A fixed glass roof and a vehicle

Abstract

A fixed glass roof (20, figure 1) for a vehicle (10), the roof comprising: a glass pane (22); a roof structure (24) comprising: a block hole (38, figure 2) enabling access to a roof block (34) for sec

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a fixed glass roof and a vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a fixed glass roof for a vehicle, and to a vehicle comprising the fixed glass roof. In some aspects, the fixed glass roof is fortop-loading into a vehicle frame. BACKGROUND It is known to provide a vehicle having a top loaded glass roof, and having a means of providing access to a roof block for attaching a roof crossbar. A roof block enables a durable attachment means of a heavy-duty roof crossbar. However, the access means provided in such a roof are typically bulky, with poor finishing, resulting in poor streamlining, and high noise effects. It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a fixed glass roof and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a fixed glass roof fora vehicle, the fixed glass roof comprising a glass pane and a roof structure. The roof structure may optionally comprise a block hole for enabling access to a roof block for securing a roof crossbar. The roof structure may optionally comprise at least two cover holes for receiving a locating pin and a fixing pin, the at least two cover holes including a fixing locator hole. The roof structure may optionally comprise a plastic encapsulation moulded around a perimeter of the glass pane, wherein the plastic encapsulation comprises a plurality of crossbar cavities, each crossbar cavity aligned with, and providing access to the block holes and the at least two cover holes. The roof structure may optionally comprise a fixed cover and an access cover for each crossbar cavity. Optionally, each fixed cover may comprise a fixing pin and a locating pin. Optionally, the fixing pin is a snap fit pin configured to snap fit into the respective fixing locator hole to fix the fixed cover into the crossbar cavity to at least partially cover the crossbar cavity. Optionally, the locating pin may be configured to cooperate with a respective cover hole to precisely locate the fixed cover into the crossbar cavity. Optionally, each access cover may be releasably fixed to its respective fixed cover to provide access to the block hole and crossbar cavity when removed. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a fixed glass roof for a vehicle, the fixed glass roof comprising: a glass pane; a roof structure comprising: a block hole for enabling access to a roof block for securing a roof crossbar; at least two cover holes for receiving a locating pin and a fixing pin, the at least two cover holes including a fixing locator hole; and a plastic encapsulation moulded around a perimeter of the glass pane, wherein the plastic encapsulation comprises a plurality of crossbar cavities, each crossbar cavity aligned with, and providing access to the block holes and the at least two cover holes; and a fixed cover and an access cover for each crossbar cavity; each fixed cover comprising a fixing pin and a locating pin; wherein the fixing pin is a snap fit pin configured to snap fit into the respective fixing locator hole to fix the fixed cover into the crossbar cavity to at least partially cover the crossbar cavity, and wherein the locating pin is configured to cooperate with a respective cover hole to precisely locate the fixed cover into the crossbar cavity; each access cover being releasably fixed to its respective fixed cover to provide access to the block hole and crossbar cavity when removed. The cover holes may be through holes or may be blind holes. In other words, the cover holes may be through holes or recesses. The fixing pin and locating pins may be protrusions from a shell. The fixing pin may be configured to fix the fixed cover into the crossbar cavity solely by cooperating with a respective fixing locator hole so that the fixing pin constrains movement of the fixed cover away from the roof structure. The fixing pin may be configured to fix the fixed cover into the crossbar cavity by cooperating with the respective fixing locator hole and may constrain movement of the fixed cover away from the roof structure by fixing the locating pin in a position in which the locating pin constrains movement of the fixed cover away from the roof structure. Optionally, the fixed glass roof may comprise each access cover being attached only to the fixed cover to provide access to the crossbar cavity. In an embodiment, the invention may comprise that the glass pane comprises a triple laminated glass. Having a fixed cover and access cover which is attached to a fixed cover enables precise location of the cover to provide a flush cover for the crossbar cavity, which can be removed by the user to provide access to a roof block. This combination reduces rattle and noise of the cover for the crossbar cavity. The fixing locator holes and fixing pins in the fixed cover enables a simple method of fixing the fixed cover to the roof structure. Having both a locating pin and a fixing pin which can be received in two different cover holes in the enables more precise locating and fixing of the fixed covers to the roof structure. The fixing pin can be used to fix the fixed cover to the roof structure, while the locating pin can be used to more precisely position the fixed cover with respect to the roof structure. Optionally, the fixed glass roof may comprise a plurality of metal plates encapsulated by the plastic encapsulation to form the roof structure, wherein each of the cover holes and block hole pass through a respective metal plate. Having a metal plate provided in the roof structure provides additional strength to the plastic encapsulation, thereby improving the structural integrity of the roof structure. Optionally, the glass pane at least partially overlaps each of the metal plates. It may be that the plastic encapsulation is disposed substantially between the overlapping parts of the glass pane and the metal plates. Having the plastic encapsulation disposed between the metal and glass overlapping where they overlap reduces the shear stress which is carried in the plastic. Optionally, the metal plate may comprise a base with the block hole and cover holes, and a flange extending from the base to form an L-shaped metal plate together with the base, wherein the flange is configured to provide lateral support to the plastic encapsulation. Optionally, the glass pane may comprise a plurality of notches, and wherein each crossbar cavity is aligned with a respective notch. In other words, it may be that the block hole and cover holes are aligned with the notches, or that each of the metal plates is aligned with respective notches. It may be that the metal plates are substantially overlapping a respective one of the notches. Having notches in the glass aligned with the crossbar cavities, block holes and cover holes reduces the total width of the roof whilst maximising the amount of glass, and thereby minimising the amount of plastic, for a roof structure having a simple rectangular profile. Optionally, the fixed glass roof may comprise the at least two cover holes including a multi-way locator hole, wherein the locating pin comprises a multi-way pin which is configured to cooperate with the multi-way locator hole so as to constrain movement of the fixed cover relative to the roof structure along at least a first axis. Optionally, wherein the multi-way locator hole may be a 3-way locator hole and wherein the multi-way pin may be a 3-way pin which is further configured to cooperate with the 3-way hole to constrain movement of the fixed cover relative to the roof structure along one direction of a second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis. Optionally, wherein the snap fit pin may be configured to constrain movement of the fixed cover relative to the roof structure in an opposing direction of the second axis to the 2-way pin such that between the 2-way pin and the fixing pin, movement of the fixed cover is constrained along both directions of the second axis. Optionally, the fixed glass roof may comprise the multi-way hole being a 2-way hole and the multi-way pin being a 2-way pin which is configured to constrain movement of the fixed cover (42) relative to the roof structure (24) along the first axis only, and optionally, the fixed glass roof may comprise the at least two cover holes including a 4-way locator hole, wherein the locating pin comprises a 4-way pin which is configured to cooperate with the 4-way locator hole so as to constrain movement of the fixed cover relative to the roof structure in the first axis and a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. Optionally, the fixed glass roof may comprise at least three cover holes including a 2-way locator hole and a 4-way locator hole, wherein the fixed cover comprises two locating pins, wherein one of the locating pins comprises a 2-way pin which is configured to cooperate with the 2-way locator hole so as to movement of the fixed cover relative to the roof structure in one axis, and wherein the other locating pin comprises a 4-way pin which is configured to cooperate with the 4-way locator hole so as to constrain movement of the fixed cover relative to the roof structure in two axes. A 2-way locator hole and 2-way pin may be a locator hole and corresponding pin which are configured to constrain movement of the respective locating pin in one axis (i.e., in two opposing directions). A 3-way locator hole and 3-way pin may be a locator hole and corresponding pin which are configured to constrain movement of the respective locating pin in 3 directions (i.e., along both directions of one axis and one direction of a perpendicular axis). A 4-way locator hole and a 4-way pin may be a locator hole and corresponding pin which are configured to constrain movement of a locating pin in two perpendicular axes (i.e., in four directions, two opposing directions of two perpendicular lines). Optionally, each fixed cover comprises at least one depth pin configured to constrain movement of the fixed cover into and / or out of the crossbar cavity along a vertical axis. Optionally, the length of the depth pin is configured to ensure that the fixing pin can snap fit into the fixing locator hole before the depth pin abuts the metal plate. Optionally, at least one locating pin is a combined depth and locating pin such that it is configured to constrain the movement of the fixed cover into and / or out of the crossbar cavity along the vertical axis. Optionally, each locating pin is a combined depth and locating pin. Having locating pins simultaneously function as depth pins enables a more space efficient design. Optionally, the fixed cover may comprise a shell from which the combined depth and locating pin extends, wherein the combined depth and locating pin comprises a post extending from the shell and a crossbar extending from an end of the post offset from the shell. Optionally, the respective locator hole may comprise a through hole configured to allow the crossbar through, and an overhang in the through hole under which the crossbar can be slid to constrain movement of the fixed cover out of the crossbar cavity. Optionally, at least one said locating pin comprises a cross profile extending along an axis. A cross profile provides a lightweight pin which can be used to control the position of the pin in 4 axes with a high tolerance, by providing parts to abut against the pin. Optionally, the fixed cover comprises a shell from which the locating pin extends, and the locating pin comprises a first section closest to the shell and a second section extending from the first section, wherein arms of the cross profile are longer in the first section than in the second section. Having the second section with arms of the cross being shorter than the first section enables the simultaneous function of the pin as a locating pin and a depth pin. Optionally, the locating pm may comprise a third section extending from the second section, wherein the arms of the cross in the third section taper longitudinally to form a point at the end of the locating pin. A tapering end to form a point provides for easier insertion of the pin into a cover hole, which urges the pin into its precise position with respect to the cover hole. Optionally, the fixed glass roof comprises a pair of fixed covers for each crossbar cavity; wherein each crossbar cavity provides access to a plurality of cover holes on opposing sides of the crossbar cavity; wherein the pair of fixed covers are fixed to the roof structure at respective cover holes on opposing sides of the crossbar cavity, and wherein the access cover is releasably fixed to, and between, the pair of fixed covers. The pair of fixed covers may be fixed to the roof structure at respective fixing locator holes on opposing sides of the crossbar cavity, and wherein the access cover is releasably fixed to, and between, the pair of fixed covers. In other words, the pair of fixing covers may be fixed to respective metal plates, aligned within a respective crossbar cavity, on opposing sides of the respective crossbar cavity. The metal plates may therefore comprise two fixing locator holes on opposing sides of the crossbar cavity to which the pair of fixed covers can be fixed. Optionally, the 4-way pin on each fixed cover is configured to be closer to the access coverthan the 2-way pin when the fixed cover is fixed to the fixing locator hole and the access cover is fixed to the fixed cover. This ensures the highest tolerance location of each of the fixed covers is closest to the access cover, so that the access cover attachment to, and between, the fixed covers has the highest possible tolerance. Optionally, the access cover comprises a 2-way pin which is configured to engage with a 2-way locator hole in one of the fixed covers so as to constrain movement of the access cover relative to the fixed cover in one axis; and wherein the access cover comprises a 4-way pin which is configured to engage with a 4-way locator hole in the other of the fixed covers so as to constrain movement of the access cover relative to the fixed cover in two axes. Optionally, the access cover comprises an engagement tab on one end and a U shaped snap-fit clip on the other end, wherein the engagement tab is configured to engage with a slot in one of the pair of fixed covers and wherein the u shaped snap-fit clip is configured to releasably fix the access cover to the other fixed cover. The engagement tab may be the 2-way pin of the access cover, which is configured to cooperate with the slot in the fixed cover so as to constrain movement of the access cover along one axis relative to the fixed cover. This provides for a repeatable release and engagement of the access cover to the pair of fixed covers, so that a user can remove the access cover to provide access to the roof block, and re-attach the access cover to the fixed covers to cover the crossbar cavity. Optionally, the engagement tab for each access cover is located at a forward end of the roof structure when the roof structure is mounted on a vehicle. In the event that the clip is not properly engaged, wind from movement of the vehicle will not blow the access cover off, but rather push the access cover down, and perhaps even engage the clip of the access cover to fix it to the fixed covers. Optionally, the 4-way pin of the access cover is located on the side of the access cover which comprises the U-shaped snap-fit clip. This ensures that the highest tolerance location of the access cover is closest to the clip (i.e., its attachment point to the fixed cover). Optionally, the engagement tab is configured to push the fixed cover to which it is engaged away from the fixing locator hole. This reduces rattle and noise of the access cover when the vehicle to which the roof structure is mounted moves. Optionally, the plastic encapsulation provides a platform on which a shell of each fixed cover, from which the fixing pin and the locating pin extends, is configured to rest to constrain the depth at which the fixed cover can be inserted into the crossbar cavity. According to a further aspect, there is provided a vehicle having a fixed glass roof. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in anyway and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically shows an oblique top view of a part of a vehicle with a fixed glass roof according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 schematically shows a close-up view of a roof crossbar attachment location in the fixed glass roof of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 schematically shows a close-up, oblique view of the roof crossbar attachment location of FIG. 2, including an access cover and fixed covers, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 schematically shows an underside oblique view of the fixed covers and access cover according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 schematically shows an oblique cross-sectional view of the roof crossbar attachment location of FIG. 3, through the fixed cover according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 schematically shows an oblique view of the access cover being inserted to attach to the fixed covers, according to the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 schematically shows a longitudinal sectional view of the roof crossbar attachment location of FIG. 3, through the fixed covers and access cover, according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 schematically shows a close-up, oblique view of the roof crossbar attachment location, including an access cover and fixed covers, according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 schematically shows an underside oblique view of the fixed covers and access cover of FIG. 8, according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a flow chart showing steps of a method of manufacturing a fixed glass roof according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a loaded mould for manufacturing the fixed glass roof according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 12 is a flow chart showing further steps of the method of manufacturing a fixed glass roof of FIG. 10, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG.1 shows a portion of a vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the vehicle is a car. The vehicle 10 has an associated vertical axis z, a longitudinal axis x generally parallel or co-axial with the length of the vehicle and the direction of travel of the vehicle, and a lateral axis y. Conventionally the axes x, y, z are mutually perpendicular. References to vertical, longitudinal, and lateral refer to a direction along or parallel to the respective axis. References to forward and backward ends are along the longitudinal axis x and referto the standard, forwards, direction of travel of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 comprises a fixed glass roof 20 which comprises a glass pane 22 and a roof structure 24. The fixed glass roof 20 in this example comprises a generally rectangular section in plan view. In other examples, it may be of any suitable shape for a vehicle. The fixed glass roof 20 is configured to be top loaded into the vehicle 10 so as to maximise the size and proportion of the glass in the roof of the vehicle 10. In such a case, substantially the whole of the roof comprises glass. In this example, the glass pane 22 comprises triple laminated glass. In this example, the fixed glass roof 20 comprises four roof crossbar attachment locations 26 which are each configured to receive and secure ends of a respective roof crossbar 27. In this example, there are two roof crossbars 27. In other examples, the fixed glass roof may comprise any suitable number of roof crossbar attachment locations to secure any suitable number of roof crossbars. For example, there may be only two roof crossbar attachment locations, or there may be six or more. In this example, the glass pane 22 comprises a plurality of notches 28, with each notch 28 located at a respective roof crossbar attachment location 26. The notches 28 provide access to respective roof blocks 34 (shown in FIG. 2) for securing a roof crossbar 27 to the vehicle 10. The roof structure 24 comprises a plastic encapsulation 30 (FIG. 2) which is moulded around a perimeter of the glass pane 22 to encapsulate the glass pane 22 and which is configured to enable attachment of the fixed glass roof 20 to flanges of a frame (not shown) of the vehicle 10 on which the fixed glass roof 20 is configured to rest. In this example, the plastic encapsulation 30 comprises a unitary plastic moulding to improve the strength of the plastic encapsulation. It will be appreciated that, in other examples, the plastic encapsulation may be made of several moulded parts which are fixed to one another after moulding. The plastic encapsulation 30 may comprise any polymer. FIG. 2 show a close-up view of a first embodiment of one of the roof crossbar attachment locations 26 in which the glass pane 22 is shown as well as the plastic encapsulation 30 around the glass pane 22. In this example, the plastic encapsulation 30 comprises, at each roof crossbar attachment location 26, a crossbar cavity 32. Each crossbar cavity 32 is aligned with a respective notch 28 in the glass pane 22, so that in this example, the plastic encapsulation 30 and the glass pane 22 together provide a generally rectangular shape. In other words, in this example, each crossbar cavity 32 has a complimentary shape to the respective notch 28 with which it is aligned. In this example, the roof structure 24 comprises a plurality of metal plates 36 encapsulated by the plastic encapsulation 30 to form the roof structure 24. Each of the metal plates 36 in this example are aligned with a respective crossbar cavity 32 and substantially overlap with one of the notches 28 in the glass pane 22, and the glass pane 22 at least partially overlaps each of the metal plates 36. The metal plates 36 each comprise a block hole 38 for enabling access to the roof block 34, and six cover holes 40 (labelled 40a, 40b and 40c in FIG. 2). The crossbar cavities 32 are therefore configured to provide access to the respective block hole 38, and thereby to the roof block 34. The crossbar cavities 32 are also configured to provide access to the respective cover holes 40. In other examples, there may be no metal plates, and the block hole and the cover holes, where there are any, may instead be provided and moulded as part of the plastic encapsulation. Having a metal plate 36 provided in the roof structure 24, as in this example, provides additional strength to the plastic encapsulation 30, thereby improving the structural integrity of the roof structure 24. The block hole 38 in this example spans the width of the crossbar cavity 32. This reduces the required width of the notch 28, thereby increasing the area of glass available forthe fixed glass roof. In other words, the block hole 38 and cover holes 40 are aligned with the notches 28. Having notches 28 in the glass plane 22 aligned with the crossbar cavities 32, block holes 38 and cover holes 40 maximises the amount of glass in the roof. In this example, the six cover holes 40 are split into two sets of cover holes 40, with each set of cover holes 40 comprising three cover holes 40a, 40b, 40c, on opposing sides of the crossbar cavity 32. Each set of cover holes 40 are mirrored on either side of the block hole 38 about an axis through the block hole 38 parallel to the lateral axis y. FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of one of the roof crossbar attachment locations 26 in FIG. 2, with a pair of fixed covers 42 and an access cover 44 covering the crossbar cavity 32. Each crossbar cavity 32 may be covered with a respective pair of fixed covers 42 and a respective access cover 44. The fixed covers 42 are fixed to the roof structure 24, and in this example to the metal plate 36 of the roof structure 24. The access cover 44 is releasably fixed to the fixed covers 42 to selectively enable access to the block hole 38 and crossbar cavity 32, and thereby to the roof block 34, when the access cover 44 is removed. In this example, the access cover 44 is attached only to the fixed covers 42 which enables precise positioning of the access cover 44 with respect to the fixed covers 42 to provide a flush cover for the crossbar cavity 32. This improves streamlining and reduces noise and rattle of the cover in use. FIG. 4 shows the fixed covers 42 and the access cover 44 of this example independently from the roof structure 24 and glass pane 22. The fixed covers 42 each comprise a shell 45 from which a fixing pin 46, a pair of locating pins 48, and a depth pin 49 extend. The fixing pin 46 and the locating pins 48 are configured to cooperate with the cover holes 40 in the roof structure 24 to precisely locate and fix the fixed covers 42 to the roof structure 24. The fixed covers 42 each further comprise a platform 51 which extends beyond the shell 45, and on which the access cover 44 is configured to rest. In this example, the depth pin 49 comprises an abutting surface which is a predetermined distance from the shell 45, and which is configured to abut a surface of the roof structure 24, in this example a surface of the metal plate 36, to prevent further insertion of the fixed cover 42 into the crossbar cavity 32, thereby constraining the depth of insertion of the fixed cover 42 into the crossbar cavity 32. In other examples, the metal plate may be entirely encapsulated by the plastic encapsulation, such that the depth pin is configured to abut the plastic encapsulation. Referring back to FIG. 2, each set of cover holes 40 in this example comprises a pair of fixing locator holes 40a on opposing sides of the block hole 38, a pair of 2-way locator holes 40b on opposing sides of the block hole 38, and a pair of 4-way locator holes 40c on opposing sides of the block hole 38. In some examples, there may be only a fixing locator hole, and there may be no other locator holes. In other examples, there may be only 2-way or 4-way locator holes, or both 2-way and 4-way locator holes without a fixing locator hole. In this example, the locating pins 48 of each fixed cover 42 are configured to cooperate respectively with the 2-way locator hole 40b and the 4-way locator hole 40c on the same side of the block hole 38 to precisely locate the fixed cover 42 into the crossbar cavity 32. The 2-way locator hole 40b is configured to cooperate with one of the locating pins 48 (i.e., a 2-way pin) to constrain movement of the respective locating pin 48 in one axis (i.e., in two opposing directions). The 4-way locator hole 40c is configured to cooperate with the other of the locating pins 48 (i.e., a 4-way pin) to constrain movement of the respective locating pin 48 in two perpendicular axes (i.e., in four directions, two opposing directions of two perpendicular lines). In this example, the 2-way locator hole 40b comprises a slot having a longitudinal axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis x of the vehicle 10, while the 4-way locator hole 40c comprises a circular hole. The locating pins 48 both have similar profiles (as elaborated below), such that the interaction of the locating pm 48 with the 2-way locator hole 40b, as a slot, enables movement of the 2-way locating pin 48 along two axes (i.e., along the longitudinal axis of the slot 40b and vertically). In other words, the interaction of the 2-way locator hole 40b and the 2-way pin 48 enables movement of the 2-way pin 48 relative to the roof structure 24 along a single axis within a plane comprising the longitudinal axis x and the lateral axis y of the vehicle 10. The interaction of the 4-way locator hole 40c with the 4-way locating pin 48 enables movement of the locating pin 48 only vertically relative to the roof structure 24. In other words, the interaction of the 4-way locator hole 40c and the 4-way pin does not allow movement of the respective locator hole 48 within a plane comprising the longitudinal axis x and the transverse axis y of the vehicle 10. It will be appreciated that, in other examples, the locator holes may comprise a similar profile and the locating pins may comprise differing profiles which achieve the same functionality when they interact together. Having both a locating pin 48 and a fixing pin 46 which can be received in two different cover holes 40 in the respective metal plate 36 enables more precise locating and fixing of the fixed covers 42 to the metal plate 36. The fixing pin 46 can be used to fix the fixed cover 42 to the metal plate 36, while the locating pin 48 can be used to more precisely position the fixed cover 42 with respect to the metal plate 36. In this example, the fixing pin 46 is configured to fix the fixed cover 42 into the crossbar cavity 32 solely by cooperating with a respective fixing locator hole 40a so that the fixing pin 46 constrains movement of the fixed cover 42 away from the roof structure 24. In this example, it can be seen in FIG. 2 that, on both sides of the block hole 38, the 4-way locator hole 40c is closer to the block hole 38 than the 2-way locator hole 40b. Therefore, the 4-way locating pin 48 on the fixed covers 42 are also configured to be closer to the access cover 44 when the access cover 44 is attached to the fixed covers 42. This arrangement ensures that the highest tolerance location of each of the fixed covers 42 is closest to the access cover 44 so that the access cover 44 attachment to, and between, the fixed covers 42 has the highest possible tolerance. Referring back to FIG. 4, in this example, the locating pins 48 comprise a cross profile extending along an axis having, in cross section, four arms which each extend perpendicularly from two adjacent arms. A cross profile provides a lightweight pin which can be used to control the position of the pin in four directions with a high tolerance and which has a high bending strength. In this example, the locating pins 48 comprise a first section 50 extending from the shell 45 (and therefore closest to the shell 45), a second section 52 extending from the first section 50 and a third section 54 extending from the second section 52. The arms of the cross profile in the first section 50 are longer than in the second section 52. This provides a resting surface 56 between the first section 50 and the second section 52 which can abut the surface of the metal plate 36 when the fixed cover 42 has been pushed into the crossbar cavity 32 to a predetermined depth, while the second section 52 and third section 54 can be inserted into a locator hole 40b, 40c. The locating pins 48 may therefore also be referred to as a combined depth and locating pin, simultaneously functioning to constrain the location and the depth of the fixed cover 42 relative to the roof structure 24. In other examples, there may be more than one separate depth pin provided on the fixed covers which constrain depth of insertion of the fixed cover into the crossbar cavity, or there may be no depth pins at all. The depth pin 49 and the two combined depth and locating pins 48 effectively function as having three depth pins on the fixed cover 42 to constrains the depth of the fixed cover 42 at three points of contact. The three points of contact of the fixed cover 42 on the metal plate 36 stabilise the fixed cover 42 with respect to the roof structure 24. Having two combined depth and locating pins 48 is also more space efficient than having separate depth pins and locating pins. The arms of the third section 54 of the locating pins 48 taper longitudinally from the second section 52 to form a point at the end of the respective locating pins 48. A tapering end to form a point provides for easier insertion of the locating pin 48 into the respective cover hole 40, which helps to urge the locating pin 48 into its precise position with respect to the cover hole 40. The fixing pin 46 shown in FIG. 4 is a snap fit pin which is configured to snap fit into the respective fixing locator hole 40a to fix the fixed cover 42 into the crossbar cavity 32 to at least partially cover the crossbar cavity 32. It comprises two opposing hooked cantilevers which elastically deflect upon entry to the fixing locator hole 40a and snap back into their original position so that the hook abuts the underside of the fixing locator hole 40a. In this example, a surface of the hooked cantilevers which abuts the underside of the fixing locator hole 40a is angled such that each fixed cover 42 can be disposed at different depths and the snap fit pin will still abut the metal plate 36 to prevent rattle of the fixed cover 42 in use. In this example, the length of the depth pin 49 is configured to ensure that the fixing pin 46 can snap fit into the fixing locator hole 40a before the depth pin 49 abuts the metal plate 36. Having the fixing locator holes 40a and fixing pins 46 in the fixed covers 42 enables a simple method of fixing the fixed covers 42 to a respective metal plate 36. FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of the roof crossbar attachment location 26 through one of the fixed covers 42. It can be seen that the fixed cover 42 is at least partially covering the crossbar cavity 32, and that the fixing pin 46 and the locating pins 48 are inserted into respective cover holes 40 such that the resting surface 56 of the locating pins 48 is abutting the metal plate 36. In this example, the metal plate 36 is encapsulated by the plastic encapsulation 30 to form the roof structure 24. In this example, the metal plate 36 comprises a base 64 and a flange 66 in cross-section to form an L-shaped section. The base 64 comprises the block hole 38 (not shown in FIG. 5) and the cover holes 40, and the flange 66 is disposed on a side opposing the glass pane 22 to provide lateral support to the plastic encapsulation 30. The metal plate 36 at least partially overlaps the glass pane 22 and the plastic encapsulation is disposed substantially between overlapping sections of the metal plates 36 and the glass pane 22. Having the plastic encapsulation 30 disposed between the metal plate 36 and glass plane 22 where they overlap reduces the shear stress which is carried in the plastic. A seal 68 is provided on an outer surface of the plastic encapsulation 30 and the roof structure 24 and is configured to seal the fixed glass roof 20 with the frame of the vehicle 10. Having a roof structure 24 comprising a unitary plastic encapsulation 30 moulded around the glass pane 22 in this manner enables a single strip of seal 68 to extend along the length of the roof structure 24, which produces a better seal with the frame of the vehicle 10. FIG. 6 shows the access cover 44 being inserted between the fixed covers 42 which are fixed to the roof structure 24. The access cover 44 comprises an engagement tab 60 on one end and a U-shaped snap-fit clip 62 on the opposing end. The engagement tab 60 is configured to engage with a slot 70 in one of the fixed covers 42, which in this example is formed by a gap in the platform 51 of the respective fixed cover 42. The U-shaped snap-fit clip 62 comprises a U-shaped clip having a spine with legs extending from the spine to form a U-shape, where the legs are configured to flex towards one another to enable snap fit of the clip to a recess 72 in the platform 51 of the other fixed cover 42, to releasably fix the access cover 44 to the fixed covers 42. One of the legs, facing the platform 52, comprises a pair of protrusions (not shown) which are disposed on opposing sides of the platform 51 to fix the U-shaped snap fit clip 62 to the platform 51. This provides for a repeatable release and engagement of the access cover 44 to the pair of fixed covers 42, so that a user can remove the access cover 44 to provide access to the roof block 34, and re-attach the access cover 44 to the fixed covers 42 to fully cover the crossbar cavity 32. This also enables the access over 44 to be attached and fixed only to the fixed covers 42, and not to the roof structure 24, which allows for higher tolerance placement of the access cover 44 relative to the fixed covers 42, and thereby improves streamlining of the covers. When the engagement tab 60 has been inserted into the slot 70 in the fixed cover 42, and when the U shaped snap-fit clip 60 is engaged with the other of the pair of fixed covers 42, the engagement tab 60 is configured to push the fixed cover 42 to which it is engaged away from the fixing locator hole 40a (i.e., away from the metal tray 36), so that the angled surface of the fixing locating pin 46 is pushed against the underside of the fixing locator hole 40a. This holds the fixed cover 42 tightly in place, so that it reduces rattle and noise of the fixed cover 42 and the access cover 44 when the vehicle 10, to which the roof structure 24 is mounted, moves. FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the access cover 44 being engaged with the fixed covers 42. In this example, the engagement tab 60 of the access cover 44 is configured to engage with the fixed cover 42 on the forward end of the roof structure 24 (on the left-hand side of FIG. 7) when the roof structure 24 is mounted to the vehicle (i.e., along the longitudinal axis denoted by x in FIGS. 6 and 7). This means that, in the event that the U-shaped snap-fit clip 62 is not properly engaged with the fixed cover 42 on the backward end (as shown in FIG. 7 on the right hand side), wind from movement of the vehicle, which would be traveling in the direction of arrow x in FIG. 7, will not blow the access cover 44 off, but rather push the access cover 44 down, and engage the U-shaped snap-fit clip 62 of the access cover 44 to fix it to the fixed covers 42. In a similar manner to the fixing of the fixed covers 42 to the roof structure 24, in this example, each access cover 44 comprises a 2-way pin 74 and a 4-way pin 76, which are configured to cooperate respectively with a 2-way locator hole 78 in one of the fixed covers 42 and a 4-way locator hole 80 in the other of the pair of fixed covers 42 (shown in FIG. 6). In this example, the 2-way pin 74 and the 4-way pin 76 comprise similar profiles, the 2-way locator hole 78 is in the form of a slot extending longitudinally (i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis x of the vehicle 10) in the fixed cover 42, and the 4-way locator hole 80 is in the form of a circular hole in the respective fixed cover 42. Having the 2-way locator hole 78 and corresponding 2-way pm 74, and the 4-way locator hole 80 and corresponding 4-way pin 76 ensures that the access cover 44 can be precisely positioned with respect to the fixed covers 42 without over-constraining its positioning. It will be appreciated that, in other examples, the 2-way pin may comprise a different profile to the 4-way pin, and the corresponding 2-way locator hole and the 4-way locator hole may comprise similar profiles to enable the same functionality. In this example, it can be seen that the 4-way pin 76 of the access cover 44 and the corresponding 4-way locator hole 78 are located on the side of the access cover 44 comprising the U-shaped snap-fit clip 62. Since the 4-way pin 76 and the corresponding 4-way locator hole 80 provide the highest tolerance location, this ensures that the highest tolerance location of the access cover 44 is closest to the U-snap fit clip 62 (i.e., the access cover’s 44 fixing point to the fixed cover 42), which ensures the most secure attachment possible. Having an access cover 44 which is attached to the fixed covers 42, and only the fixed covers 42, enables precise location of the access cover 44 to provide a flush cover for the crossbar cavity 32, which can be removed by the user to provide access to the roof block 34 via the block hole 38 and crossbar cavity 32. This combination reduces rattle and noise of the whole cover (including the fixed covers 42 and the access cover 44) for the crossbar cavity 32. The fixing locator holes 40a and fixing pins 46 of the fixed covers 42 enables a simple method of fixing the fixed covers 42 to the roof structure 24. FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of a roof structure 24 with a close-up, expanded view of one of four roof crossbar attachment locations 26, which are each configured to receive and secure ends of a respective roof crossbar 27. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in comprising a plastic encapsulation 130 moulded around a perimeter of the glass pane 22, and a crossbar cavity 132 in the plastic encapsulation 130 which is aligned with a respective notch 28 in the glass pane 22 so that the plastic encapsulation 130 and the glass pane 22 together provide a generally rectangular shape. In this example, the plastic encapsulation 130 entirely encapsulates the metal plate (not shown), so that none of the metal plate is exposed. In other examples, the metal plate may have some exposed parts. The metal plates and the plastic encapsulation 130 comprises a block hole 138 for enabling access to a roof block (not shown), and six cover holes 140 (labelled 140a, 140b and 140c in FIG. 8). The crossbar cavities 132 are therefore configured to provide access to the respective block hole 138, and thereby to the roof block 34. The crossbar cavities 132 are also configured to provide access to the respective cover holes 140. In this example, the plastic encapsulation 130 comprises a shell platform 147 which extends around the perimeter of the crossbar cavity 132. The block hole 138 spans the width of the crossbar cavity 132 between the edges of the platform 147. As in the first embodiment, in some examples, there may be no metal plate provided in the roof structure. As in the first embodiment, in this example, the six cover holes 140 are split into two sets of cover holes 140, with each set of cover holes 140 comprising four cover holes 140a, 140b, 140c on opposing sides of the crossbar cavity 132. Each set of cover holes 140 are mirrored on either side of the block hole 138 about an axis through the block hole 138 parallel to the lateral axis y. In this example, some of the cover holes 140b are through holes, and some of the cover holes 140a, 140c are blind holes, in other words, recesses. In other examples, there may be any suitable number of cover holes. As in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, there are two fixed covers 142 and one access cover 144 per roof crossbar attachment location 26, which are similar to the fixed covers 42 and access cover 44 in the first embodiment, in that they are configured to cover the crossbar cavity 132. In FIG. 8, the fixed covers 142 and the access cover 144 are shown separated from the roof structure 24 for clarity. FIG. 9 shows an underside view of fixed covers 142 and access cover 144 independently from the roof structure 24 and the glass pane 22. The fixed covers 142 and access cover 144 in the second embodiment differ from those in the first embodiment as set out below and shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The fixed covers 142 each comprise a shell 145 from which a fixing pin 146 and three locating pins 148 (labelled 148a and 148b on FIG. 9) extend or protrude. In this example, the locating pins 148 comprise of two securing locating pins 148a and one 3-way locating pin 148b. In other examples, there may be only a single securing locating pin 148a or any suitable number of securing locating pins and 2-way or 3-way (multi-way) locating pins. In this example, the 3-way locating pin 148b is configured to cooperate with the blind cover hole 140c, and is configured to constrain movement of the fixed cover 142 along both directions of a first axis (the lateral axis, y, in this example), in a similar manner to the 2-way locating pin and corresponding 2-way locator hole of the first embodiment, and to further constrain movement of the fixed cover 142 in a third direction (along the longitudinal axis, x) perpendicular to the axis. As in the first embodiment, the fixing pin 146 and the locating pins 148 are configured to cooperate with the cover holes 140 in the roof structure 24 to precisely locate and fix the fixed covers 142 to the roof structure 24. The fixing pin 146 is a snap-fit pin, in the form of a cantilevered arm which extends from the shell 145 along the longitudinal axis, x, which is configured to cooperate with a fixing locator hole 140a, which is a blind hole. The access cover 144 is configured to attach between and to the fixed covers 142 to enable precise positioning of the access cover 144 relative to the fixed covers 142 to provide a flush cover for the crossbar cavity 132. In this manner, each fixed cover 142 can be fixed to the roof structure 24 by inserting the securing locating pins 148a into the locator through holes 140b, sliding the respective fixed covers 142 away from the block hole 138 to slide the T-shaped bar 148a under the overhangs 164 and to engage the 3-way locating pin 148b with the locator blind hole 140c until the fixing pin 146 snaps into the fixing locator hole 140a, thereby constraining movement of the fixed cover 142 in a fourth direction (along the longitudinal axis, x, opposing the third direction), such that, between the 3-way pin 148b cooperating with the 3-way locator hole 140c, and the fixing pin 146 cooperating with the fixing locator hole 140a, movement of the fixed cover 142 is constrained in four directions (along both the longitudinal axis, x and the lateral axis, y). The locator pins 146 cooperating with the locator holes 140b, and the shell 145 cooperating with the shell platform 147 further constrain movement of the fixed cover along the vertical axis, z. In this example, the fixing pin is configured to fix the fixed cover 142 into the crossbar cavity 132 by cooperating with the respective fixing locator hole 140a and constrains movement of the fixed cover 142 away from the roof structure 24 by fixing the locating pin 148a in a position in which the locating pin 148a constrains movement of the fixed cover 142 away from the roof structure 42. In this example, only one of the pair of fixed covers 142, towards the backward end, comprises a platform 151 extending away from the shell 145 towards the block hole 138 on which the access cover 144 is configured to rest. The platform 151 is similar to the platform 51 comprising the recess 72 and the 4-way locator hole 80, in the first example. The other fixed cover 142, towards the forward end, comprises a pair of protruding holds 154 which are configured to form a slot 170. An engagement tab 60 extending from the access cover 144 is configured to engage with the slot 170 to constrain movement of the access cover 144 relative to the fixed cover 142 along the lateral axis, y, thereby acting as a 2-way pin on the access cover 144. The shell platform 147 in this example is also configured to hold the access cover 144 at the correct depth in a similar manner to the fixed cover 142. In a similar manner to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the access cover 144 comprises a U-shaped snap fit clip 62 and a 4-way pin 76 provided on the same side of the access cover 144, on the backward end of the vehicle 10. Although the pair of fixed covers 42, 142 in each crossbar cavity 32, 132 have similar features in the first and second embodiment, those features may be arranged on each fixed cover 42, 142 in a handed manner, such that they are not identical. This enables fail safe insertion of the pair of fixed covers 42 into the respective crossbar cavities 32, 132 such that they are the correct way around for attachment of the access cover 44, 144. Although it has been described that the glass pane 22 comprises notches 28, in other examples, the glass pane may not have any notches. Rather, the plastic encapsulation may comprise a thicker profile to accommodate a plurality of crossbar cavities to allow for access to a roof block 34. Having notches in the glass aligned with the crossbar cavities, block holes and cover holes reduces the total width of the roof whilst maximising the amount of glass, and thereby minimising the amount of plastic, for a roof structure having a simple profile, such as a rectangular profile. Although it has been described that there are six cover holes 40, 140 provided in the metal plates or in the plastic encapsulation, there may be no cover holes, or there may be any suitable number of cover holes, such as at least one cover hole, at least two covers holes, three, four, five or more than six cover holes. For example, there may be only one set of three cover holes, rather than two sets mirrored on either side of the block hole. In yet further examples, there may be only a single cover hole which functions simultaneously as a fixing locator hole and a 2-way or 4-way locator hole. Although it has been described that there are two fixed covers 42 for every crossbar cavity 32, in some examples, there may be only one fixed cover. For example, the fixed cover may comprise a spine connecting two opposing parts on either side of the block hole or may simply be on just one side of the block hole, with corresponding cover holes being only on one side of the block hole. The access cover may, in such a case, be releasably attached to a single fixed cover and to the plastic encapsulation. Having two separate fixed covers 42, however, enables a narrower design for the notch in the glass pane 22. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing steps of a method of manufacturing the fixed glass roof 20 fora vehicle 10. In step S102, the method comprises receiving the glass pane 22, which comprises the plurality of notches 28. Step S104 comprises receiving a plurality of metal plates 36, which may optionally be manufactured in steps S106-S110. In step S106, the method comprises receiving a plurality of metal sheets, which are each configured to be manufactured into a single metal plate 36. In other examples, a single metal sheet may be received, from which multiple metal plates 36 may be formed. In step S108, the method comprises stamping the block hole 38, 138 and the cover holes 40, 140 into each metal sheet. In step S110, the method comprises bending an end of the metal sheet into a flange to form the L-shaped profile of the metal plate 36. From step S108, the method may proceed to step S104. In examples where the metal plates comprise only a block hole (and no cover holes) or fewer cover holes, it will be appreciated that step S108 may be modified to stamp only the relevant holes into the metal sheet. In examples where there are no metal plates in the fixed glass roof, the method may omit steps S104-S110. In step S112, the method comprises locating the glass pane 22 and the metal plates 36 in a mould, where the metal plates 36 are each aligned with, and substantially overlapping, a respective one of the notches 28 in the glass pane 22. It will be appreciated that, in examples where there are no metal plates in the fixed glass roof, the method may omit step S112 may be amended to only locate the glass pane in the mould. FIG. 11 schematically shows an example of one of the metal plates 36 and glass pane 22 being located in a mould 90 for the first embodiment of the roof structure 24. The mould 90 comprises position pins 92 for each metal plate 36 in locations corresponding to the desired locations of one of the 4-way locator holes 40c and one of the 2-way locator holes 40b in the metal plate 36 (i.e., corresponding to the location of the locating pins 48 of the fixed covers 42). In other examples, the position pins may correspond to any of the cover hole locations, such as the cover holes 140 in the second embodiment. The metal plates 36 are mounted on to the positioning pins 92 to hold the metal plates 36 accurately in position, in relation to the glass pane 22 and the other metal plates 36. Using positioning pins 92 corresponding to one of the 4-way holes 40c and one of the 2-way holes 40b allows for tolerances in the hole positions of the metal plates 36, and prevents overconstraining the metal plate 36 relative to the mould 90. Having these positioning pins 92 also ensures that the plastic encapsulation 30 is moulded precisely in position around the metal plates. In other examples, the mould may alternatively comprise positioning pins in locations corresponding to the fixing locator holes. Referring back to FIG. 10, in step S114, the method comprises over moulding a plastic encapsulation around the glass pane 22 and the metal plates 36, so that the plastic encapsulation 30 is disposed substantially between overlapping sections of the metal plates 36 and the glass pane 22. The plastic encapsulation is also moulded so that it comprises the plurality of crossbar cavities 32, each crossbar cavity aligned with a respective metal plate 36 and notch 28 and configured to receive an end of a roof crossbar 27. FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing further steps of the method of manufacturing the fixed glass roof 20. In step S116, the method comprises receiving a plurality of fixed covers 42. Specifically, in this example, there are a pair of fixed covers 42, 142 received for every notch 28 in the glass pane 22. In other examples, there may be more or fewer fixed covers received. The opposing fixed covers 42,142 may be formed from a single mould to improve tolerances. In step S118, the method comprises inserting each pairoffixed covers 42,142 into respective crossbar cavities 32, 132 in the plastic encapsulation 30 on opposing sides of the respective crossbar cavity 32, so that fixing pins 46 of the fixed covers 42 are inserted into respective fixing locator holes 40a of the roof structure 24, the 2-way pin 48 is inserted into the respective 2-way locator hole 40b and the 4-way pin 48 is inserted into the respective 4-way locator hole 40c, or so that the locator pins 148 are inserted into the through cover holes 140b, the 3-way pin 148b is inserted into the blind cover hole 140c and the fixing pin 146 is inserted into the fixing locator hole 140a. The method may include pushing the fixed covers 42 in until the fixing pin 46 snap fits into the fixing locator hole 40a, (which can be achieved by pushing until the depth pin 49 and the resting surface 56 of the locating pins 48 abut the respective metal plate 36). The method may include pushing the fixed covers 142 in and sliding the fixed covers 142 away from the block hole 138 until the fixing pin 146 snaps into the fixing locator hole 140a. It will be appreciated that, in examples where there are only 2-way locator holes, or only 4-way locator holes, the method will include only inserting the relevant locating pins into the relevant locator holes. In step S120, the method comprises receiving a plurality of access covers 44, 144. In this example, there is one access cover 44,144 provided for every crossbar cavity 32, 132. In otherwords, in this example, there is one access cover 44,144 provided forevery pairoffixed covers 42,142. It will be appreciated that, in examples where there is only one fixed cover per crossbar cavity, there would be only one access cover per fixed cover. In step S122, the method comprises releasably attaching each access cover 44,144 between the fixed covers 42,142. In this example, the access cover 44,144 would be attached by inserting the engagement tab 60 into the slot 70,170 in one of the fixed covers 42,142 at the forward end of the fixed glass roof 20 and pushing the U-shaped snap-fit clip 62 into the recess 72 of the other fixed cover 42. The combination of metal plates 36, glass pane 22 and plastic encapsulation 30, and the method of manufacturing the glass roof provide a very simple and effective way of precisely positioning a block hole 38, 138 and crossbar cavity 32, 132, in order to receive a crossbar for attaching to a roof block 34, as well as to receive precisely located covers to cover the crossbar cavity 32, 132 when needed. The access covers 44, 144 are flush with the fixed covers 42, 142 to which they are attached when a roof crossbar 27 is not received within the crossbar cavity 32, 132 and block hole 38,138. It will be appreciated that the steps of the method may be carried out in any suitable order. It will be appreciated 5 that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A fixed glass roof for a vehicle, the fixed glass roof comprising:a glass pane;a roof structure comprising:a block hole for enabling access to a roof block for securing a roof crossbar;at least two cover holes for receiving a locating pin and a fixing pin, the at least two cover holes including a fixing locator hole; anda plastic encapsulation moulded around a perimeter of the glass pane, wherein the plastic encapsulation comprises a plurality of crossbar cavities, each crossbar cavity aligned with, and providing access to the block holes and the at least two cover holes; anda fixed cover and an access cover for each crossbar cavity;each fixed cover comprising a fixing pin and a locating pin;wherein the fixing pin is a snap fit pin configured to snap fit into the respective fixing locator hole to fix the fixed cover into the crossbar cavity to at least partially cover the crossbar cavity, andwherein the locating pin is configured to cooperate with a respective cover hole to precisely locate the fixed cover into the crossbar cavity;each access cover being releasably fixed to its respective fixed cover to provide access to the block hole and crossbar cavity when removed.

2. A fixed glass roof according to claim 1, wherein the at least two cover holes includes a multi-way locator hole, wherein the locating pin comprises a multi-way pin which is configured to cooperate with the multi-way locator hole so as to constrain movement of the fixed cover relative to the roof structure along at least a first axis.

3. A fixed glass roof according to claim 2, wherein the multi-way locator hole is a 3-way hole and wherein the multi-way pin is a 3-way pin which is further configured to cooperate with the 3-way hole to constrain movement of the fixed cover relative to the roof structure along one direction of a second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis;wherein the snap fit pin is configured to constrain movement of the fixed cover relative to the roof structure in an opposing direction of the second axis to the 3-way pin such that between the 3-way pin and the fixing pin, movement of the fixed cover is constrained along both directions of the second axis.

4. A fixed glass roof according to any preceding claim, wherein each fixed cover comprises at least one depth pin configured to constrain the movement of the fixed cover into and / or out of the crossbar cavity along a vertical axis.

5. A fixed glass roof according to claim 4, wherein at least one locating pin is a combined depth and locating pin such that it is configured to constrain the movement of the fixed cover into and / or out of the crossbar cavity along the vertical axis.

6. A fixed glass roof according to any claim 5, wherein the fixed cover comprises a shell from which the combined depth and locating pin extends, wherein the combined depth and locating pin comprises a post extending from the shell and a crossbar extending from an end of the post offset from the shell;wherein the respective locator hole comprises a through hole configured to allow the crossbar through, and an overhang in the through hole under which the crossbar can be slid to constrain movement of the fixed cover out of the crossbar cavity.

7. A fixed glass roof according to any of claims 1-2 or 3-5, wherein at least one said locating pin comprises a cross profile extending along an axis.

8. A fixed glass roof according to claim 7, wherein the fixed cover comprises a shell from which the locating pin extends, and the locating pin comprises a first section closest to the shell and a second section extending from the first section, wherein arms of the cross profile are longer in the first section than in the second section.

9. A fixed glass roof according to any preceding claim, comprising a pair of fixed covers for each crossbar cavity;wherein each crossbar cavity provides access to a plurality of cover holes on opposing sides of the crossbar cavity; wherein the pair of fixed covers are fixed to the roof structure at respective cover holes on opposing sides of the crossbar cavity, and wherein the access cover is releasably fixed to, and between, the pair of fixed covers.

10. A fixed glass roof according to any of claims 3-5 or 7-9 when appendant to claim 2, wherein the multi-way hole is a 2-way hole and wherein the multi-way pin is a 2-way pin which is configured to constrain movement of the fixed cover relative to the roof structure along the first axis only, and wherein the at least two cover holes includes a 4-way locator hole, wherein the locating pin comprises a 4-way pin which is configured to cooperate with the 4-way locator hole so as to constrain movement of the fixed cover relative to the roof structure in the first axis and a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis.

11. A fixed glass roof according to claim 10, wherein the 4-way pin on each fixed cover is configured to be closer to the access cover than the 2-way pin when the fixed cover is fixed to the fixing locator hole and the access cover is fixed to the fixed cover.

12. A fixed glass roof according to any of claims 9-11,wherein the access cover comprises a 2-way pin which is configured to engage with a 2-way locator hole in one of the fixed covers so as to constrain movement of the access cover relative to the fixed cover in one axis; andwherein the access cover comprises a 4-way pin which is configured to engage with a 4-way locator hole in the other of the fixed covers so as to constrain movement of the access cover relative to the fixed cover in two axes.

13. A fixed glass roof according to any preceding claim, wherein the access cover comprises an engagement tab on one end and a U-shaped snap-fit clip on the other end, wherein the engagement tab is configured to engage with a slot in one of the pair of fixed covers and wherein the U-shaped snap-fit clip is configured to releasably fix the access cover to the other fixed cover.

14. A fixed glass roof according to claim 13, wherein the engagement tab for each access cover is located at a forward end of the roof structure when the roof structure is mounted on a vehicle.

15. A fixed glass roof according to claim 12 and 13, wherein the 4-way pin of the access cover is located on the side of the access cover which comprises the U-shaped snap-fit clip.

16. A fixed glass roof according to any of claims 13-15, wherein the engagement tab is configured to push the fixed cover to which it is engaged away from the fixing locator hole.

17. A fixed glass roof according to any of claims 1-2, 4-6, 9, or 12-15, wherein the plastic encapsulation provides a platform on which a shell of each fixed cover, from which the fixing pin and the locating pin extends, is configured to rest to constrain the depth at which the fixed cover can be inserted into the crossbar cavity.

18. A vehicle having a fixed glass roof according to any preceding claim.

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