US Patent 7883144 Vehicle seat with adjustable and retractable head restraint

A vehicle seat is provided with a guide within a seat back frame for movement between extended and retracted positions. A biasing member within the seat back frame biases the guide toward the retracted position. A cable extends the guide toward the extended position. A rotary actuator extends and retracts the cable. A release mechanism secures the guide in the extended position. A rod extends from the frame and has a plurality of notches for providing a series of height adjustment positions. A locking member within the guide retains the rod at one of the series of height adjustment positions. A head restraint is mounted on the rod. Actuation of the release mechanism and the rotary actuator releases the guide to retract the head restraint. Return actuation of the rotary actuator returns the guide and the rod to the extended position.