Travel pillow with chin support

Abstract

A travel pillow including a chin support strap. The travel pillow includes a travel pillow body formed by a rear portion and two opposing lobe portions extending from the rear portion. The chin support strap is attachable to a surface of one of the lobes. The strap is configured to extend from the lobes across the gap between the ends of the lobes for attachment to an attachment area on the lobe opposite the lobe to which the strap is attached.

Description

Priority Claims and Incorporation by Reference

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 397,054, filed August 11, 2022, entitled "TRAVEL PILLOW WITH CHIN-SUPPORTING STRUCTURE," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The following disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: 1. U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 782,900, filed February 5, 2020, now U.S. Patent No. 10,869,557; 2. U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 465,441, filed March 21, 2017, now U.S. Patent No. 11,129,478; 3. U.S. Design Patent Application No. D / 622,760, filed October 19, 2017, now U.S. Patent No. D899,812; 4. U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 200,513, filed November 26, 2018, now U.S. Patent No. 10,617,220; 5. U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 348,742, filed November 10, 2016, now U.S. Patent No. 10,383,465; 6. U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 904,400, filed February 25, 2018, now U.S. Patent No. 10,178,915; 7. U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 278,756, filed September 28, 2016, now U.S. Patent No. 10,702,082; 8. U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 278,756, filed September 28, 2016, now U.S. Patent No. 10,617,220; 9. U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 488,443, filed June 4, 2012, now U.S. Patent No. 9,635,962 10. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 531,278, filed July 11, 2017; 11. U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 394,259, filed April 8, 2013, now U.S. Patent No. 9,526,360; 12. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 571,785, filed October 12, 2017; 13. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 574,366, filed October 19, 2017. [Technical Field]

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to travel pillows and cushions, and more particularly to travel pillows and cushions that include features for supporting a user's chin. [Background technology]

[0004] Travel pillows are used by airline travelers and others to support the user's neck and head. Many prior art travel pillows support the user's head but do not prevent the user's head from collapsing forward. Travel pillows are typically formed as a U-shaped member with a cushion that is suitable for supporting the user's head but soft enough to provide a degree of comfort. The U-shaped member may have two sections that extend along the sides of the user's head, and these sections may be joined at the rear by a rear member or at the front by a front member. Pillows with a front member joining the side sections can provide the user with some forward support. However, such pillows tend to be uncomfortable for many users by putting pressure on the user's throat or simply pushing the user's chin upward. Some travel pillows with a rear member joining the side sections teach that the front ends of the side sections meet to provide chin support. In many cases, the effect is similar to that of using the front member to support the chin, or bringing the fronts of the side portions together may simply not provide enough support for the user's chin. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure is generally directed to a travel pillow including a chin support strap. In one aspect, the travel pillow includes a substantially U-shaped pillow body having a foam core and two lobe portions separated by a rear portion connected at the rear ends of the two lobe portions. Each lobe portion includes an outer surface and a front surface opposite the rear portion. A chin support strap is attached to one of the two lobes at a fastening portion. The chin support strap extends to an opposite end having a strap attachment mechanism. The strap attachment mechanism is configured to mate with an attachment mechanism on the other lobe to support a user's head against the user's chin when the chin support strap extends to the lobe opposite the lobe to which the strap is attached. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of one exemplary implementation of a travel pillow. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a left side isometric view of the travel pillow shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a front view of the travel pillow shown in FIG. 1 showing the chin support strap in the attached position. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a front view of the travel pillow shown in FIG. 1 showing the chin support strap in a loose position before or after securing. [Figure 3C] FIG. 2 is a front view of the travel pillow shown in FIG. 1 showing the chin support strap in the retracted position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the travel pillow shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the travel pillow shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the travel pillow shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a top view of the travel pillow shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the travel pillow shown in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present disclosure describes a travel pillow that includes a chin support mechanism. The chin support mechanism functions to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a user's head from tipping forward and to limit movement of the user's head when momentum causes the user's head to move forward and swing. The chin support mechanism may be implemented in the form of a strap attached to a portion toward the front end of one of two lobes that form the travel pillow, the lobe extending from a rear portion of the travel pillow. For purposes of clarity in this disclosure, the chin support mechanism, or chin support strap, may extend from the attachment portion of the lobe, across the gap between the lobes of the travel pillow, and be attached to an area on the other lobe of the travel pillow.

[0008] The attachment area on the other lobe of the travel pillow can take many forms, depending on the type of attachment mechanism used to secure the other end of the chin support strap to the other lobe. In the example illustrated in this disclosure, the strap may be attached to the lobe opposite the fastening portion using a hook and loop fastening surface (e.g., Velcro™) on the strap and a mating hook and loop surface on the other lobe. Alternative exemplary implementations can use other attachment mechanisms, such as buckle mechanisms, buttons, and other types of attachment mechanisms suitable for attaching the chin support mechanism from one lobe to the other while providing a sufficient bridging structure between the lobes to support the user's chin. It should be noted that while the drawings and specification describe an implementation that teaches using a hook and loop mechanism for attachment, the present invention should not be limited to a hook and loop implementation. Those skilled in the art will understand how to implement other forms of attachment and will further understand that such alternative forms of attachment are alternative implementations of a travel pillow with a chin support mechanism.

[0009] While the present disclosure refers to particular configurations having alternative implementations as well as attachment mechanisms, it is understood that the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the configurations set forth herein. The devices and elements herein may have different shapes and sizes beyond those illustrated. It is also understood that when a feature or element, such as a layer, region, case, cover, frame, or other, may be referred to as "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or intervening elements may also be present. Furthermore, relative terms such as "inside," "outside," "upper," "above," "lower," "beneath," and "below," and similar terms, may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0010] Terms such as first and second may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0011] 1-8 show diagrams of an exemplary implementation of a travel pillow 100 having a chin support mechanism 109. The travel pillow 100 comprises a travel pillow body 102, which may include a cover 103 that partially or completely covers a core, such as a memory foam core, therein. In some configurations, the travel pillow body 102 does not have the cover 103. The travel pillow body 102 may be substantially U-shaped, as shown in FIG. 1, and may include a rear portion 105 connected at the rear ends of two lobe portions 106. The shapes shown by the figures of the present disclosure may be the shape of a body with a cover or the shape of a body without a cover (e.g., the shape of a memory foam core). The travel pillow body 102 may include a substantially flat rear wall 104 and an anchor mechanism 112 for attaching the travel pillow 100 to, for example, the headrest of an aircraft seat. It should be understood that the shape of the pillow may differ from the shape of the travel pillow 100 depicted in the figures. Additionally, the anchoring mechanism 112 shown in the figures and described below is optional.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of an exemplary implementation of a travel pillow 100. The travel pillow 100 includes a strap attached at a strap attachment portion 111 on the outer surface 108 of one of the robes 106. The strap 109 extends from the strap attachment portion 111, past the robes 106 to which the strap is attached, and past the gap between the front ends of the robes 106. The travel pillow 100 may include a pocket 117 on the outer surface 108 of the robes 106 to which the strap is attached. The strap attachment portion 111 may be positioned within the pocket 117 as shown in FIG. 1. Note that the pocket 117 is optional. If included, the strap attachment portion 111 may be positioned in any suitable location on the outer surface 108 of the travel pillow 100.

[0013] The robe 106 opposite the one to which the strap 109 is attached may include a strap attachment portion 107 for receiving the free end of the strap 109. A user may place the travel pillow 100 around the back of the user's neck so that the robe 106 extends from the rear portion 105 along the side of the user's head. The user may extend the strap 109 past the end of the robe 106 and under the user's chin and attach the end of the strap 109 to the strap attachment portion 107 of the robe 106 opposite the one to which the strap 109 is attached.

[0014] The strap 109 helps to limit forward movement of the user's head during a sudden stop of movement or when the user begins to fall asleep. By limiting forward movement of the user's head as the user falls asleep and goes to sleep, the user can be protected from subsequent head or neck pain that may result if the user's head is allowed to sag forward. In addition to the strap 109, the configuration of the travel pillow body 102 can provide the user with head support around the user's head.

[0015] Note that strap attachment portion 111 is optional, as strap 109 may not be attached in alternative implementations. Strap 109 in such implementations may be completely detachable from the pillow or may be configured to be removably attachable at the ends of strap 109. In other implementations, strap 109 may be configured as a separate component and attached to the pillow via removably attachable portions at both ends. Strap 109 may remain separate or may be attached via a cord or attachment strap attached to strap 109 and the pillow to keep strap 109 attached to the pillow. A removable attachment mechanism may be added to the cord or attachment strap connecting strap 109 to the pillow to allow selective attachment and detachment of strap 109 from the pillow.

[0016] It should further be noted that the strap 109 is not limited to the exact configuration shown in the figures. For example, the strap 109 can have a width that allows the strap to cover substantially more or less of the gap between the lobes. In one exemplary implementation, the strap 109 can have a width that allows the strap 109 to extend forward from the user's chin in use and cover a significant amount of the gap between the lobes.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows a side isometric view of pillow 100. Pillow 100 can include a base portion and raised portions or cushions 102a, 102b (referred to herein as "portions" for clarity). As shown in FIG. 4, base portion 102a and raised portion 102b can include base and raised rear walls 104a, 104b, with the substantially flat rear wall of pillow 100 formed by some or all of one or both of base and raised rear walls 104a, 104b. In one configuration, base and raised rear walls 104a, 104b are flush with one another and combine to form the substantially flat rear wall 104 of pillow body 102. Pillow body 102 can include base and raised side walls 114a, 114b. 2 and 4, the pillow body 102 may also include base and raised curved transition walls 116a, 116b between the base and raised side walls 114a, 114b and the base and raised rear walls 104a, 104b. While the above discusses a base and raised portions of the pillow body, it is understood that pillow bodies without distinct base and raised portions are possible, including, but not limited to, pillow bodies that include a rear wall, a side wall, and a curved transition wall.

[0018] The pillow 100 includes two anchoring mechanisms 112 that can help anchor the pillow 100 to a headrest, such as a headrest wing. The anchoring mechanisms can complement the chin support mechanism 109 by limiting the forward movement of the pillow. The anchoring mechanism 112 can include an anchoring mechanism body 120. An anchoring mechanism 112 according to the present disclosure can include an elongated anchoring mechanism body, such as the anchoring mechanism body 120. For example, the anchoring mechanism body can be 1 inch to 24 inches long, or 2 inches to 20 inches long, or 6 inches to 16 inches long, or 8 inches to 14 inches long, or approximately 11 inches long. An anchoring mechanism body 120 according to the present disclosure can be, for example, 1 inch to 4 inches wide, or 4 inches to 3 inches wide, or 1 inch to 2 inches wide, or approximately 1.5 inches wide. The anchoring mechanism body 120 can be made of many different materials and take many different shapes. The anchoring mechanism body 120 can be, for example, a strap (as shown), a cord, a string, a rope, or other flexible, rigid, or non-rigid device as known in the art. The anchoring mechanism body 120 can be elastic or non-elastic and can be fabric, cord, string, rope, nylon, polycord, rubber, polyester, parachute cord, webbing, or other devices and materials as known in the art. In a configuration in which the anchoring mechanism body 120 is elastic, the anchoring mechanism body can self-tighten, for example, around a portion of a headrest to better secure the travel pillow 100 to the headrest.

[0019] In the particular configuration shown, as best seen in FIG. 7 , the anchor mechanisms 112 are attached to span portions of both 1) the rear wall 104 and 2) the curved transition wall 116, meaning that the anchor mechanisms are attached partially rearward of the pillow body 102 and partially at the curved transition portion of the pillow body 102. The anchor mechanisms 112 in the particular configuration shown are angled away from each other slightly outward (as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 7 ) rather than directly rearward (as indicated by the axial dashed lines in FIG. 7 ). This configuration may be particularly useful for attachment to modern seatback headrest wings. In one configuration, the anchor mechanisms 112 and / or anchor mechanism body 120 are attached only to the rear walls 104 a, 104 b and / or angled substantially directly rearward. In another configuration, the anchor mechanisms 112 and / or anchor mechanism body 120 and their components are attached only to the base and / or the raised curved transition walls 116 a, 116 b.

[0020] The shape formed by raised portion 102b and raised walls (114b, 116b) can provide support around the sides and rear of the user's head. This helps complement the support provided by straps 109 in front of the user's head. Furthermore, it should be noted that the shape formed by raised portion 102b and raised walls 114b, 116b is optional. Travel pillow 100 can take on any suitable shape, which may not include raised portions or raised walls.

[0021] 3A, 3B, and 3C are front views of the travel pillow 100 with the strap 109 at different stages of use. FIG. 3A shows the strap 109 in place to support the user's chin. The strap 109 extends across the gap between the lobes 106, allowing the strap to support the user's chin above the gap. The strap 109 in FIGS. 3A-3C includes a hook and loop surface at the free end 119 of the strap 109. The hook and loop surface is attached to a hook and loop mating surface on an attachment area 107 on the outer surface 108 of the lobe 106 opposite the lobe to which the strap 109 is attached. FIG. 5 is a right side view of the travel pillow showing the free end 119 of the strap 109 attached to the attachment area 107 on the lobe 106. The attachment area 107 can extend around the front surface 110 of the lobe 106, as shown in the top view of the pillow 100 in FIG. 7. Alternatively, the attachment regions 107 may stop near the tips of the front surfaces 110 of the lobes 106. In some implementations, the attachment regions 107 may extend to the top surfaces of the lobes 106.

[0022] FIG. 3A also shows strap 109 attached to first lobe 106 at fastening region 111. Strap 109 may be attached by sprinkling strap 109 material onto pillow body outer surface 108. Other fastening mechanisms may be used as well. FIG. 6 provides a side view of pillow 100 showing fastening region 111 extending from pocket 117. While fastening region 111 is shown extending into pocket 117, fastening region 111 may be positioned in any suitable location relative to pocket 117. Some implementations may not include pocket 117.

[0023] FIG. 3B shows the strap 109 before and after attachment to the opposite lobe from the one to which it is attached. FIG. 3C shows the strap 109 tucked into the pocket 117 when not in use. The strap 109 may be made from any fabric or flexible, two-dimensional material capable of supporting a hook and loop surface (e.g., Velcro™) on one side of the strap 109. The material selected for the strap 109 may be soft to provide a layer of comfort for the user's chin during use. A padded layer may be added to provide additional cushioning for the user's chin. The material used for the strap 109 may also have some elasticity to shorten the length the strap needs to reach the opposite lobe 106. Elasticity also reduces the stiffness of the strap 109 against the user's chin, providing a slight "flex" when supporting the chin. The strap 109 may also be made from multiple layers of material to add cushioning.

[0024] Note that the pillow 100 of FIGS. 3A-3C implements straps 109 with a hook and loop (e.g., Velcro™) attachment mechanism. For example, a male / hook tip surface may be sown on the underside of the strap 109 for securing to a mating loop surface on the attachment region 107 on the other lobe 106. The male / hook tip surface on the strap 109 may be disposed on the strap end 119. In one exemplary implementation, the male / hook tip surface may be provided on an area at or near the tip of the strap end 119, and the female / loop surface may be provided on another area extending away from the tip of the strap end 119. This allows the male surface portion to be folded over the female surface to cover the hook and loop surface on the strap end 119 when it is desired to fit the strap into the pocket 117. In one example, the male / hook surface area and the female / loop surface area may each be 2.5 cm wide by 2.5 cm long. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the dimensions are provided as examples only, and any suitable dimensions may be used.

[0025] In other implementations, strap 109 may be provided with a buckle, buttonhole, or any other suitable attachment mechanism or fastener. A corresponding mating mechanism may be attached inside what is depicted as attachment area 107 in FIG. 3A.

[0026] 3A shows the strap 109 extending over the top of the lobe 106 opposite the lobe 106 to which it is attached. A user may also choose to have the strap 109 extend around the front ends 110 of both lobes 106 so that it attaches to the attachment area 109 to support the user's chin during use. The ability for the strap 109 to extend around the front 110 of the lobes can accommodate users with necks that have a larger circumference, or users who simply prefer this method of attaching the strap 109 and securing it to the opposite lobe 106.

[0027] 5 and 6 , as described above, the travel pillow 100 can also include a connection device such as a loop 126 (referred to herein as a “loop” for clarity). The loop 126 can be, for example, a D-loop (as shown) or other type of closed loop. An open loop (e.g., C-shaped) is also possible, with the pillow body 102 or another device acting to close the loop (e.g., to form a D- or O-shape). In some configurations, the loop 126 is a closed loop that can be opened, such as a carabiner or similar device. The loop 126 can be attached directly to the body 102, or alternatively, an auxiliary connection device, such as an auxiliary connection device 128, can be used. In the configuration shown, the auxiliary connection device 128 is stretchable, elastic, and / or non-rigid, while the loop 126 is rigid. It will be appreciated that many different configurations are possible. In some other configurations, a rigid loop and / or auxiliary connection device can be used with a detachable anchoring mechanism body.

[0028] The travel pillow 103 may include a cover, as described above. The cover 103 may include a pocket 117 that can be used to hold the strap when not in use. The pocket 117 may also be opened and closed using a zipper mechanism. Other types of attachment mechanisms can be used to open and close the pocket 117, including, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners such as those provided by Velcro®, buttons, snaps, adhesives, and laces, to name a few. The pocket 117 and zipper mechanism can be part of the cover 103. In an exemplary implementation, the zipper mechanism may be positioned generally along the junction between the base portion 102a and the raised portion 102b and is shown generally horizontal. Other arrangements and orientations are possible. In some configurations, the zipper mechanism 110 is below the junction between the base portion 102a and the raised portion 102b. In other configurations, the zipper mechanism 110 is above the junction between the base portion 102a and the raised portion 102b. Pocket 117 can hold user items such as a cell phone, keys, earplugs, and / or earphones. In some configurations, pillow 100 has multiple pockets. In other configurations, pillow 100 has no pockets. In some configurations, pillow has one or more pockets without zipper mechanism 110. In some configurations, pocket 117 has dividers and / or sub-compartments within pocket 117.

[0029] Additionally, the cover 103 may also include a zipper that allows access to the core of the pillow body 102. For example, as best seen in Figure 4, the cover 103 may include a zipper 150 that can be opened so that the core and cover 103 can be separated from one another so that the cover 103 can be washed separately.

[0030] The cover, including the first and second regions, can be made of many different materials. Examples include cloth, polyester, cotton, blends, velour, mesh, and combinations thereof. One example of a composite cover material according to the present disclosure can include hypoallergenic, antibacterial, and / or odor-protecting technologies, such as metallic fibers, like silver fibers. Other types of fibers, such as plastic fibers and composite fibers, are also possible. One such example of a composite material containing metallic fibers that can be used in the configurations of the present disclosure is the XT2® material available from Noble Biomaterials, which uses silver fibers. Such fibers can be blended with other cover materials, such as more traditional materials described above, in some configurations to form a composite material. For example, one composite cover material may contain approximately 80-99% by weight traditional materials (e.g., polyester, cotton, etc.) and / or approximately 1-20% by weight fiber material (e.g., XT2® silver fiber), or approximately 85-97% traditional materials and / or approximately 3-15% fiber material, or approximately 90-95% traditional materials and / or approximately 5-10% fiber material. Some cover material configurations include 1% or more fiber material, 3% or more fiber material, 5% or more fiber material, 7% or more fiber material, or 10% or more fiber material. Some cover material configurations include 20% or less fiber material, 15% or less fiber material, 10% or less fiber material, 7% or less fiber material, or 5% or less fiber material. Some configurations include approximately 7% fiber material.

[0031] Composite materials utilized in covers according to the present disclosure can have different densities, such as about 25-250 g / m, or about 100-200 g / m, or about 125-175 g / m, or about 145 g / m, or 25 g / m or more, or 50 g / m or more, or 100 g / m or more, or 125 g / m or more, or 300 g / m or less, or 250 g / m or less, or 200 g / m or less, or 175 g / m or less, or 150 g / m or less. It should be understood that many different configurations are possible, and the above ranges and example values ​​are for illustrative purposes only, and materials having properties outside these ranges are also possible.

[0032] Other materials are possible. For example, one material that can be used in one or more regions of the cover is Dri-Lex®, available from Faytex Corp., and similar materials can also be used. Such materials can transfer heat and mass (e.g., moisture) out of the cover and / or redistribute them throughout the cover, as opposed to allowing heat or mass to collect in specific areas, such as around the neck, which can cause discomfort to the user. Specifically, Dri-Lex® honeycomb P material can perform well in this regard, as can other honeycomb materials as known in the art.

[0033] Note that the above example involves fastening the strap to one of the lobes. In an alternative embodiment, the chin support strap is releasably attachable at opposite ends, and the front portions of both lobes include attachment areas at each front portion to allow for releasable attachment of the opposite ends of the chin support strap.

[0034] Additionally, it should be noted that the exemplary structures depicted in the figures may not be to scale or may not fully represent examples of alternative structures. For example, the figures depict strap 109 as being wide enough to support a user's chin. In an alternative embodiment, the chin support strap includes a width that covers a substantial portion of the upper surface of the front portions of the two lobes when the chin support strap is attached to the two lobes for use by a user in the manner described above. Similarly, the strap may include a layered material with some cushioning.

[0035] It is understood that various attributes and elements from any one configuration can be included in other configurations. While the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred configurations thereof, other versions are possible. The actual scope of the present disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed configurations but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the present disclosure. The above detailed description of the configurations of the present disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed above or the specific fields of use mentioned in the present disclosure. While specific configurations and examples of the present disclosure have been described above for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will recognize that various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Elements and functions of the various configurations described above can be combined to provide additional configurations. Furthermore, the teachings of the present disclosure provided herein may be applied to products and systems other than travel pillows.

Claims

1. A travel pillow, a substantially U-shaped pillow body having a foam core and including two lobe portions spaced apart by a rear portion connected at rear ends of the two lobe portions; a chin support strap attached to a front portion of one of the two lobes and configured to extend to be attached to the front portion of the other lobe, the chin support strap configured to support the user's chin when attached to the two lobes during use by a user; and A travel pillow.

2. each lobe portion including an outer surface and a front surface opposite said rear portion; the chin support strap is attached to the front portion of one of the two lobes; In use, the chin support strap extends to the lobe opposite the lobe to which the strap is attached and is removably attached to the opposite lobe.

10. The travel pillow of claim 1.

3. 3. The travel pillow of claim 2, wherein the chin support strap is attached at an attachment portion of the front portion of the robe to which the chin support strap is attached, and the chin support strap extends from the attachment portion to an opposite end having a strap attachment mechanism configured to mate with a robe attachment mechanism on the other robe.

4. 4. The travel pillow of claim 3, wherein the robe opposite the robe to which the chin support strap is attached includes an attachment area for supporting the robe attachment mechanism on the robe opposite the robe to which the chin support strap is attached.

5. 5. The travel pillow of claim 4, wherein the robe attachment mechanism on the opposing robe includes a hook and loop surface covering the attachment area, the hook and loop surface configured to mate with the strap attachment mechanism, the strap attachment mechanism including a corresponding hook and loop surface on a lower surface of the chin support strap.

6. 10. The travel pillow of claim 1, wherein the robe attachment mechanism and the strap attachment mechanism include buckles, loops, and buttons.

7. 4. The travel pillow of claim 3, wherein the fastening portion of the chin support strap is on the outer surface of the robe to which the chin support strap is fastened.

8. 10. The travel pillow of claim 1, further comprising a pocket attached to one of the robes.

9. 9. The travel pillow of claim 8, wherein the pocket is attached to the robe to which the strap is attached, close enough to receive the chin support strap when not in use.

10. 9. The travel pillow of claim 8, wherein the pocket is adapted to receive the fastening portion of the chin support strap.

11. 10. The travel pillow of claim 1, comprising raised portions extending from the base and rear portions of the robe, the raised portions being configured to support the user's head along both sides and the rear of the user's head when the travel pillow is positioned around the user's neck.

12. 10. The travel pillow of claim 1, further comprising a cover surrounding the pillow body.

13. 13. The travel pillow of claim 12, wherein the cover includes an anchoring mechanism for attaching the cover of the pillow body to a headrest.

14. 14. The travel pillow of claim 13, wherein the pillow body and the cover comprise two lobe cover portions spaced apart by a rear cover portion, the rear cover portion being connected at rear ends of the two lobe cover portions.

15. 15. The travel pillow of claim 14, wherein the anchoring mechanism comprises a first anchor body and a second anchor body for attaching the cover of the pillow body to the headrest.

16. 16. The travel pillow of claim 15, wherein the first anchor body and the second anchor body are angled outwardly relative to each other.

17. 16. The travel pillow of claim 15, wherein the first anchor body has a first end connected to a first side of the rear portion of the cover and the second anchor body has a first end connected to a second side of the rear portion of the cover opposite the first side.

18. 16. The travel pillow of claim 15, wherein the first anchor body and the second anchor body comprise at least one of a strap, a cord, a wire, a string, and a rope.

19. 2. The travel pillow of claim 1, wherein the chin support strap includes a width that substantially covers the upper surfaces of the front portions of the two lobes when the chin support strap is attached to the two lobes for use by the user.

20. 10. The travel pillow of claim 1, wherein the chin support straps are releasably attachable at opposite ends, and the front portions of both lobes include attachment areas at each front portion to allow for releasable attachment of the opposite ends of the chin support straps.

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