US Patent 11267427 Side airbag assembly

A restraint system includes a first seat and a second seat spaced from each other along a cross-vehicle axis. An airbag is supported by the first seat and is inflatable towards the second seat. The airbag includes an upper portion having a top surface and a lower portion having a bottom surface facing in an opposite direction than the top surface. An external tether is releasably engaged with the first seat. The external tether is connected to the top surface and the bottom surface.