LIFTGATE REINFORCEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

A liftgate structure, comprising: a structural inner panel (10) with an outside surface (12) and an inner surface (14) having a lower perimeter surface area (16) extending across substantially the entire width of the liftgate structure, the structural inner panel (10) including a wiper motor housing recess (18) formed on the inner surface (14); a plurality of brackets (234, 236, 238) including a center bracket (234) and two side brackets (236, 238), the brackets being connected to the outside surface (12) of the structural inner panel (10); and three separate tethers (228, 230, 232) including first and second tethers (228, 230) extending between the center bracket (234) and a respective one of the side brackets (236, 238) and further including a third tether (232) extending between the side brackets (236, 238), wherein the first and second tethers (228, 230) have a different width than the third tether (232).