircraft personnel have the need to move and/or evacuate passengers in the event of equipment failure, emergency landings, accidents, and other emergency situations. 
     Similarly incidents on passenger trains, buses, subway cars or automobiles or on other means of transportation may also necessitate movement of more or more persons on board. 
     The evacuation or movement of disabled, injured, and ill passengers poses a special challenge. Persons who rely on external devices for mobility including wheelchairs, crutches or canes typically cannot evacuate themselves without assistance. Persons who were injured or experienced a medical emergency while on board the airplane or other means of transportation typically also require assistance in order to be moved or evacuated. 
     In the case of airplanes, Federal Aviation Administration regulations mandate that passengers be evacuated within  90  seconds of an evacuation-triggering incident. The reason for that rule is that smoke inhalation is the number one form of death during an airplane accident. Disabled or injured passengers who are not able to evacuate themselves impede the egress of other passengers, and in some cases prevent a timely evacuation from occurring. 
     A passenger who relies on an external device for mobility typically does not have that device accessible to them while on board the aircraft or other transportation vehicle. For example, upon boarding an aircraft, a wheelchair-bound passenger is typically transferred from his or her wheelchair to the airplane seat, and then the wheelchair is stored in cargo during the flight. Some airlines store a collapsible wheelchair on board the aircraft for the purpose of transporting a disabled passenger to and from a lavatory. That wheelchair is stored during flight, and typically not available for use during an emergency evacuation. Such wheelchairs are also cumbersome to reassemble, and when time is of the essence, they are not a practical solution for the evacuation of disabled or incapacitated persons. 
     Similarly, devices such as crutches and canes are typically stored during flight and are not easily accessed by the passenger in need of the device. 
     Passengers who became ill or injured during flight likewise typically do not have an emergency transportation device to aid in their evacuation immediately available in their immediate environs. 
     Currently, commercial aircraft seats generally are not comprised of a device to aid in the movement and/or evacuation of passengers who have limited mobility. As a result, if urgent movement of passengers becomes necessary while persons of limited mobility are on board an aircraft, there is a significant risk of delay or injury during the movement and/or evacuation process. 
     In an emergency situation, it is not practical for a crewmember to retrieve an external device such as a folded, stored wheelchair, and carry it back down the aisle to the passenger in need. That is particularly true in the event that there were a stream of passengers trying to reach the exit, and blocking the path of the crewmember. 
     As a result the person having limited mobility may typically have to rely on his or her fellow passengers or on aircraft personnel to manually carry him or her off of the aircraft. Such a scenario poses the risk of injury to the person having limited mobility, as well as to the persons who are assisting in the transportation. 
     Numerous safety devices exist on board commercial aircraft that can be deployed by passengers and/or with the help of crewmembers. For example, oxygen devices are available if needed. To take another example, commercial aircraft seats typically serve as flotation devices when needed, and life vests are likewise available. Additionally, a first aid kit is typically stored on board commercial aircraft. However, typically airline seats and seats on other modes of transportation do not include a top layer that can serve as an emergency transportation device. In addition, airlines and other modes of transportation typical do not contain standard equipment stored on or near a seat that would allow for safe and efficient transportation of an injured, disabled, ill, or otherwise incapacitated person. 
     The foregoing discussion applies in equal measure to all forms of transportation, such as passenger trains, ships including cruise ships, buses, subway cars or other automotive vehicles. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a transportation device that can be readily available on aircraft or other vehicle or means of transportation to safely and efficiently aid in the movement and/or evacuation of a person unable to transport themselves under their own power. 
     There is further a need for a transportation device that can be available to transport any given passenger on an aircraft or other vehicle during an emergency, regardless of where that passenger is seated on the aircraft or vehicle. For example, if a passenger in need of aid is seated toward the rear of an aircraft or other mode of transportation, yet the only emergency transportation device is stored in the front of the aircraft or other mode of transportation, it will not be convenient to easily deploy that stored device for the aid of the passenger seated toward the back. The device of the present invention may be located on or near each seat of the aircraft or other mode of transportation, such that it can be used to aid any given passenger. 
     Storage space on board an aircraft and other systems of public transportation is typically at a premium. Accordingly, there is a need for a transportation device that does not take up storage space or limit passenger space. 
     Similarly, weighty devices can be impractical on airplanes and other vehicles, given that weight adds to fuel costs. As a result, there is a need for a lightweight emergency transportation device that can be used on airplanes and other vehicles. In addition, weighty devices can be cumbersome to carry. The device of the present invention has the added benefit that it does not add significant weight above and beyond the weight of the person being transported, and is therefore easy to place into use. 
     There is further a need for a transportation device that can be placed into use at a moment&#39;s notice, without need to retrieve it from a storage closet or storage bag. 
     There is further a need for a transportation device that can be utilized on the seats of existing aircraft or other modes of transportation, without requiring modifications to the existing seats. 
     Devices for transporting injured, ill or disabled persons exist in the art, but none solve all of the above-mentioned problems in an efficient manner. 
     For example, stretchers exist that are capable of transporting patients to and from emergency vehicles or from one location of a treatment facility to another location of the facility. However, those devices are not configured for convenient and efficient use on a commercial aircraft or other mode of transportation. 
     Moreover, emergency stretchers exist that allow for transport of a patient when conventional stretchers are not available. However, such stretchers are not configured for use in airplanes or other vehicles such that they can be easily placed into use at a moment&#39;s notice. 
     Devices for aiding in the transportation of patients on airplanes exist in the prior art, but those devices do not solve the above-stated problems. For example, European Patent No. 0885604B1 describes a device for aiding in the transport of persons on an aircraft. However that device is stored in a storage closet during flight, and is laid atop multiple seats in order to be placed into use. Accordingly, that device does not solve the need for a stretcher that can be placed on board an aircraft without taking up storage space when not in use. In addition, that device does not allow for fast and efficient movement of any given passenger on the plane, with minimal disruption to surrounding passengers. 
     In addition, devices that exist in the art cannot efficiently and safely be used during a slide evacuation on an airplane. For example, a wheelchair cannot safely be sent down an evacuation slide with a passenger in the chair. Similarly, a non-flexible stretcher may not safely be sent down an evacuation slide as it may puncture the slide or otherwise fail to conform to the slide. The flexible stretcher device described herein may be sent down the slide with a person on it, and then collected on the other end such that the person can be carried to safety. These and other benefits of the present invention are described in detail herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The current invention addresses the foregoing issues and drawbacks. In one embodiment, the device of the present invention may be affixed to an existing seat of an airplane or other means of transportation, such that it appears to form the outer, or top layer of the seat. The device may be easily detached from the seat and converted into an emergency transportation device to aid in the evacuation or movement of the passenger in the seat. 
     In another embodiment, the device of the present invention may be rolled or folded into a compact form for transportation and storage. In that embodiment, the device may be stored in an easily accessible location on the vehicle or means of transportation, and/or carried on board by disabled passengers in case emergency should arise. 
     When the device is in its compact form, it may also be used as a travel pillow as described herein. 
     When the device is unrolled and placed onto a seat, the device may preferably have a pocket, as described herein. When the device of the present invention is rolled into its compact form, it may be rolled or folded from the top down toward the pocket at the bottom of the device. In that manner, the rolled material may then be tucked into the pocket. The pocket may then be secured in its compact form with a closure means. In that embodiment, the device has a compact form suitable for storage and carrying. In that embodiment, the compact form may have the rectangular size and shape of a typical travel pillow, and may be utilized as such. When the device of the present invention is unrolled and placed on a seat, the pocket may be used to store devices such as books, tablets, computers, telephones, or other devices that a passenger may with to have accessible during travel. 
     In the embodiment in which the device of the present invention is affixed to a seat, the device may be easily removed to form a flexible stretcher. The flexible stretcher may preferably include handles that can be grasped for easy use. In that manner, the person in need of aid may be quickly carried off of the aircraft or other vehicle, without risk of injury or unnecessary delay in evacuation. 
     One advantage of the current invention is that the device may be easily placed on every seat on an airplane, train, bus, or seat on another mode of transportation. 
     As a result, each passenger may then have an emergency transportation device readily available. Persons who do not regularly rely on external transportation devices, but who become unexpectedly ill or injured on the flight, or during transit by another mode, will have an emergency device available when needed. In addition, persons who do regularly rely on an external device to aid in mobility, but who do not have that device accessible will likewise have an emergency device available to them if needed. 
     Yet another advantage of the current invention is that the device effectively allows the airline seat, or seat on another mode of transportation, to be converted into an emergency transportation device. As a result, the passenger in need of assistance does not need to be moved from their seat and onto a separate emergency transportation device. Instead, the passenger may preferably remain in place, and be easily lifted and transported. Eliminating the step of moving the passenger onto a separate transportation device is desirable because it reduces the risk of injury and reduces delay in moving the passenger. In addition, eliminating the step of moving the passenger onto a separate transportation device is desirable because it allows the person to be transported both on the mode of transportation and on the ground, without being moved. In the embodiment in which the device of the present invention is used on an aircraft, the person in need of aid may be carried down the aircraft aisle on the device of the present invention, placed on the emergency slide, and retrieved at the end of the slide and carried to an ambulance or otherwise given aid, all without being moved off of the device of the present invention. The same applies when the device of the present invention is used on other modes of transportation. For example, a passenger on a ship may be evacuated from the ship on the device, and taken to receive aide without being moved off of the device. 
     As stated above, given the FAA&#39;s  90 -second limit for evacuations, even a matter of seconds can make a difference in terms of saving lives during an emergency. Thus, the lack of need to assemble or unpack an emergency device is an improvement over prior art. 
     An alternate embodiment exists in which the device of the present invention is not pre-installed on a seat, but is instead rolled into compact form for transportation and storage. 
     In that embodiment, the device may be carried on board the transportation vehicle with a disabled passenger in case of emergency. Alternatively, one or more devices of the present invention may be stored aboard the vehicle in case of emergency. 
     In the case of a commercial aircraft, the airline may preferably store the device of the present invention in an easily reachable location, such as under the seat, on the facing seat back, or in a nearby compartment for easy retrieval. 
     As described herein, in the embodiment in which the device is rolled into compact form when not in use, the device has the advantage that it is not disassembled or placed into a separate bag for carrying. Instead, it is rolled into itself, such that time does not need to be expended removing it from a bag or otherwise assembling it for use. 
     The device of the present invention is preferably made from a material that is strong enough to support an adult who is being transported in the device, without adding to the bulk of the seat when affixed to a seat. 
     The device of the present invention may preferably be used on board public transportation vehicles without necessitating adjustment to existing vehicles or to the seats on those vehicles. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a top view of one embodiment of the present invention as unrolled and lying flat on a surface, such as on a floor. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a seat and the manner in which the device of the present invention is attached to the seat. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the device of the present invention when it is rolled into a compact form to be transported, stored, or used as a travel pillow. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention as unrolled and lying flat on a surface, such as on a floor. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention as attached to an airline seat. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention as attached to an airline seat. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention as attached to an airline seat. 
         FIG. 8  depicts one embodiment of the present invention in which it is being placed into use as an emergency transportation device to transport a person unable to move under her own power. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The current invention may preferably provide a device for transporting a person unable to move under his or her own power. 
     The device may preferably be used on airplanes for the transportation of one or more airplane passengers. 
     In alternate embodiments, the device of the present invention may also be used on other modes of transportation including trains, buses, subway cars, cruise ships, or other vehicles. 
     The device of the present invention may preferably be affixed to seats in transportation vehicles, such that it forms the upper layer of the seat. If the person sitting in the seat needs to be moved and is unable to move under his or her own power, the device may be easily detached from the seat and used as an emergency transportation device. 
     The device may preferably be installed as standard equipment on airplane seats or seats located on other modes of transportation. When the device is installed on the aforementioned seat, it has the added advantage that it is available for immediate use by any passenger who either has limited mobility, or who becomes ill, injured or otherwise incapacitated while on board the transportation vehicle. When the device is used on commercial aircraft, the airline personnel may give safety instructions at the start of the flight, which include instructions as to how to detach and use the device as a stretcher, or emergency transportation device, in the event it becomes necessary to do so. 
     The device may preferably be affixed to existing transportation seats without modifying the seats or installing new seats. 
     The device may preferably be affixed to the seats such that it can be easily and quickly separated from the seat and placed into use while the person in need of aid remains seated. 
     The device preferably does not diminish the comfort of existing seats in airplanes or other transportation vehicles. Likewise, the device preferably does not limit existing passenger space, or otherwise interfere with the passenger&#39;s experience on board the vehicle when the device is not being placed into use as a transportation device. 
     In an alternate embodiment, the device may be rolled into a compact form for easy storage and transportation. In that embodiment, the device may be stored in an easily accessible location on board an aircraft or other transportation vehicle. For example, the device could be affixed beneath the seats for easy retrieval. Alternatively, the device could be placed on the seat back, or in a nearby compartment. The device may also be placed in a personal carry-on bag, purse, briefcase or other similar device where it may be easily retrieved. 
     The current invention is now described with reference to the figures. Components appearing in more than one figure bear the same reference numerals. 
     The device of the present invention is formed from material  20 . As described herein, material  20  may be comprised of one or more layers. It may be a single layer, or it may have a top layer and a bottom layer. In the embodiment in which it is comprised of a top layer and a bottom layer, it may have cushioning between the layers as described further herein. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5-7 , material  20 , may preferably be fitted around a chair, or seat  10 , such that it forms a detachable upper layer of the seat, herein referred to as upper layer  17  of the seat  10 . When the person sitting on seat  10  needs to be moved, upper layer  17  may easily be detached from seat  10  and turned into stretcher  15  such that the person in the seat may easily be transported. 
     Seat  10  may consist of any type of seat. It may be located on a means of transportation, such as a train, a ship, an automobile, or any other means of transportation. Alternatively, seat  10  could be any other seat, including a seat at a restaurant, musical or other event, or any other seat. In that manner, a person who relies on an external device for transportation, such as a wheelchair, may readily have available a means of being transported in case emergency arises. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the seat is an airline seat, referred to herein as seat  11 . In that embodiment, material  20  may also be fitted around seat  11  such that it forms detachable outer layer  17  of seat  11 , and may easily be detached to form stretcher  15 . 
     When material  20  is attached to seat  10  or seat  11 , top edge  32  is placed on or over the top of seat  10  or seat  11 , and bottom edge  34  is located approximately parallel to the bottom edge of seat  10  or seat  11 , as shown in  FIGS. 2, 5 and 6 . Outer edge  30  lies flush against he outer layer of seat  10  or  11  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5-7 . In one embodiment of the invention, material  20 , otherwise referred to as stretcher  15 , includes straps  42  as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . Straps  42  may preferably be formed from an elasticized material. When stretcher  15  is attached to seat  10  or seat  11 , straps  42  are placed around the back of seat  10  or seat  11 , such that stretcher  15  is held securely in place, and forms detachable outer layer  17  of seat  10  or seat  11 . In the embodiment in which straps  42  are formed from an elasticized material, straps  42  may easily be placed over seats of varying width. In the embodiment in which straps  42  are formed from an elasticized material, the straps have the advantage of being able to be securely placed over seats of varying widths, without adding additional bulk to stretcher  15 . That embodiment has the additional advantage of ease of manufacturing. In that embodiment, straps  42  may easily be lifted off of seat  10  or seat  11  when upper layer  17  is detached and the device of the present invention is placed into use as stretcher  15 . In an alternative embodiment, straps  42  may be adjustable by other means. In that alternative embodiment, straps  42  may be adjusted through means of hooks, clips, or other means of adjusting the length of straps known in the art. In that embodiment as well, straps  42  may easily be lifted off of seat  10  or  11  when outer layer  17  is detached and the device of the present invention is placed into use as stretcher  15 . 
     In that embodiment, straps  42  preferably do not interfere with any screen, tray table, or any other device on or aspect of seatback  11 . 
     In still another embodiment of the present invention, stretcher  15  may not have straps  42  and may instead have attachment means  40  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Attachment means  40  may preferably take the form of a detachable adhesive, such as Velcro. In that manner, stretcher  15  may be easily affixed to seat  10  or seat  11 , regardless of the dimensions of the seat, to form outer layer  17 . In that embodiment, outer layer  17  may easily be detached from seat  10  or seat  11  when the device of the present invention is placed into use as stretcher  15 . Attachment means  40  may alternatively take the form of other means of attachment known in the art, including other forms of adhesive, snaps, hooks, zippers, or other similar means of attachment known in the art. Attachment means  40  allows the device of the present invention to be attached to seat  10  or  11  without requiring modifications to the existing seat. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, stretcher  15  includes headrest  21 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , headrest  21  may preferably located such that it is on or near a passenger&#39;s head, when the passenger is seated in seat  10  or seat  11 , and stretcher  15  is affixed to the seat such that it forms detachable outer layer  17 . Headrest  21  may consist of stitching for aesthetic reasons. In that manner, if seat  10  or seat  11  already has a built in headrest, headrest  21  serves to outline the existing headrest for aesthetic reasons. In an alternate embodiment, headrest  21  may consist of a layer of foam or other cushioning material placed inside the layers of material  20 . In an embodiment in which material  20  is comprised of multiple layers, the foam or other cushioning material of headrest  21  may be locate between those multiple layers. Alternatively, an additional layer may be sown on the top of material  20 , in order to form headrest  21 . In that manner, if seat  10  or seat  11  does not have an existing headrest, then headrest  21  adds to the comfort of the passenger when stretcher  15  is placed over the seat such that it forms detachable outer layer  17 . In that embodiment, the cushioning material of headrest  21  may consist of foam, cotton, down, or any other lightweight cushioning material known in the art. In that embodiment, when stretcher  15  is rolled into compact form  16 , headrest  21  adds cushioning to compact form  16 . Thus, when stretcher  15  is used as a travel pillow, the pillow has additional cushioning for the comfort of the user. In alternate embodiments, stretcher  15  does not have a headrest  21 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 4-8 , stretcher  15  preferably has upper handles  22  and lower handles  24 , which both preferably lie flat against the seat when the device is not in use as stretcher  15 . In that manner, the handles will not interfere in any way with the passenger experience when stretcher  15  is not being used as an emergency transportation device. Similarly, if handles are formed from holes or openings cut into the fabric, the handles will not interfere with the passenger experience. As shown in  FIG. 3 , upper handles  22  and lower handles  24  allow stretcher  15  to be rolled into compact form  16  without interference. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 and 4-8 , upper handles  22  may preferably be located such that they are in line with or near the shoulder blades of an adult, when the adult is seated on upper layer  17 , or being transported on stretcher  15 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 and 4-8 , lower handles  24  may preferably be located such that they are in line with or near the knees of an adult, when the adult is seated on upper layer  17 , or being transported on stretcher  15 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , when the device of the present invention is placed into use as stretcher  15  in order to transport incapacitated person  60 , assisting person  62   a  and assisting person  62   b  may grasp upper handles  22  and lower handles  24  in order to transport incapacitated person  60 . In an alternative method of using stretcher  15 , assisting person  62   a  may stand at or near the head of incapacitated person  60 , and grasp both upper handles  22 . Assisting person  62   b  may then stand at or near the knees and legs of incapacitated person  60  and grasp both lower handles  24 . That method of using stretcher  15  may preferably be employed in narrow spaces, such as the aisle of an airline, in which there is not enough space for persons  62   a  and  62   b  to stand to each side of stretcher  15 . 
     Upper handles  22  and lower handles  24  may preferably have a double layer of stitching attaching them to material  20 . In that manner, upper handles  22  and lower handles  24  are affixed to material  20  in a secure and sturdy fashion. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , upper handles  22  and lower handles  24  may preferably be formed from a single loop of material for added strength and stability. 
     Alternate means of manufacturing upper handles  22  and lower handles  24  may also be used. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , stretcher  15 , upper handles  22  and lower handles  24  may all be formed from a single piece of material. In that embodiment, opening  26  allows assisting person  62   a  and assisting person  62   a  to place their hand or hands through opening  26  and carry stretcher  15 . Still other means of manufacturing known in the art may be used such that upper handles  20  and lower handles  24  are affixed to stretcher  15  in a manner that ensures that they will remain secure when stretcher  15  is placed into use as a transportation device. 
     Alternate embodiments of the present invention may include differing handle structures. In an alternate embodiment, stretcher  15  may have a single upper handle affixed to top edge  32  of the device and a single lower handle affixed to the bottom edge  34  of the device. In that embodiment, the single upper handle and the single lower handle may each be formed from a loop of material, securely fixed to material  20 . Alternatively, the single upper handle and single lower handle may be formed from holes cut into material  20 . In that embodiment, when the invention is placed into use, assisting person  62   a  and assisting person  62   b  may preferably stand at or near the head of person  60  and at or near the knees and legs of person  60  respectively, when the device of the present invention is placed into use as stretcher  15 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the device may have upper handles  22 , lower handles  24 , in addition to a single upper handle attached to upper edge  32  and a single lower handle attached to lower edge  34 . In still another embodiment, stretcher  15  may have additional handles along its outer edge  30 , in order to facilitate ease of use. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, material  20  includes pocket  50 , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6 . Pocket  50  may preferably be made from the same type of material as the rest of the device. When the device of the present invention is manufactured, pocket  50  may preferably be created by folding the lower end of material  20  up, and stitching the folded material back onto to the layer of material  20  such that a pocket is formed. Alternative means of manufacturing pocket  50  may also be employed. When the device of the present invention is attached to seat  10  or seat  11  such that it forms outer layer  17 , the pocket is situated underneath the legs of a person seated in seat  10  or  11 . The seated person may use the pocket to store items such as books, electronic devices, water bottles, or other items that the person may wish to have nearby and easily retrieved. 
     When the device of the present invention is placed into use, it may be carried by two assisting persons, depicted in  FIG. 8  as persons  62   a  and  62   b.  It may alternatively be carried by more than  2  people. For example, stretcher  15  may be carried by up to four people, with two holding opposing sides of upper handles  22  and two holding opposing sides of lower handles  24 . 
     When the device of the present invention is not in use as a transportation device, it may be folded into compact form  16  for storage and transportation, or for use as a travel pillow as shown in  FIG. 3 . The device may preferably be folded into compact form for carrying and storage, such that it does not need to be placed in an external bag. In order to fold the device into compact form  16 , the person folding the device would start with it lying flat, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . In the embodiment in which the device of the present invention includes pocket  50 , the device of the present invention would be placed such that pocket  50  is lying face up. The person folding the device would then start folding, or rolling it from top edge  32 , and fold or roll it toward bottom edge  34 . The person would fold or roll the device until reaching pocket  50 . At that point, the folded or rolled part of material  20  would be tucked into pocket  50 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , pocket  50  includes closure means  52 . 
     Closure means  52  may preferably take the form of an adhesive, such as a strip of Velcro. The use of an adhesive such as Velcro or another comparable adhesive for such closure means has the advantage of allowing the device to be easily and quickly opened. The use of such an adhesive further has the advantage that it is cost-effective and does not add to the weight or bulk of the device. Many alternate means of closure are known in the art and may be used in connection with the present invention. Those means include, but are not limited to, snaps, buttons, zippers, and hooks. The device of the present invention may then be secured in compact form  16 , and may then be easily transported. In that manner, the device of the present invention does not need to be placed into an external bag for transportation or storage. 
     The device of the present invention may be stored on an airplane, on other means of transportation, or on or near any other seat in compact form  16 . In compact form  16 , the device of the present invention may be stored on the underside of seat  10  or seat  11 . It may be attached to the underside of seat  10  or seat  11  through the means of an adhesive such as Velcro or other similar adhesive, or it may be slipped into a pocket on the underside of seat  10  or  11 , or otherwise attached to the underside of the seat. In that manner, each passenger on the transportation device, or each person sitting in the seat, will have an emergency transportation device readily available. When the device of the present invention is being used in a location in which there are multiple rows of seats, such as on an airplane or train for example, the device of the present invention may alternatively be attached to the back of seat  10  or seat  11 . For example, in the embodiment in which the device is being used on an airplane, the device of the present invention in compact form  16  may be stored in the seatback pocket of airline seats. In that manner, the device may easily be retrieved from the seatback pocket and placed into use as stretcher  15 . The device in compact form  16  may alternatively be stored in a purse or personal carryon luggage, or may otherwise be stored in a location in which it is easily retrieved in the event that it needs to be placed into use as stretcher  15 . 
     When the device of the present invention is in compact form  16 , it may also be placed into use as a travel pillow. In that manner, it is readily available in case of emergency. When it is not needed for an emergency, it can be sued to increase the comfort of the traveler or other user. 
     In the embodiment in which the device of the present invention does not have a pocket  50 , it may still have closure means located on top edge  32  and bottom edge  34 . In that manner, the device may still be folded into compact form  16 , and secured in that form through the use of closure means  52 . 
     Material  20  may preferably sized such that it fits snugly around existing seats, such as airplane seats or seats on other modes of transportation. The dimensions of material  20  may be altered in order to accommodate different seat sizes. For example, when sized to accommodate an airplane seat, the overall dimensions of material  20  may preferably be between  17  inches and  22  inches wide, and the length may preferably be between  55  inches and  80  inches. The device of the present invention may alternatively be easily manufactured using different dimensions. 
     Material  20  may be made in a variety of fabric colors. It may preferably be made in a color that conforms to the color of the existing airline or other seat. 
     Material  20  may preferably be made of a single layer of durable material. The single layer of material has the advantage that it is lightweight and does not add additional bulk to a seat. The material is preferably solid, as opposed to mesh for example, such that it has the appearance of a standard airline, train, bus or other vehicle seat when placed over the existing seat. In alternate embodiments, material  20  may be comprised of multiple layers of fabric. In one such embodiment, material  20  may have a cushioning layer between the layers of fabric or material, in order to increase the comfort of the user when the device is used as a travel pillow and when it is used as detachable upper layer  17 . 
     Material  20  may be comprised of a sturdy material such as Denier Coated Oxford. That material has the advantage that it is both flame retardant and sufficiently sturdy to carry an incapacitated adult. Alternative materials known in the art may also be used to form the device of the present invention. 
     The handles of the device of the present invention may be comprised of a sturdy material, such as canvas. In an alternate embodiment, the handles of the device of the present invention may be comprised of the same material as material  20 . In still another embodiment, the handles of stretcher  15  may be comprised of a material with some amount of elasticity. Alternative suitable materials known in the art may also be used in connection with the present invention.