Cot for a child

Abstract

A child’s cot 100 comprises a base 110 for supporting the infant. A lower frame member 140 extends along a side or end of the base, and includes a plurality of first openings (142, fig 3) spaced along

Description

Technical Field The present disclosure relates to a cot for a child and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with a cot for a child with a reduced size when disassembled. Background Before being sold, cots for children are typically packaged in a partially disassembled condition including a number of subassemblies. Packaging the cot in this way reduces the size of the packaged cot and improves the ease which with the cot can be transported. With reference to Figure 1, the subassemblies of a previously proposed cot 2 for a child typically comprise one or more side and / or end wall sub-assemblies 10, 20 for the cot. Such side and end wall sub-assemblies may comprise an upper beam 12, 22, configured to extend horizontally along an upper extent of the side or end wall when the cot is assembled, a lower beam 14, 24 configured to extend along a lower extent of the side or end wall when the cot is assembled, and a plurality of slats or spindles 16, 26 extending vertically between the upper and lower beams. In the arrangement shown in Figure 1, the end wall sub-assemblies further comprise corner posts 28 for the cot provided at opposing lateral sides of the end wall sub-assemblies. As depicted, the corner posts 28 may extend between the upper and lower beams 22, 24 of the end wall sub-assemblies, and may extend below the lower beams 24 to form feet for the cot to stand on. However, in other arrangements, the corner posts may be part of the side wall sub-assemblies 10. The spindles 16, 26 may be spaced apart from one another along the lengths of the side and end walls of the cot. The distance between the spaced apart spindles may be determined based on safety considerations to ensure that no part of a child can become trapped between the spindles. It is therefore typically desirable that the spindles are fixedly located in the side and end sub-assemblies 10, 20, when the cot is sold or delivered to a customer. Accordingly, the side and end wall sub-assemblies 10, 20 may be supplied in a pre-assembled state. The side and end wall sub-assemblies 10, 20 are large portions of the cot, and hence, supplying the side and end wall assemblies as preassembled sub-assemblies of the cot prevents the size of the packaged product from being further reduced. Statements of Invention According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cot for a child, wherein the cot comprises: a base for supporting the child; a lower frame member extending along a side or end of the cot, e.g. at a lower extent of a side or end wall of the cot, wherein the lower frame member may comprise a plurality of first openings spaced along the length of the lower frame member; a side / end wall sub-assembly, wherein the side / end wall sub assembly comprises a plurality of slats, wherein first ends of the slats are coupled to the lower frame member, e.g. received within respective ones of the first openings, so that the slats are spaced along the lower frame member and extend substantially perpendicularly to the lower frame member, and a tether connecting together the plurality of slats, and an upper frame member, wherein the slats extend between the lower frame member and the upper frame member. The upper frame member may comprise a plurality of second openings. The second ends of the slats are coupled to the upper frame member. For example, second ends of the slats may be received in respective ones of the second openings. The upper frame member comprises a recess, wherein the tether is received within the recess. The recess may be formed in a lower surface of the upper frame member. The recess may extend between two, more than two or each of second openings. A depth of the second openings may be greater than a depth of the recess, e.g. relative to a lower surface of the upper frame member. The second openings may comprise a chamfer, fillet or are otherwise shaped such that an area, e.g. cross-sectional area, of the second openings decreases in a direction into the openings. The cot may further comprise a corner post extending between a first end of the lower frame member and a first end of the upper frame member. The cot may comprise a further corner post extending between a second end of the lower frame member and a second end of the upper frame member. The cot may comprise a fastener for coupling the upper frame member to the corner post. The cot may be configured such that coupling the upper frame member to the corner post using the fastener clamps the slats between the lower frame member and the upper frame member. For example, the fastener may be installed in a direction having a component in a direction in which the slats extend between the upper and lower frame member. The lower frame member may be a side lower frame member, e.g. extending along a lateral side of the cot, and the upper frame member may be a side upper frame member. The cot may further comprise an end lower frame member extending along a longitudinal end of the cot, e.g. at a lower extent of an end wall of the cot, and comprising a plurality of third openings spaced along the length of the lower end frame member and an end upper frame member. The cot may further comprise a further side / end wall sub assembly comprising a plurality of further slats. First ends of one or more of the further slats may be received within respective ones of the third openings. The further slats may be connected together by a further tether. One of the side upper frame member and the end upper frame member may overlap the other of the side upper frame member and the end upper frame member at respective ends of the side upper frame member and end upper frame member. The one of the side upper frame member and the end upper frame member may overlap the other of the side upper frame member and the end upper frame member at one of the corner post. The fastener may extend through the side and end upper frame members and clamp the slats and further slats between the side and end lower frame members and the side and end upper frame members, when the upper frame members are coupled to the corner post. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit of parts to be assembled into a cot for a child. The kit of parts comprises: a base for supporting the child; a lower frame member for the cot, wherein the lower frame member is to extend along one side or end of the cot at a lower extent of a side or end wall of the cot. The lower frame member may comprises a plurality of first openings spaced along the length of the lower frame member. The kit of parts further comprises a side / end wall sub-assembly, wherein the side / end wall sub assembly comprises a plurality of slats, wherein first ends of the slats are couplable to the lower frame member. For example, the first ends of the slats may be receivable within the first openings so that the slats are spaced along the lower frame member. The side / end wall sub-assembly further comprises a tether connecting together the plurality of slats; and an upper frame member. The upper frame member may comprise a plurality of second openings. The second ends of the slats may be couplable to the upper frame member. Second ends of the slats may be receivable within respective ones of the second openings. The upper frame member comprises a recess. The tether is receivable within the recess. The lower frame member may be a side lower frame member, e.g. for extending along a lateral side of the cot, and the upper frame member may be a side upper frame member. The kit of parts may further comprise an end lower frame member to extend along a longitudinal end of the cot, e.g. at a lower extent of an end wall of the cot. The end lower frame member may comprise a plurality of third openings spaced along the length of the lower end frame member. The kit of parts may further comprise an end upper frame member. The kjt of parts may further comprise a further side / end wall sub assembly comprising a plurality of further slats. First ends of one or more of the further slats may be receivable within respective ones of the third openings. The further side / end wall sub assembly may further comprise a further tether connecting together the plurality of further slats. The tether may be receivable within a recess formed in the end upper frame member. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of assembling a cot for a child, wherein the cot comprises: a lower frame member, wherein the lower frame member is to extend along one side or end of the cot at a lower extent of a side or end wall of the cot. The lower frame member may comprise a plurality of first openings spaced along the length of the lower frame member. The cot further comprises a side / end wall sub-assembly, wherein the side / end wall sub assembly comprises a plurality of slats. First ends of the slats are couplable to the upper frame member, so that the slats are spaced along the lower frame member and extend substantially perpendicularly to the lower frame member. For example, the first ends of the slats may be configured to be received within respective ones of the first openings. The side / end wall sub-assembly further comprises a tether connecting together the plurality of slats. The cot further comprises an upper frame member. The upper frame member may comprise a plurality of second openings for receiving respective second ends of the spindles and a recess for receiving the tether. The method comprises: coupling the first ends of the slats to the lower frame member, e.g. by inserting the first ends of the slats into respective ones of the first openings; installing the upper frame member such that the second ends of the slats are coupled to the upper frame member, e.g. received within respective ones of the second openings, and so that the tether is received within the recess. The lower frame member may be a lower side frame member and the upper frame member may be an upper side frame member. The cot may further comprise a lower end frame member and an upper end frame member, and an end wall sub assembly. The method may comprise coupling the first ends of the slats of the end wall sub assembly to the lower end frame member, e.g. by inserting the first ends of the slats of the end wall sub assembly into respective ones of the first openings of the lower end frame member. The method may further comprise installing the upper end frame member such that the second ends of the slats of the end wall sub assembly are coupled to the upper end frame member, e.g. received within respective ones of the second openings in the upper end frame member, and so that the tether of the end wall sub-assembly is received within the recess of the upper end frame member. One of the upper side frame member and the upper end frame member may at least partially overlap the other at a corner of the cot. The method may further comprise coupling the upper frame member to the lower frame member, such that the slats are clamped between the upper and lower frame members. Coupling the upper frame member to the lower frame member may comprise installing a fastener in a direction having a component in a direction in which the slats extend between the upper and lower frame member. The fastener may be installed at a position at which the upper side frame member and upper end frame member overlap in the direction in which the fastener is installed. To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention. For example, features described in relation to the first mentioned aspect may be combined with the features of the second mentioned aspect. Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a previously proposed cot for a child comprising preassembled side and end wall subassemblies; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a cot for a child according to arrangements of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a perspective, exploded view of the cot shown in Figures 2 with upper frame members omitted; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cot shown in Figures 2 and 3, illustrating the assembly of upper side frame members to the cot; Figure 5 is a perspective detail view showing the assembly of upper side frame members to the cot; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the cot shown in Figures 2 to 5, illustrating the assembly of upper end frame members to the cot; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the cot shown in Figures 2 to 6, illustrating the installation of fasteners for coupling the upper frame members to the cot; Figure 8 is a view illustrating a kit of parts to be assembled in to a cot for a child according to arrangements of the present disclosure; and Figure 9 is a flow chart depicting a method of assembling a cot for a child according to arrangements of the present disclosure. Detailed Description With reference to Figure 2, a cot 100 for a child according to arrangements of the present disclosure comprises a base 110, for supporting a child within the cot 100, first and second lateral side walls 120a, 120b and first and second longitudinal end walls 130a, 130b. The first and second lateral side walls 120a, 120b and first and second longitudinal end walls 130a, 130b may together define and interior space 103 of the cot 100 within which the child is received. As illustrated in Figure 2, the base 110 may comprise a plurality of base slats 112 extending laterally across the cot 200, e.g. between first and second opposing lateral sides 100a, 100b of the cot. The base slats 112 may be spaced longitudinally between longitudinal ends 100c, 100d of the cot, e.g. between a head end 100c and a foot end 100d of the cot. The base, e.g. the base slats 112, may define a base surface on which a mattress (not shown) may be supported. The cot 100 further comprises one or more lower frame members 140. The lower frame members 140 may extend around a perimeter of the base 110. In particular, the cot may comprise first and second side lower frame members 140a, 140b, which extend, in longitudinal directions of the lower frame members, along first and second opposing lateral sides 110a, 110b of the base 110 respectively. In some arrangements, not shown, ends of the base slats 112 may be coupled to the first and second lateral lower frame members 140a, 140b on either lateral side of the cot and the base slats 112 may be supported on the cot 100 by the first and second lateral lower frame members 140a, 140b. The first and second side lower frame members 140a, 140b may define lower extents of the side walls 120a, 120b of the cot respectively. The lower frame members 140 may further comprise first and second end lower frame members 140c, 140d, which extend, in longitudinal directions of the lower frame members, along first and second opposing longitudinal ends of the base 110 respectively. The first and second end lower frame members 140c, 140d may define lower extents of the end walls 120c, 120d of the cot respectively. The longitudinal directions of the lower frame members may be substantially horizontal when the cot is assembled. Although in the arrangement shown, the lower frame members 140a, 140b, 140c, 140b are aligned with the base 110, e.g. in a vertical direction, in other arrangements the lower frame members may be spaced apart from the base, e.g. in a vertical direction. For example, the lower frame members may extend about the perimeter of the cot below the base, so that the side walls and end walls extend below the base 110. The cot 100 further comprises one or more upper frame members 150. In particular, the cot may comprise first and second side upper frame members 150a, 150b and first and second upper end frame members 150c, 150b. The upper frame members 150 may respectively define upper extents of the side and end walls 120a, 120a, 120c, 120d of the cot. The first and second side upper frame members 150a, 150b may be spaced apart, e.g. vertically spaced apart, from the first and second side lower frame members 140a, 140b respectively. Similarly, the first and second end upper frame members 150c, 150d may be spaced apart, e.g. vertically spaced apart, from the first and second end lower frame members 140c, 140d respectively. Longitudinal directions of the upper frame members may be substantially horizontal when the cot is assembled. The upper frame members 150 may at least partially define an opening into the interior space 103 of the cot. For example, the upper frame members 150 may form a rim around the opening into the interior space 103. Referring now to Figure 3 in addition to Figure 2, the cot 100 further comprises one or more side / end wall sub-assemblies 200. Each of the side / end wall sub-assemblies 200 may extend, e.g. vertically, between lower and upper frame members of the cot 110 to at least partially form one or more of the side and / or end walls of the cot. For example, the cot may comprise a first side wall sub-assembly 202, which extends vertically between the first lower side frame member 140a and the first upper side frame member 150a, a second side wall sub-assembly 204, which extends vertically between the second lower side frame member 140b and the second upper side frame member 150b, a first end wall sub-assembly 206, which extends vertically between the first lower end frame member 140c and the first upper end frame member 140b and a second end wall sub-assembly 208, which extends vertically between the second lower end frame member 140d and the second upper end frame member 150d. The side / end wall assemblies 200 may comprise a plurality of slats 210. Each of the slats 210 may have a first end 210a and a second end 210b and a body part 210c extending between the first and second ends. In the arrangement shown, the body part is substantially cylindrical however, in other arrangements the body parts of the slats may be any other shape in cross-section. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the slats may vary along the lengths of the slats between the first and second ends. The first ends 210a of the slats 210 may be coupled to the lower frame member(s) of the corresponding side / end wall(s) and the second ends 210b of the slats may be coupled to the upper frame member(s) of the corresponding side / end wall (as shown in Figure 2). As depicted, the slats 210 may be coupled to the lower and upper frame members 140, 150 such that the slats 210 extends substantially perpendicularly to the lower and upper frame members. For example, the slats 210 may extend vertically between the lower and upper frame members, e.g. when the cot is assembled. The slats 210 may be coupled to the lower and upper frame members such that the slats 210 are spaced apart from one another, e.g. evenly spaced apart from one another, along the lengths of the lower and upper frame members, e.g. across the side / end wall of the cot. As illustrated in Figure 2, the lower frame members 140 may comprise a plurality of first openings 142 formed in an upper surface 144 of the respective lower frame members. The first openings 142 may be spaced apart from one another along the length of the lower fame members 140 between first and second longitudinal ends of the lower frame members. The first ends 210a of the slats may be received within the first openings 142 in the lower frame members, e.g. respective ones of the first openings, in order to couple the first ends of the slats to the lower frame members. As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the upper frame members 150 may comprise a plurality of second openings 152 formed in a lower surface 154 of the respective upper frame members. The second openings may be spaced apart from one another along the length of the upper fame members between the first and second ends of the upper frame members. The second ends 210b of the slats may be received within the second openings in the second frame members in order to couple the second ends of the slats to the upper frame members. As depicted, the first and second ends 210a, 210b of the slats may comprise a portion of the slats configured, e.g. shaped, to be received within the first and second openings 142, 152 respectively. For example, the first and / or second ends 210a, 210b of the slats may comprise cylindrical portions having a diameter less than a diameter of the openings 142, 152. The first and / or second ends of the slats may have a diameter less than a diameter, or maximum dimension of a cross-sectional shape, of the body part of the slats. In some arrangements, the size and / or shape of the first and second ends 210a, 201b may be different from one another, e.g. such that the first ends cannot be received within the second openings and vice versa. With reference to Figures 4, 5 and 6, the upper frame members 150 may be assembled onto the cot 100 by rotating the upper frame members about a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the respective upper frame members, e.g. extending between first and second longitudinal ends of the respective upper frame members 150. In particular, the upper frame members 150 may initially be arranged such that the lower surfaces 154 of the upper frame members 150 are tilted outwardly relative to the interior space of the cot, e.g. towards the slats 210 to which they are to be coupled. The upper frame members 150 may then be rotated about their respective longitudinal axes, and optionally translated downwards, e.g. towards the slats 210, so that the second ends 210b of the slats are received within the second openings 152 formed in the upper frame member. Assembling the upper frame member 150 in this way may improve the ease of assembly by providing a user with improved vision of the second openings 152 and the second ends 210b of the slats during the assembly procedure. Referring particularly to Figure 5, the second openings 152 may comprise a fillet, chamfer, or other suitable shape 152a for guiding the second ends 210b of the slats into the second openings 152 when the upper frame members are assembled onto the cot, e.g. by self-aligning the second ends 210b of the slates within the second openings as the second ends are brought into the second openings. Providing the fillet, chamfer, or other feature, may facilitate assembly of the upper frame members 150 to the cot using the procedure described above with reference to Figure 4. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the side / end wall sub-assemblies 200 may further comprise a tether 220. The tether 220 connects together the plurality of slats 210 of the side / end wall sub-assembly. For example, the tether 220 may comprise a string, rope, cord or strap. The slats 210 may each comprise a bore through which the tether passes. The slats 210 may be coupled to the tether at a position at or close to the second ends 210b of the slats, e.g. closer to the second ends that the first ends of the slats. In some arrangements, the slats may be movably, e.g. slidably, coupled to the tether 220, so that the position of the slat along the length of the tether can vary. Alternatively, one, more than one or each of the slats 210 may be coupled to the tether 220 at a fixed position along the length of the tether. By connecting the slats 210 of each side / end wall sub assembly 200 together using the tether, the process of assembling the cot may be made easier, as described below. Further, connecting the slats 210 of each side / end wall sub assembly 200 together using the tether 220 may ensure that the correct number of slats 210 is installed at the side / end walls when the cot is assembled. Connecting the slats 210 of each side / end wall sub assembly 200 together using the tether 220 may also ensure that appropriately dimensioned gaps are present between the slats forming the side / end walls. Ensuring appropriately dimensioned gaps are present between the slats forming the side / end walls may improve the safety and function of use of the cot, e.g. by preventing a child becoming trapped or entangled between the slats. Returning to Figure 5, the upper frame members 150 comprise a recess 156. The recess 156 may be formed in the lower surface 154 of the upper frame member 150 and may extend along a length of the upper frame member between the first and second ends of the upper frame member. The recess may be configured, e.g. shaped, such that at least a portion of the tether 220 is received within the recess 154 when the cot 100 is assembled. As depicted, the recess may extend between two, more than two, or each of the openings 152 formed in the upper frame member 150, e.g. in order to receive the portion of the tether extending between the slats received in each of the openings 152. A depth of the second openings 152 may be greater than a depth of the recess 156 relative to the lower surface of the upper frame member. In some arrangements, the second openings 152 may be formed in the bottom of the recess 156. The cot 100 may further comprise one or more corner posts 160. For example, the cot may comprise four corner posts 160a, 160b, 160c, 160d with one being provided at each corner of the cot. The corner posts 160 may extend between the lower and upper frame members at the corners of the cot 100. The corner posts may extend substantially vertically. Ends, e.g. longitudinal ends, of the lower and upper frame members may be coupled to the corner posts. As depicted, longitudinal end faces of the lower frame members 140 may abut side surfaces, e.g. vertical side surfaces, of the corner posts 160 and the lower frame members may be coupled to the corner posts at the longitudinal end faces of the lower frame members using any desirable method. As shown in Figure 7, ends portions of the upper frame members 150, e.g. at either longitudinal end of the upper frame members, may overlap longitudinal ends of the corner posts. Longitudinal end faces of the corner posts may be substantially horizontal. The upper frame members 150 may be coupled to the corner ports at the horizontal longitudinal end faces of the corner posts. With reference to Figure 7, the cot 100 may further comprise one or more fasteners 170 for coupling the upper frame members 150 to the corner posts 160. For example, the cot may comprise a first fastener 170a for coupling the first side upper frame member 150a to the first corner post 160a, e.g. at the first (longitudinal) end of the first side upper frame member, and a second fastener 170b for coupling the first side upper frame member 150a to the second corner post 160b, e.g. at the second (longitudinal) end of the first side upper frame assembly. The cot 100 may comprise a third fastener 170c for coupling the second side upper frame member 150b to the third corner post 160c, e.g. at the first (longitudinal) end of the second side upper frame member, and a fourth fastener 170d for coupling the second side upper frame member 150b to the fourth corner post 160d, e.g. at the second (longitudinal) end of the second side upper frame assembly 150b. As illustrated in Figure 7, the cot 100, e.g. the upper frame members 150, corner posts 160 and the fasteners 170, may be configured such that the first end upper frame member 150c is coupled to the first corner post 160a by the first fastener 170a and is coupled to the third corner post 160c by the third fastener 170c. Additionally, the cot 100, e.g. the upper frame members 150, corner posts 160 and the fasteners 170, may be configured such that the second end upper frame member 150d is coupled to the second corner post 160b by the second fastener 170b and is coupled to the fourth corner post 160d by the fourth fastener 170d. In the arrangement shown in Figure 7, the first and second end upper frame members 150a, 150b overlap the first and second side upper frame members 150c, 150d at the corner posts 160. However, in other arrangements, the first and second side upper frame members 150c, 150d overlap the first and second end upper frame members 150a, 150b at the corner posts 160. Further, in the arrangement depicted, the upper frame members are configured, e.g. shaped, to form a lap joint, e.g. a half lap joint, between the end and side upper frame members at the corner posts. However, in other arrangements the upper frame members may be configured in any other way such that the first and second end upper frame members 150a, 150b overlap the first and second side upper frame members 150c, 150d or the first and second side upper frame members 150c, 150d overlap the first and second end upper frame members 150a, 150b at the corner posts 160. For example, the upper frame members may be configured, e.g. shaped, to form a mortice and tenon joint, dovetail joint, or any other type of joint between the end and side upper frame members at the corner posts. The cot 100 may be configured such that coupling the upper frame members 150 to the corner posts 160 using the fasteners 170 clamps the slats between the lower frame members and the upper frame members. For example, the fasteners 170 may comprise threaded fasteners, such as bolts or screws, and a central axis of a threaded portion of the fasteners may be at least partially aligned with a direction in which the slats extend between the lower and upper frame members, e.g. a vertical direction. The cot 200 may further comprise one or more legs 120. In use of the cot, the legs 120 may be stood on a floor / ground surface and may support the base 110 and side and end wall sub-assemblies of the cot relative to the floor / ground surface. With reference to Figure 8 a kit of parts 800 to be assembled into a cot for a child, such as the cot 100 will now be described. In general, the kit of parts 800 may comprise one, more than one or each of the components of the cot 100 described above. As depicted in Figure 8, the kit of parts 800 comprises a base 810 for supporting the child. The base may comprise a plurality of may comprise a plurality of base slats 812 extending laterally across the base and may comprise a plurality of longitudinal base members 814 to which the slats 812 are coupled. The base 810 may be supported on the cot via the longitudinal base members. The kit of parts 800 further comprises a lower frame member for the cot 840a, wherein the lower frame member is to extend along one side or end of the cot at a lower extent of a side or end wall of the cot. The lower frame member 840a may be configured in the same way as the lower frame member 140a described above. The kit of parts 800 further comprises a side / end wall sub-assembly 820 comprising a plurality of slats 822, and a tether 824 connecting together the plurality of slats. The side / end wall sub assembly may be configured in the same way as the side / end wall sub-assemblies 120 described above. The kit of parts 800 further comprises an upper frame member 850. The upper frame member 850 comprises a plurality of second openings. The second ends of the slats are receivable within respective ones of the second openings. The upper frame member 850 comprises a recess. The tether of the side / end wall sub-assembly 820 is receivable within the recess. The lower frame member may be a side lower frame member 840a, for extending along a lateral side of the cot, and the upper frame member may be a side upper frame member 850a. The kit of parts 800 may further comprise an end lower frame member 840c to extend along a longitudinal end of the cot at a lower extent of an end wall and an end upper frame member 850c. The end lower frame member 840c and the upper end frame member may be configured in the same way as the end lower frame member 140c and upper end frame member 150c described above. The kit of parts 800 may comprise a further side lower frame member 840b, for extending along the other lateral side of the cot, and a further side upper frame member 850b. Additionally, the kit of parts may comprise a further end lower frame member 840d to extend along the other longitudinal end of the cot at a lower extent of an end wall and a further end upper frame member 850d. The lower frame members 840 may be configured in the same way as the lower frame members 140 described above. The kjt of parts 800 may further comprises one or more further side / end wall sub assembly comprising a plurality of further slats and a tether connecting together the plurality of slats. First ends of the one or more of the further slats of each of the further side / end wall sub assemblies may be receivable openings formed in the respective further lower frame members and the tethers may be receivable within a recess formed in the respective corresponding further upper frame members. With reference to Figure 9, a method 900 for assembling a cot for a child, such as the cot 100, will now be described. The method 900 is for assembling cot comprising a lower frame member comprises a plurality of first openings spaced along the length of the lower frame member. The lower frame member may be to extend along one side or end of a base of the cot. The cot to be assembled accordingly to the method further comprises a side / end wall assembly comprising a plurality of slats, and a tether connecting together the plurality of slats. The cot to be assembled according to the method 900 further comprises an upper frame member comprising a plurality of second openings, e.g. spaced along the length of the upper frame member. The upper frame member further comprises a recess for receiving the tether. The method 900 comprises a first step 902, in which first ends of the slats are inserted into respective ones of the first openings formed in the lower frame member. When the first ends are installed into the first openings, the slats may be spaced, e.g. substantially evenly spaced, along the lower frame member. Further, when the first ends of the slats are received within the first openings, the slats may extend from the lower frame member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lower frame member. In other words, directions extending between the longitudinal ends of the lower frame member and the slats may be perpendicular to each other. When the first ends of the of the slats are received within the first openings, the tether may act to maintain the slats in a vertical direction. For example, the tether, and the connections between the slats and adjacent slats by the tether, may act to resist displacement of the slats from its vertical alignment. The method 900 further comprises a second step 904, in which the upper frame member is installed such that the second ends of the slats are received within respective ones of the second openings, and the tether is received within the recess. Installing the upper frame member may comprise rotating the upper frame member about a longitudinal axis, e.g. extending in a longitudinal direction of the upper frame member between first and second longitudinal ends of the upper frame members 150. As described above, the upper frame members 150 may initially be arranged such that the lower surface of the upper frame member is tilted outwardly relative to the interior space of the cot. The upper frame member 150 may then be rotated about its longitudinal axis, and optionally translated downwards, e.g. towards the slats, so that the second ends of the slats are received within the second openings formed in the upper frame member. The lower frame member may be a lower side frame member and the upper frame member may be an upper side frame member. The cot to be assembled according to the method 900 may further comprises a lower end frame member and an upper end frame member, and an end wall sub assembly. The method 900 may comprise a third step 906, in which the first ends of the slats of the end wall sub assembly are inserted into respective ones of the first openings of the lower end frame member. The method may further comprise a fourth step 908, in which the upper end frame member is installed such that the second ends of the slats of the end wall sub assembly are received within respective ones of the second openings in the upper end frame member, and the tether of the end wall sub-assembly is received within the recess of the upper end frame member. The upper frame members may be assembled such that one of the upper side frame member and the upper end frame member at least partially over laps the other at a corner of the cot. For example, the upper frame members may overlap at corner posts of the cot, as described above. The method may further comprise a fourth step 908, in which the upper frame member is coupled to the lower frame member, such that the slats are clamped between the upper and lower frame members. Coupling the upper frame member to the lower frame member may comprise installing a fastener in a direction having a component in a direction in which the slats extend between the upper and lower frame member. The fastener may be installed at a position at which the upper side frame member and upper end frame member overlap in the direction in which the fastener is installed. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more exemplary examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cot for a child, wherein the cot comprises:a base for supporting the child;a lower frame member extending along a side or end of the cot at a lower extent of a side or end wall of the cot, wherein the lower frame member comprises a plurality of first openings spaced along the length of the lower frame member;a side / end wall sub-assembly, wherein the side / end wall sub assembly comprises a plurality of slats, wherein first ends of the slats are received within respective ones of the first openings, so that the slats are spaced along the lower frame member and extend substantially perpendicularly to the lower frame member, and a tether connecting together the plurality of slats, andan upper frame member, wherein the slats extend between the lower frame member and the upper frame member, wherein the upper frame member comprises a plurality of second openings, wherein second ends of the slats are received in respective ones of the second openings, and wherein the upper frame member comprises a recess, wherein the tether is received within the recess.

2. The cot of claim 1, wherein the recess is formed in a lower surface of the upperframe member.

3. The cot of claim 1 or 2, therein the wherein the recess extends between two, more than two or each of second openings.

4. The cot of any of the preceding claims, wherein a depth of the second openings is greater than a depth of the recess, relative to a lower surface of the upper frame member.

5. The cot of any of the preceding claims, wherein the second openings comprise a chamfer, fillet or are otherwise shaped such that an area, e.g. cross-sectional area, of the second openings decreases in a direction into the openings.

6. The cot of any of the preceding claims wherein the cot further comprises a corner post extending between a first end of the lower frame member and a first end of the upper frame member.

7. The cot of claim 6, wherein the cot further comprises a further corner post extending between a second end of the lower frame member and a second end of the upper frame member.

8. The cot of claim 6 or 7, wherein the cot comprises a fastener for coupling the upper frame member to the corner post, wherein the cot is configured such that coupling the upper frame member to the corner post using the fastener clamps the slats between the lower frame member and the upper frame member.[for example, the fastener may be installed in a direction having a component in a direction in which the slats extend between the upper and lower frame member.]9. The cot of any of the preceding claims, wherein the lower frame member is a side lower frame member, extending along a lateral side of the cot, and the upper frame member is a side upper frame member, and wherein the cot further comprises:an end lower frame member extending along a longitudinal end of the cot at a lower extent of an end wall of the cot and comprising a plurality of third openings spaced along the length of the lower end frame member and an end upper frame member.

10. The cot of claim 9, wherein the cot further comprises a further side / end wall sub assembly comprising a plurality of further slats wherein first ends of one or more of the further slats are received within respective ones of the third openings, wherein the further slats are connected together by the tether.

11. The cot of claim 9 or 10, wherein one of the side upper frame member and the end upper frame member overlaps the other of the side upper frame member and the end upper frame member at respective ends of the side upper frame member and end upper frame member.

12. The cot of claim 11 and 8, wherein the one of the side upper frame member and the end upper frame member overlaps the other of the side upper frame member and the end upper frame member at corner post, and wherein the fastener extends through the side and end upper frame members and clamps the slats and further slats between the side and end lower frame members and the side and end upper frame members.

13. A kit of parts to be assembled into a cot for a child, wherein the kit of parts comprises:a base for supporting the child;a lower frame member for the cot, wherein the lower frame member is to extend along one side or end of the cot at a lower extent of a side or end wall of the cot, wherein the lower frame member comprises a plurality of first openings spaced along the length of the lower frame member;a side / end wall sub-assembly, wherein the side / end wall sub assembly comprises a plurality of slats, wherein first ends of the slats are receivable within the first openings so that the slats are spaced along the lower frame member, and a tether connecting together the plurality of slats; andan upper frame member, wherein the upper frame member comprises a plurality of second openings, wherein second ends of the slats are receivable within respective ones of the second openings, and wherein the upper frame member comprises a recess, wherein the tether is receivable within the recess.

14. The kit of parts of claim 13, wherein the lower frame member is a side lower frame member, for extending along a lateral side of the cot, and the upper frame member is a side upper frame member, and wherein the kit of parts further comprises: an end lower frame member to extend along a longitudinal end of the cot at a lower extent of an end wall of the cot and comprising a plurality of third openings spaced along the length of the lower end frame member and an end upper frame member.

15. The kit of parts of claim 14, wherein the kjt of parts further comprises a further side / end wall sub assembly comprising a plurality of further slats wherein first ends of one or more of the further slats are receivable within respective ones of the third openings, and a tether connecting together the plurality of slats, wherein the tether is receivable within a recess formed in the end upper frame member.

16. A method of assembling a cot for a child, wherein the cot comprises:a lower frame member, wherein the lower frame member is to extend along one side or end of the cot at a lower extent of a side or end wall of the cot, wherein the lower frame member comprises a plurality of first openings spaced along the length of the lower frame member;a side / end wall sub-assembly, wherein the side / end wall sub assembly comprises a plurality of slats wherein first ends of the slats are to be received within respective ones of the first openings, so that the slats are spaced along the lower frame member and extend substantially perpendicularly to the lower frame member, and a tether connecting together the plurality of slats, andan upper frame member, wherein the upper frame member comprises a plurality of second openings for receiving respective second ends of the spindles and a recess for receiving the tether, wherein the method comprises:inserting the first ends of the slats into respective ones of the first openings;installing the upper frame member such that the second ends of the slats are received within respective ones of the second openings, and the tether is received within the recess.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the lower frame member is a lower side frame member and the upper frame member is an upper side frame member,wherein the cot further comprises a lower end frame member and an upper end frame member, and an end wall sub assembly, wherein the method further comprises:inserting the first ends of the slats of the end wall sub assembly into respective ones of the first openings of the lower end frame member;installing the upper end frame member such that the second ends of the slats of the end wall sub assembly are received within respective ones of the second openings in the upper end frame member, and the tether of the end wall sub-assembly is received within the recess of the upper end frame member.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein one of the upper side frame member and the upper end frame member at least partially overlaps the other at a corner of the cot.

19. The method of any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the method further comprises coupling the upper frame member to the lower frame member, such that the slats are clamped between the upper and lower frame members.

20. The method of claim 19. wherein coupling the upper frame member to the lower frame member comprises installing a fastener in a direction having a component in a direction in which the slats extend between the upper and lower frame member.

21. The method of claim 20 and 18, wherein the fastener is installed at a position at which the upper side frame member and upper end frame member overlap in the direction in which the fastener is installed.

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