Abstract: A head restraint (14) for helping to protect an occupant (60) of a vehicle seat (20) includes a base frame (150) connected to the vehicle seat. A cushion carrier (350) is supported on the base frame (150) by a track assembly (440) that facilitates movement of the cushion carrier (350) relative to the base frame (150) along a deployment axis (18) from a non-deployed condition to a deployed condition. The track assembly (440) includes a fixed track member (182) that forms a portion of the base frame (150). The fixed track member (182) includes spaced axially extending beam portions (190) with opposing surfaces (200) that define a channel (184) between the beam portions (190). The track assembly (440) also includes a sliding track member (370) that forms a portion of the cushion carrier (350).

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an electrical connection between a vehicle seat (20) mounted head restraint (14) and an electrical system (50, 52) of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a first electrical connector (702) secured to a support member (40) of the head restraint (14), the first electrical connector (702) being adapted to deliver an electrical signal to a component (640) mounted to the head restraint. A second electrical connector (704) is associated with the electrical system (50, 52) of the vehicle (12). An auto-connect component (710) is connectable to the vehicle seat (20) and is adapted to receive the support member (40) of the head restraint (14) and the first electrical connector (702). The auto-connect component (710) is further adapted to support the second electrical connector (704) and is configured such that the first and second electrical connectors (702, 704) are interconnected automatically upon installing the head restraint (14) on the vehicle seat (20).

Abstract: A head restraint (14) for helping to protect an occupant (60) of a vehicle seat (20) includes a base frame (150) connected to the vehicle seat. A cushion carrier (350) is supported on the base frame (150) by a track assembly (440) that facilitates movement of the cushion carrier (350) relative to the base frame (150) along a deployment axis (18) from a non-deployed condition to a deployed condition. The track assembly (440) includes a fixed track member (182) that forms a portion of the base frame (150). The fixed track member (182) includes spaced axially extending beam portions (190) with opposing surfaces (200) that define a channel (184) between the beam portions (190). The track assembly (440) also includes a sliding track member (370) that forms a portion of the cushion carrier (350).