Abstract:
A co-sleeper convertibly adapted for use as a changing table, bassinet or play yard is described. The invention includes a first rigid enclosure that has four walls and a floor with the front wall capable of being positioned at an upper level equal to the remaining walls or at a second lower level. The first enclosure is capable of supporting a second enclosure within it that has four walls, a floor and can support a mattress. The co-sleeper is secured at one side of a parental bed with the co-sleeper mattress positioned a short distance below the level of the mattress of the parental bed. The front wall of the invention is placed in the second, lowered position for use as a co-sleeper or changing table and positioned at the upper level when the invention is used as a play yard or bassinet. The front wall has a fixed lower portion and a raisable upper portion. The upper portion of the front wall is formed as a rigid panel or as a flexible panel and various means are used to maintain the upper portion of the front wall in the upper position. The rigid panel may be hingedly attached to the first enclosure, slide in tracks, pivot or be completely removable. The rigid panel may zip in place or be maintained by a removable cross-rail secured in a passageway at the upper edge of the upper portion of the flexible front wall that attaches to the first enclosure front rails.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
   The instant invention relates to the field of convertible units for use with babies and very young children; in particular to units which may be easily converted from a play yard to a bassinet, changing table or child&#39;s bed-side sleeping enclosure, hereinafter referred to for convenience as a “co-sleeper”, that attaches securely to the parents&#39; bed. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Furniture and fixtures for use by babies and small children often presents a problem for parents with limited living space. For this reason it is desirable that such furniture serve more than one purpose. A bedside co-sleeper is very useful for an infant or very young child as it prevents a parent from having to get out of bed to deal with a child requiring minor attention or comforting. If the co-sleeper can then be put to other uses, the parents will save both space and the cost of other furniture. If the co-sleeper can be folded for traveling it will have additional utility. Various examples of such multi-purpose children&#39;s furniture have been patented and sold. 
   In U.S. Pat. No. 5,349,709, issued to Cheng teaches a folding combination playpen and baby bed having an elevated floorboard. U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,470, issued to Shamie discloses a combination foldable playpen and dressing/changing table. U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,336 issued to Mariol adds an upper level to a playpen to provide a bassinet. The short legs of the upper level are inserted into openings in the top of the vertical supports of the playpen. U.S. Pat. No. 2,632,186, issued to Berk et al. discloses a portable combination crib and playpen. U.S. Pat. No. 2,691,176 issued to Saldana teaches a unit designed for home and travel that may be used as a support for a playpen, bassinet or baby chair. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,634 issued to Onishi, et al. describes an adjustable bed, suitable for use from infancy to adulthood that includes a bed frame body having pivoting end panels and a height adjustable base. In one adjusted position, with the end panels pivoted to near vertical and the height adjustable base fully raised, the bed is swingable like a cradle, with the bed frame body swingably suspended from the height adjustable base. By lowering the height adjustable base, the near vertical end panels contact the floor, and the bed is useful as a playpen for an infant or a chair for an adult. By pivoting the end panels to intermediate or horizontal positions, the bed becomes useful as a lounge chair or as a bed for a child. 
   Beside cribs that attached to the parents&#39; bed were known at the turn of the century (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,548,005; 620,069; 1,138,451; 1,283,169; 1,267,244) but fell out of favor for many years. Recently there has been a resurgence in the practice of having babies adjacent the parents&#39; bed. Such bed-side devices are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,435 to Griffin et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,561 to Tharalson et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,655 to Van Winkle et al. Cox, U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,228, describes a crib securable to the side of a parent&#39;s bed that includes an alarm mechanism for sounding an audible alarm when an infant attempts to climb from the crib onto the parent&#39;s bed. 
   It is an objective of the present invention to provide a bedside co-sleeper that can be adapted for use as a changing table, bassinet or play yard. It is a further objective of the invention to provide a co-sleeper with these capabilities that is inexpensive, compact and portable. It is still a further objective of the present invention that the unit be simple to erect and collapsible for transport and storage. Finally, it is an objective of the invention that the co-sleeper design consider and address all possible safety considerations related to its use. Other features and advantages of the invention will be seen from the following description and drawings. The present invention addresses many of the deficiencies of prior art convertible sleeping unit inventions and satisfies all of the objectives described above. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   (1) A multi-purpose convertible play yard convertibly adapted for use as a bassinet, changing table or bedside co-sleeper providing the desired features may be constructed from the following components. A rigid first enclosure is provided. The first enclosure has an open top, a floor, a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The first enclosure is of a first predetermined height. Means are provided for reversibly lowering the height of at least a portion of the front wall, from a first position at the top to a second position below the top, while maintaining structural rigidity of the play yard. 
   A second enclosure is provided. The second enclosure is sized to fit substantially within the first enclosure and has an open top, a back wall, a front wall, first and second side walls and a bottom. Means are provided for removably supporting the second enclosure within the first enclosure at least one predetermined distance from the top of the first enclosure. A securing strap assembly is provided for securing the play yard to a parental bed. When the front wall is in the raised first position and the second enclosure is supported by the supporting means, the play yard is usable as a bassinet. When the front wall is then lowered to the second position, the play yard is usable as a changing table. Further, when the securing strap assembly is properly positioned and the play yard is secured to the parental bed the play yard may serve as a co-sleeper. 
   (2) In a variant of the invention, a rigid frame is provided. The rigid frame supports the floor, the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall of the first enclosure. The frame is formed adjacent the top by front and rear upper parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first and second upper side horizontal rails. The frame is formed adjacent the floor by front and rear lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side and second side lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper and lower horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by a pair of front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails located at ends of the horizontal rails. 
   The front vertical rails have an upper end, a lower end and are formed of tubing having a first inner diameter. Each of the front vertical rails has a vertically oriented slit penetrating the tubing. Each of the slits faces inwardly toward the other and extends downwardly from the upper ends of the rails for a first predetermined distance. A pair of adjusting members is provided. Each of the adjusting members is formed of a section of tubing that has an upper end and a lower end and is sized to fit slidably within the first inner diameter of the front vertical rails. Each of the adjusting members has a control tab fitted at the upper end of the section of tubing, the control tab is sized and shaped to fit slidably within one of the vertically oriented slits. 
   The front upper horizontal rail has first and second ends and is connected to the control tabs of the adjusting members at the first and second ends such that the control tabs slide upwardly and downwardly within the vertically oriented slits of the front vertical rails between a first upper position and a second lowered position while maintaining the structural rigidity of the frame. Means are provided for securing the adjusting members at either of the first upper position and the second lowered position. The front wall is formed of flexible material and has a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The front wall is attached at its top edge to the front upper horizontal rail, at its bottom edge to the front lower horizontal rail, and at its first and second side edges to the front vertical rails. 
   The front wall has a pair of vertical openings adjacent the first and second side edges and extending downwardly from the top edge along the vertically oriented slits of the front vertical rails for the first predetermined distance. Means are provided for reversibly closing the vertical openings in the front wall. 
   (3) In a further variant, the means for securing the adjusting members at either of the first upper position and the second lowered position further includes a pair of securing holes. The securing holes extend through the front vertical rails adjacent their upper ends. A pair of through holes is provided. The through holes extend through the sections of tubing of the adjusting members. The securing holes and the through holes are of a second diameter and are aligned with one another when the front horizontal rail is in the first upper position. A pair of spring-loaded buttons is provided. The buttons are mounted within the sections of tubing of the adjusting members with the buttons extending outwardly through the through holes. The spring-loaded buttons also extend outwardly through the securing holes when the front horizontal rail is in the first upper position. When the spring-loaded buttons are depressed, the buttons will pass through the securing holes and the adjusting members will slide downwardly within the front vertical rails until the control tabs rest on a bottom edge of the vertically oriented slits in the rails, allowing the front horizontal rail to reach the second lowered position. 
   (4) In another variant of the invention, the means for reversibly closing the vertical openings in the front wall are selected from the group comprising zippers, snaps, buttons, and hooking and looping members. 
   (5) In still another variant, a rigid frame is provided. The rigid frame supports the floor, the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall of the first enclosure. The frame is formed adjacent the top by a rear upper horizontal rail orthogonally connected to first and second upper side horizontal rails. The frame is formed adjacent the floor by front and rear lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side and second side lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper and lower horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first and second front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails located at ends of the horizontal rails. 
   The front vertical rails have an upper end and a lower end. A rigid panel is provided. The rigid panel has upper and lower edges, first and second side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail and extends downwardly from the upper end of the front vertical rails for a second predetermined distance. The rigid panel is hingedly attached at its lower edge to the first and second front vertical rails. Means are provided for removably securing the first and second side edges of the rigid panel adjacent the upper ends of the front vertical rails. The front wall is formed of flexible material and extends from a point below the lower edge of the rigid panel to the front lower horizontal rail and from the first front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail. 
   (6) In yet another variant, the means for removably securing the first and second side edges of the rigid panel adjacent the upper ends of the front vertical rails includes first and second threaded orifices. The threaded orifices are located adjacent the upper ends of the first and second front vertical rails and face toward the rigid panel. First and second threaded fasteners are provided. The threaded fasteners are sized and shaped to threadedly engage the threaded orifices and are rotatably mounted to holes adjacent the upper edge and first and second side edges of the rigid panel. The holes are located to allow the threaded fasteners to removably engage the threaded orifices. When the threaded fasteners are rotated to engage the threaded orifices, the rigid panel will be secured to the front vertical rails thereby forming a rigid enclosure with walls of equal height and when the threaded fasteners are rotated to disengage from the threaded orifices, the rigid panel will be lowered to provide a rigid enclosure having one lowered wall. 
   (7) In yet a further variant, a rigid frame is provided. The rigid frame supports the floor, the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall of the first enclosure. The frame is formed adjacent the top by a rear upper horizontal rail orthogonally connected to first and second upper side horizontal rails. The frame is formed adjacent the floor by front and rear lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side and second side lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper and lower horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first and second front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails located at ends of the horizontal rails. The front vertical rails have an upper end and a lower end. An intermediate front horizontal rail is provided. The intermediate rail is orthogonally connected to the front vertical rails and is spaced downwardly from the upper ends of the vertical rails by a third predetermined distance. A rigid panel is provided. The rigid panel has upper and lower edges, first and second side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail and extends downwardly from the upper end of the front vertical rails for a second predetermined distance. The rigid panel is hingedly attached at its lower edge to the intermediate front horizontal rail. 
   Means are provided for removably securing the first and second side edges of the rigid panel adjacent the upper ends of the front vertical rails. The front wall is formed of flexible material and extends from a point below the lower edge of the rigid panel to the front lower horizontal rail and from the first front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail. 
   (8) In yet a further variant of the invention, the means for removably securing the first and second side edges of the rigid panel adjacent the upper ends of the front vertical rails includes first and second threaded orifices. The threaded orifices are located adjacent the upper ends of the first and second front vertical rails and face toward the rigid panel. First and second threaded fasteners are provided. The threaded fasteners are sized and shaped to threadedly engage the threaded orifices and are rotatably mounted to holes adjacent the upper edge and first and second side edges of the rigid panel. The holes are located to allow the threaded fasteners to removably engage the threaded orifices. When the threaded fasteners are rotated to engage the threaded orifices, the rigid panel will be secured to the front vertical rails thereby forming a rigid enclosure with walls of equal height and when the threaded fasteners are rotated to disengage from the threaded orifices, the rigid panel will be lowered to provide a rigid enclosure having one lowered wall. 
   (9) In still another variant, a rigid frame is provided. The rigid frame supports the floor, the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall of the first enclosure. The frame is formed adjacent the top by a rear upper horizontal rail orthogonally connected to first and second upper side horizontal rails. The frame is formed adjacent the floor by front and rear lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side and second side lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper and lower horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first and second front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails located at ends of the horizontal rails. The front vertical rails have an upper end and a lower end. 
   An intermediate front horizontal rail is provided. The intermediate rail is orthogonally connected to the front vertical rails and is spaced downwardly from the upper ends of the vertical rails by a third predetermined distance. A rigid panel is provided. The rigid panel has upper and lower edges, first and second side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail and extending downwardly from the upper end of the front vertical rails for a second predetermined distance. Means are provided for removably attaching the rigid panel to the front vertical rails. The front wall is formed of flexible material and extending from a point below the lower edge of the rigid panel to the front lower horizontal rail and from the first front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail. 
   (10) In still a further variant, the means for removably securing the rigid panel to the front vertical rails includes at least two threaded orifices. The threaded orifices are located upon the first and second front vertical rails and face toward the rigid panel. At least two threaded fasteners are provided. The threaded fasteners are sized and shaped to threadedly engage the threaded orifices and are rotatably mounted to holes adjacent the first and second side edges of the rigid panel. The holes are located to allow the threaded fasteners to removably engage the threaded orifices. When the threaded fasteners are rotated to engage the threaded orifices, the rigid panel will be secured to the front vertical rails thereby forming a rigid enclosure with walls of equal height and when the threaded fasteners are rotated to disengage from the threaded orifices, the rigid panel will be removed to provide a rigid enclosure having one lowered wall. 
   (11) In yet a further variant of the invention, a rigid frame is provided. The rigid frame supports the floor, the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall of the first enclosure. The frame is formed adjacent the top by a rear upper horizontal rail orthogonally connected to first and second upper side horizontal rails. The frame is formed adjacent the floor by front and rear lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side and second side lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper and lower horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first and second front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails located at ends of the horizontal rails. 
   The front vertical rails have an upper end and a lower end. First and second receiving tracks are provided. The receiving tracks are located upon the first and second front vertical rails and face inwardly toward each other. The receiving tracks extend from the upper ends of the front vertical rails downwardly for a fourth predetermined distance. A rigid panel is provided. The rigid panel has upper and lower edges, first and second side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail. The rigid panel extends downwardly from the upper ends of the front vertical rails for a second predetermined distance. The rigid panel is sized and shaped to fit slidably between the first and second receiving tracks. Means are provided for maintaining the rigid panel at a first upper position, with the upper edge of the panel adjacent the upper ends of the front vertical rails. 
   The front wall is formed of flexible material and extends from a point below the lower edge of the rigid panel to the front lower horizontal rail and from the first front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail. 
   (12) In another variant, the means for maintaining the rigid panel at the first upper position, with the upper edge of the panel adjacent the upper ends of the front vertical rails includes a pair of retaining holes. The retaining holes penetrate the first and second side edges of the rigid panel. A pair of clearance holes is provided. The clearance holes penetrate the receiving tracks so as to align with the retaining holes in the rigid panel when the panel is located in a first upper position with its upper edge adjacent the upper ends of the front vertical rails. A pair of spring-loaded pins is provided. The pins are located upon the first and second receiving tracks so that the pins will engage the retaining holes when the rigid panel is in the first upper position. When the spring-loaded pins are retracted, the rigid panel will fall in the receiving tracks to a second, lowered position. 
   (13) In yet another variant, a rigid frame is provided. The rigid frame supports the floor, the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall of the first enclosure. The frame is formed adjacent the top by a rear upper horizontal rail orthogonally connected to first and second upper side horizontal rails. The frame is formed adjacent the floor by front and rear lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side and second side lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper and lower horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first and second front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails located at ends of the horizontal rails. The front vertical rails have an upper end and a lower end. 
   An intermediate front horizontal rail is provided. The intermediate rail is orthogonally connected to the front vertical rails and is spaced downwardly from the upper ends of the vertical rails by a third predetermined distance. Third and fourth receiving tracks are provided. The receiving tracks are located upon the first and second front vertical rails and face inwardly toward each other. The receiving tracks extend from the upper ends of the front vertical rails downwardly for a fifth predetermined distance. 
   A rigid panel is provided. The rigid panel has upper and lower edges, first and second side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail and the rigid panel extends downwardly from the upper end of the front vertical rails for a second predetermined distance. The rigid panel is sized and shaped to fit slidably and removably between the third and fourth receiving tracks. The front wall is formed of flexible material and extends from a point below the lower edge of the rigid panel to the front lower horizontal rail and from the first front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail. The rigid panel extends the front wall to the upper ends of the front vertical rails. 
   When the rigid panel is removed from the third and fourth receiving tracks, the play yard will have a lowered front wall and be suitable for use as either of a changing table and a co-sleeper and when the rigid panel is installed between the tracks, all of the walls of the play yard will be of similar height and be suitable for use as a play yard or bassinet. 
   (14) In still another variant, a rigid frame is provided. The rigid frame supports the floor, the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall of the first enclosure. The frame is formed adjacent the top by a rear upper horizontal rail orthogonally connected to first and second upper side horizontal rails. The frame is formed adjacent the floor by front and rear lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side and second side lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper and lower horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first and second front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails located at ends of the horizontal rails. The front vertical rails have an upper end and a lower end. An intermediate front horizontal rail is provided. The intermediate rail is orthogonally connected to the front vertical rails and is spaced downwardly from the upper ends of the front vertical rails by a third predetermined distance. 
   At least one pair of tubular receivers is provided. The receivers are affixed to the front wall. A rigid panel is provided. The rigid panel has upper and lower edges, first and second side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail and the rigid panel extends downwardly from the upper end of the front vertical rails for a second predetermined distance. First and second securing rods are provided. The securing rods extend downwardly from the lower edge of the rigid panel. The securing rods are sized, shaped and located to fit slidably within the receivers such that the upper edge of the rigid panel will be positioned at the upper end of the front vertical rails when the securing rods are positioned within the receivers. When the securing rods are removed from the receivers, the play yard will have a lowered front wall and be suitable for use as either of a changing table and a co-sleeper and when the securing rods are installed in the receivers securing the rigid panel in place, all of the walls of the play yard will be of similar height and be suitable for use as a play yard or bassinet. 
   (15) In yet another variant, means are provided for removably securing the rigid panel to the play yard. 
   (16) In a further variant of the invention, the means for removably securing the rigid panel to the play yard further includes at least two threaded orifices. The threaded orifices are located upon the first and second front vertical rails and face toward the rigid panel. At least two threaded fasteners are provided. The threaded fasteners are sized and shaped to threadedly engage the threaded orifices and are rotatably mounted to holes adjacent the first and second side edges of the rigid panel. The holes are located to allow the threaded fasteners to removably engage the threaded orifices. When the threaded fasteners are rotated to engage the threaded orifices, the rigid panel will be secured to the front vertical rails thereby forming a rigid first enclosure with walls of equal height and when the threaded fasteners are rotated to disengage from the threaded orifices, the rigid panel will be removed to provide a rigid first enclosure having one lowered wall. 
   (17) In still a further variant, a rigid frame is provided. The rigid frame supports the floor, the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall of the first enclosure. The frame is formed adjacent the top by a rear upper horizontal rail orthogonally connected to first and second upper side horizontal rails. The frame is formed adjacent the floor by front and rear lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side and second side lower parallel horizontal rails, the upper and lower horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first and second front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails located at ends of the horizontal rails. The front vertical rails have an upper end and a lower end. 
   An intermediate front horizontal rail is provided. The intermediate rail is orthogonally connected to the front vertical rails and is spaced downwardly from the upper ends of the vertical rails by a third predetermined distance. A flexible panel is provided. The flexible panel has upper and lower edges, first and second side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail and the flexible panel extends downwardly from the upper ends of the front vertical rails for a second predetermined distance. The flexible panel is hingedly attached to the intermediate front horizontal rail at its lower edge. Means are provided for removably securing the upper edge of the flexible panel to either of the upper ends of the vertical rails and the first and second side walls. 
   Means are provided for reversibly attaching the first and second side edges of the flexible panel to the first and second side walls so as to eliminate any openings between the flexible panel and the side walls. When the flexible panel is secured to either of the upper ends of the vertical rails and the first and second side walls, all of the walls of the play yard will be of similar height and be suitable for use as a play yard or bassinet. When the flexible panel is detached from either of the upper ends of the vertical rails and the first and second side walls, the play yard will have a lowered front wall and be suitable for use as either of a changing table and a co-sleeper. 
   (18) In yet a further variant, the means for removably securing the upper edge of the flexible panel to either of the upper ends of the vertical rails and the first and second side walls is selected from the group comprising straps with hooking and looping means, straps with adjusting buckles and straps with snaps. 
   (19) In another variant of the invention, the means for reversibly attaching the first and second side edges of the flexible panel to the first and second side walls is selected from the group comprising hooking and looping means, zippers and snaps. 
   (20) In still another variant, a rigid frame is provided. The rigid frame supports the floor, the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall of the first enclosure. The frame is formed adjacent the top by front and rear upper parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first and second upper side horizontal rails. The frame is formed adjacent the floor by front and rear lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side and second side lower parallel horizontal rails, the upper and lower horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first and second front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails located at ends of the horizontal rails. The front vertical rails have an upper end and a lower end. 
   The front upper horizontal rail is removably attached to either of the upper ends of the front vertical rails and intermediate points on the front vertical rails. The intermediate points are spaced downwardly from the upper ends of the front vertical rails by a second predetermined distance. A flexible panel is provided. The flexible panel has upper and lower edges, first and second side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail and the flexible panel extends downwardly from the upper end of the front vertical rails for the second predetermined distance. The flexible panel is attached at its upper edge to the front upper horizontal rail and attached at its lower edge to an upper edge of the front wall. Means are provided for reversibly attaching the first and second side edges of the flexible panel to the first and second side walls so as to eliminate any openings between the flexible panel and the side walls. 
   When the front upper horizontal rail and attached flexible panel are secured to the upper ends of the vertical rails all of the walls of the play yard will be of similar height and be suitable for use as a play yard or bassinet and when the front upper horizontal rail and attached flexible panel are attached to the intermediate points, the play yard will have a lowered front wall and be suitable for use as either of a changing table and a co-sleeper. 
   (21) In yet another variant, the front upper horizontal rail includes first and second tubular members. The tubular members are sealed at their outer ends, are sized and shaped to fit slidably within one another and having a combined length greater than the front upper horizontal rail. A compression spring is provided. The spring is located within the tubular members and urges the outer ends apart from one another. First and second upper sockets are provided. The upper sockets are located at the upper ends of the front vertical rails and are sized and shaped to slidably receive the outer ends of the first and second tubular members. First and second intermediate sockets are provided. The intermediate sockets are located at the intermediate points of the front vertical rails and are sized and shaped to slidably receive the outer ends of the first and second tubular members. 
   When the first and second tubular members are urged toward one another, compressing the spring, the outer ends of the members will be withdrawn from the upper or intermediate sockets and the front upper horizontal rail will be movable to a raised or a lowered position. When the first and second tubular members are released, the spring will seat the outer ends of the members in the upper or intermediate sockets, thereby adjusting a height of the front wall of the play yard. 
   (22) In a further variant of the invention, the means for reversibly attaching the first and second side edges of the flexible panel to the first and second side walls is selected from the group comprising hooking and looping means, zippers and snaps. 
   (23) In yet a further variant, a rigid frame is provided. The rigid frame supports the floor, the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall of the first enclosure. The frame is formed adjacent the top by a rear upper horizontal rail orthogonally connected to first and second upper side horizontal rails. The frame is formed adjacent the floor by front and rear lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side and second side lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper and lower horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first and second front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails located at ends of the horizontal rails. The front vertical rails have an upper end and a lower end. 
   An intermediate front horizontal rail is provided. The intermediate rail is orthogonally connected to the front vertical rails and is spaced downwardly from the upper ends of the front vertical rails by a third predetermined distance. A rigid panel is provided. The rigid panel has upper and lower edges, first and second side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail and the rigid panel extends downwardly from the upper ends of the front vertical rails for a second predetermined distance. First and second positioning arms are provided. The positioning arms have first and second ends, are pivotally mounted at their first ends to the first and second upper side horizontal rails and are pivotally mounted at their second ends to the first and second side edges of the rigid panel. 
   The rigid panel is movable from a first, lowered position where the upper edge of the rigid panel is located adjacent the upper ends of the front vertical rails, to a second, raised position wherein the upper edge of the rigid panel is located adjacent the rear upper horizontal rail. Means are provided for securing the rigid panel in either of the first and second positions. When the rigid panel is secured in the first, lowered position, all of the walls of the play yard will be of similar height and suitable for use as a play yard or bassinet and when the rigid panel is secured in the second, raised position, the play yard will have a lowered front wall and be suitable for use as either of a changing table and a co-sleeper. 
   (24) In still a further variant, the means for securing the rigid panel in either of the first and second positions includes first and second threaded orifices. The first and second threaded orifices are located upon the first and second front vertical rails and face toward the rigid panel when the rigid panel is located in the first, lowered position. Third and fourth threaded orifices are provided. The third and fourth threaded orifices are located upon the first and second rear vertical rails and face toward the rigid panel when the rigid panel is located in the second, raised position. At least two threaded fasteners are provided. The threaded fasteners are sized and shaped to threadedly engage the threaded orifices and are rotatably mounted to holes adjacent the first and second side edges of the rigid panel, the holes are located to allow the threaded fasteners to removably engage the threaded orifices. 
   When the threaded fasteners are rotated to engage the first and second threaded orifices, the rigid panel will be secured to the front vertical rails thereby forming a rigid first enclosure with walls of equal height and when the threaded fasteners are rotated to engage the third and fourth threaded orifices, the rigid panel will be secured to the rear vertical rails thereby forming a rigid first enclosure having one lowered wall. 
   (25) In another variant, at least four tensioning bars are provided. Each of the tensioning bars has first and second ends, a first predetermined diameter, a first predetermined length, and a rotating means attached to the first end. The rotating means has a handle and an attachment portion, the attachment portion having an external thread located between the handle and the tensioning bar. First and second side frames are provided. Each of the first and second side frames have parallel front and rear vertical rails, the vertical rails are orthogonally connected to upper and lower horizontal rails. 
   The first side frame has at least five internally threaded fixtures. Each of the internally threaded fixtures includes an orifice collinear with the internal threading. The orifice is sized to permit passage of the first predetermined diameter of the tensioning bar. The internal threading is sized and shaped to engage the external thread of the attachment portion. The internally threaded fixtures are located upon the front and rear vertical rails of the first side frame, at upper and lower ends of the vertical rails and at a first point between the upper and lower ends of the front vertical rail. The orifices of the internally threaded fixtures are located orthogonally to the vertical rails and the horizontal rails. 
   The second side frame has at least five receiving sockets. Each of the receiving sockets has a closed end and is sized, shaped and located to slidably accept the second end of the tensioning bar. The receiving sockets are located upon the front and rear vertical rails of the second side frame, at upper and lower ends of the vertical rails and at a first point between the upper and lower ends of the front vertical rail. The orifices of the internally threaded fixtures are located orthogonally to the vertical rails and the horizontal rails. 
   First and second side walls are provided. Each of the first and second side walls is formed of flexible material and extends from the front vertical rails to the rear vertical rails and from the upper horizontal rails to the lower horizontal rails. A rear wall is provided. The rear wall is formed of flexible material and extends from the upper ends to the lower ends of the rear vertical rails. The rear wall has a length equal to the first predetermined length. A front wall is provided. The front wall is formed of flexible material and extends from the upper ends to the lower ends of the front vertical rails, the front wall having a length equal to the first predetermined length. 
   The front wall has an upper section and a lower section. The upper section extends from the upper ends of the front vertical rails to the first point on the front vertical rails. The lower section extends from the first point to lower ends of the front vertical rails. The upper section has an upper edge, the upper edge comprising a first passageway. The first passageway is sized and shaped to fit slidably over one of the tensioning bars. The lower section has an upper edge, the upper edge comprising a second passageway. The second passageway is sized and shaped to fit slidably over one of the tensioning bars. The tensioning bars serve to stretch the front and rear walls between the first and second side frames when the second ends are located in the receiving sockets and the external thread of the rotating means engages the internal threading of the internally threaded fixtures and the handles of the attachment portions are turned to urge the first side frame away from the second side frame. 
   When one of the tensioning bars is inserted into an internally threaded fixture at the upper end of the front vertical rail of the first side frame, through the first passageway and into a receiving socket at the upper end of the front vertical rail of the second side frame, the front wall will have a first height equal to the side and back walls, suitable for use as a play yard or bassinet. When one of the tensioning bars is inserted into an internally threaded fixture at the first point on the front vertical rail of the first side frame, through the second passageway and into a receiving socket at the first point on the front vertical rail of the second side frame the front wall will have a second, lowered height, suitable for use as a changing table or co-sleeper. 
   (26) In still another variant, foot extension members are provided. The foot extension members are attached to the lower ends of the front and rear vertical rails. The foot extension members serve to elevate the play yard above a ground surface. 
   (27) In yet another variant, means are provided for attaching the back wall to the first and second side walls at rear edges thereof. 
   (28) In a further variant, means are provided for attaching the lower section of the front wall to the first and second side walls at front edges thereof. Means are provided for removably attaching the upper section of the front wall to the first and second side walls at front edges thereof. 
   When one of the tensioning bars is inserted into an internally threaded fixture at the upper end of the front vertical rail of the first side frame, through the first passageway and into a receiving socket at the upper end of the front vertical rail of the second side frame and the removable attachment means is attached, the play yard will have the first height equal to the side and back walls, suitable for use as a play yard or bassinet and no side openings will be available adjacent the upper section of the front wall, and when one of the tensioning bars is inserted into an internally threaded fixture at the first point on the front vertical rail of the first side frame, through the second passageway and into a receiving socket at the first point on the front vertical rail of the second side frame and the removable attachment means is detached, the front wall will have a second, lowered height, suitable for use as a changing table or co-sleeper. 
   (29) In yet a further variant of the invention, a bottom frame is provided. The bottom frame comprises front and rear lower horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first and second side lower horizontal rails. A top frame is provided. The top frame comprising a rear upper horizontal rail orthogonally connected to first and second side upper horizontal rails. Each of the upper horizontal rails has at least one securing protrusion on a downward facing surface of the rail. 
   A first tensioning member is provided. The first tensioning member has a first end and a second end and is pivotally mounted at the first end to the first side lower horizontal rail. A second tensioning member is provided. The second tensioning member has a first end and a second end and is pivotally mounted at the first end to the second side lower horizontal rail. A third tensioning member is provided. The third tensioning member has a first end and a second end and is pivotally mounted at the first end to the rear lower horizontal rail. A fourth tensioning member is provided. The fourth tensioning member has a first end and a second end and is pivotally mounted at the first end to the rear lower horizontal rail. 
   A position retaining device is provided. The position retaining device has a first end, a second end and a concave upper surface, the upper surface has a ridge. The position retaining device is attached at its first end to each of the second ends of the tensioning members. A first side wall is provided. The first side wall is formed of flexible material, has front and rear edges and extends from the first side lower horizontal rail to the first side upper horizontal rail for a first predetermined height. A second side wall is provided. The second side wall is formed of flexible material, has front and rear edges and extends from the second side lower horizontal rail to the second side upper horizontal rail for the first predetermined height. 
   A back wall is provided. The back wall is formed of flexible material, has first and second side edges and extends from the rear lower horizontal rail to the rear upper horizontal rail for the first predetermined height. A front wall is provided. The front wall is formed of flexible material, has a top edge, first and second side edges and extends from the front lower horizontal rail upwardly to a level of the first and second side upper horizontal rails for the first predetermined height. The front wall is attached at its first edge to the front edge of the first side wall and attached at its second edge to the front edge of the second side wall. 
   The front wall includes first and second lowering means. The lowering means are spaced inwardly from the first and second side edges and extend downwardly from the top edge for a first predetermined distance. The lowering means comprise a reclosable linear opening and permit the front wall to have the first predetermined height when closed and a second, lower predetermined height when opened. The first, second, third and fourth tensioning members have a first predetermined length. The first predetermined length is sufficient to stretch the first and second side walls, and back and front walls to the first predetermined height when the tensioning members are pivoted upwardly from the rear lower horizontal rail and first and second side lower horizontal rails such that the ridge on the concave upper surface of the position retaining device at the second end of each tensioning member is forced past the securing protrusion on the downward facing surface of the each of the upper horizontal rails. 
   (30) In another variant, the reclosable linear opening of the lowering means is closed by means selected from the group comprising zippers, snaps, hooks, buttons and hooking and looping means. 
   (31) In still another variant of the invention, foot extension members are provided. The foot extension members are attached to undersides of either of the front and rear lower horizontal rails and the first and second side lower horizontal rails. The foot extension members serve to elevate the play yard above a ground surface. 
   (32) In a further variant, means are provided for attaching the back wall to the first and second side walls at rear edges of the side walls. 
   (33) In still a further variant, a front upper horizontal rail is provided. The front upper horizontal rail includes first and second tubular members. The tubular members are sealed at their outer ends, are sized and shaped to fit slidably within one another and having a combined length greater than the front upper horizontal rail. A compression spring is provided. The spring is located within the tubular members and urges the outer ends apart from one another. A passageway is provided. The passageway is located at the top edge of the front wall and is sized and shaped to fit slidably over the front upper horizontal rail. The front upper horizontal rail is located within the passageway. First and second upper sockets are provided. The upper sockets are located at outer ends of the first and second side upper horizontal rails and are sized and shaped to slidably receive the outer ends of the first and second tubular members. 
   First and second intermediate sockets are provided. The intermediate sockets are located at intermediate points of the first and second tensioning members and are sized and shaped to slidably receive the outer ends of the first and second tubular members. When the lowering means are opened and the first and second tubular members are urged toward one another, compressing the spring, the outer ends of the members will be withdrawn from either of the upper and intermediate sockets and the front upper horizontal rail will be movable to either of a raised and a lowered position. When the first and second tubular members are released, the spring will seat the outer ends of the members in either of the upper and intermediate sockets, the lowering means is closed for the raised position, thereby adjusting a height of the front wall of the play yard. 
   (34) In yet a further variant of the invention, a bottom frame is provided. The bottom frame comprises front and rear lower horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first and second side lower horizontal rails. A top frame is provided. The top frame comprises a rear upper horizontal rail orthogonally connected to first and second side upper horizontal rails. First, second, third and fourth support members are provided. Each of the support members has an upper portion and an equal length lower portion. Each of the upper and lower portions has a first end and a second end. The upper and lower portions are joined at their second ends at a hinge. The hinge permits the upper and lower portions to rotate between zero and slightly more that 180 degrees with respect to each other. 
   Means are provided for controlling the rotation of the upper and lower portions about the hinge. The upper and lower portions of the first support member are pivotally mounted at their first ends to the first side upper and lower horizontal rails. The upper and lower portions of the second support member are pivotally mounted at their first ends to the second side upper and lower horizontal rails. The upper and lower portions of the third support member are pivotally mounted at their first ends to the rear upper and lower horizontal rails. The upper and lower portions of the fourth support member are pivotally mounted at their first ends to the rear upper and lower horizontal rails. 
   A first side wall is provided. The first side wall is formed of flexible material, has front and rear side edges and extends from the first side lower horizontal rail to the first side upper horizontal rail for a first predetermined height. A second side wall is provided. The second side wall is formed of flexible material, has front and rear side edges and extends from the second side lower horizontal rail to the second side upper horizontal rail for the first predetermined height. A back wall is provided. The back wall is formed of flexible material, has first and second side edges and extends from the rear lower horizontal rail to the rear upper horizontal rail for the first predetermined height. A front wall is provided. The front wall is formed of flexible material, has a top edge, first and second side edges and extends from the front lower horizontal rail upwardly to a level of the first and second side upper horizontal rails for the first predetermined height. 
   The front wall is attached at its first side edge to the front edge of the first side wall and attached at its second side edge to the front edge of the second side wall. The front wall includes first and second lowering means. The lowering means are spaced inwardly from the first and second side edges and extend downwardly from the top edge for a first predetermined distance. The lowering means comprise a reclosable linear opening and permit the front wall to have the first predetermined height when closed and a second, lower predetermined height when opened. 
   The first, second, third and fourth support members have a first predetermined length, the first predetermined length is sufficient to stretch the first and second side walls and back and front walls to the first predetermined height when the upper and lower portions of the support members are rotated at least 180 degrees from each other. 
   (35) In another variant, the means for controlling the rotation of the upper and lower portions about the hinge further comprises a sleeve. The sleeve is sized and shaped to fit slidably over the hinge. A ledge is provided. The ledge is attached to the lower portion of the support member at a height sufficient to position the sleeve to enclose the hinge. When the sleeve is positioned on the ledge, the upper portion of the support member cannot rotate with respect to the lower portion of the support member. When the sleeve is raised above the hinge, the upper portion of the support member can rotate with respect to the lower portion of the support member, permitting the play yard to be collapsed for transport and storage. 
   (36) In yet another variant, the reclosable linear opening of the lowering means is closed by means selected from the group comprising zippers, snaps, hooks, buttons and hooking and looping means. 
   (37) In still another variant, foot extension members are provided. The foot extension members are attached to undersides of either of the front and rear lower horizontal rails and the first and second side lower horizontal rails. The foot extension members serve to elevate the play yard above a ground surface. 
   (38) In yet another variant of the invention, means are provided for attaching the back wall to the first and second side walls at rear edges of the side walls. 
   (39) In yet a further variant, a front upper horizontal rail is provided. The front upper horizontal rail comprises first and second tubular members. The tubular members are sealed at their outer ends, are sized and shaped to fit slidably within one another and have a combined length greater than the front upper horizontal rail. A compression spring is provided. The spring is located within the tubular members and urges the outer ends apart from one another. A passageway is provided. The passageway is located at the top edge of the front wall and is sized and shaped to fit slidably over the front upper horizontal rail. The front upper horizontal rail is located within the passageway. 
   First and second upper sockets are provided. The upper sockets are located at outer ends of the first and second side upper horizontal rails and are sized and shaped to slidably receive the outer ends of the first and second tubular members. First and second intermediate sockets are provided. The intermediate sockets are located at intermediate points of the first and second support members and are sized and shaped to slidably receive the outer ends of the first and second tubular members. 
   When the lowering means are opened and the first and second tubular members are urged toward one another, compressing the spring, the outer ends of the members will be withdrawn from either of the upper and intermediate sockets and the front upper horizontal rail will be movable to either of a raised and a lowered position, and when the first and second tubular members are released, the spring will seat the outer ends of the members in either of the upper and intermediate sockets, the lowering means are closed for the raised position, thereby adjusting a height of the front wall of the play yard. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating a multi-purpose convertible play yard convertibly adapted for use as a bassinet, changing table or bedside co-sleeper. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment, illustrating the invention attached to a parental bed; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1  in part, having an adjusting member comprising a pair of tubing and control tabs; 
       FIG. 4  is a detailed perspective view of the frame of the  FIG. 3  embodiment; 
       FIG. 5  is a detailed perspective view of an adjusting member of the  FIG. 3  embodiment, having a pair of tubing, controlling tabs, and spring-loaded buttons; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention, wherein a rigid front panel is hingedly attached to front vertical rails; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention similar to the  FIG. 6 , wherein a rigid front panel is hingedly attached to the intermediate front horizontal rail; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention, wherein a rigid front panel is attached to the front vertical rails by threaded orifices and fasteners; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention, having a pair of receiving tracks on the front vertical rails to receive a rigid front panel; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the invention, similar to the  FIG. 9 , but having a means for maintaining a rigid front panel by a pair of spring-loaded pins and retaining holes; 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the invention, having one pair of tubular receivers affixed to a front wall and a pair of securing rods attached to a front panel; 
       FIG. 12  is a detailed perspective view of the securing member of the  FIGS. 6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 , and  11  in part, having a pair or more of threaded orifices and fasteners; 
       FIG. 13  is a detailed perspective view of the securing member of the  FIG. 10  in part, having a pair of spring-loaded pins and retaining holes; 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a eighth embodiment of the invention, wherein a flexible front panel is attached by means of straps with hooking and looping means, straps with adjusting buckles and straps with snaps, or zippers and snaps; 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the invention, wherein a flexible front panel is attached by means of tubular member having a compression spring and sockets; 
       FIG. 16  is a detailed perspective view of the tubular member of the  FIG. 15  in part; 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view similar to the  FIG. 15 , showing the ninth embodiment of the invention in an enclosed condition; 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of the invention, having a pair of positioning arms pivotally mounted at a front panel and two upper horizontal rails; 
       FIG. 19  is another perspective view of the  FIG. 18  embodiment, illustrating the operation of the front panel and the positioning arms; 
       FIG. 20  is a still another perspective view of the  FIG. 18  embodiment, further illustrating the securing means of the front panel at the rear horizontal rails; 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of the invention, having at least four tensioning bars, attachment portions, and two side frames; 
       FIG. 22  is another perspective view of the  FIG. 21  embodiment, illustrating the invention in an enclosed condition; 
       FIG. 23  is a still another perspective view of the  FIG. 21  embodiment, illustrating the lowering means of the front panel of the invention; 
       FIG. 24  is a detailed cross-sectional view of the attachment portion of the  FIGS. 21 ,  22 , and  23  embodiment in part; 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of the invention, having tensioning members pivotally mounted at horizontal rails; 
       FIG. 26  is another perspective view of the  FIG. 25  embodiment, illustrating a lowering and securing means of the front panel; 
       FIG. 27  is a still another perspective view of the  FIG. 25  embodiment, further illustrating a different lowering and securing means of the front panel; 
       FIG. 28  is a detailed perspective view of the tensioning bars pivotally mounted at the horizontal rails of the  FIG. 25  embodiment in part; 
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment of the invention, having a bottom and top frames; 
       FIG. 30  is another perspective view of the  FIG. 29  embodiment, illustrating the invention in an enclosed condition, and lowering and securing means of a front panel; and 
       FIG. 31  is a cross sectional view of the  FIG. 29  embodiment in part, illustrating the positioning means of the bottom frame at the top frame. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   (1)  FIGS. 1-33  illustrate a multi-purpose convertible play yard  10  convertibly adapted for use as a bassinet, changing table or bedside co-sleeper providing the desired features may be constructed from the following components. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a rigid first enclosure  14  is provided. The first enclosure  14  has an open top  18 , a floor  22 , a front wall  26 , a back wall  30 , a first side wall  34  and a second side wall  38 . The first enclosure  14  is of a first predetermined height  42 . Means  46  are provided for reversibly lowering the height of at least a portion  50  of the front wall  26 , from a first position  54  at the top  18  to a second position  58  below the top  18 , while maintaining structural rigidity of the play yard  10 . 
   A second enclosure  62  is provided. The second enclosure  62  is sized to fit substantially within the first enclosure  14  and has an open top  66 , a back wall  70 , a front wall  74 , first  78  and second  82  side walls and a bottom  86 . Means  90  are provided for removably supporting the second enclosure  62  within the first enclosure  14  at at least one predetermined distance  94  from the top  18  of the first enclosure  14 . A securing strap assembly  98  is provided for securing the play yard  10  to a parental bed  102 . When the front wall  26  is in the raised first position  54  and the second enclosure  62  is supported by the supporting means  90 , the play yard  10  is usable as a bassinet. When the front wall  26  is then lowered to the second position  58 , the play yard  10  is usable as a changing table. Further, when the securing strap assembly  98  is properly positioned and the play yard  10  is secured to the parental bed  102  the play yard  10  may serve as a co-sleeper. 
   (2) In a variant of the invention, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , a rigid frame  106  is provided. The rigid frame  106  supports the floor  22 , the front wall  26 , the back wall  30 , the first side wall  34  and the second side wall  38  of the first enclosure  14 . The frame  106  is formed adjacent the top  18  by front  110  and rear  114  upper parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first  118  and second  122  upper side horizontal rails. The frame  106  is formed adjacent the floor  22  by front  126  and rear  130  lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side  134  and second side  138  lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper  110 ,  114 ,  118 ,  122  and lower  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138  horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by a pair of front vertical rails  142 ,  146  and a pair of rear vertical rails  150 ,  154  located at ends of the horizontal rails  110 ,  114 ,  118 ,  122 ,  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138 . 
   The front vertical rails  142 ,  146  have an upper end  158 , a lower end  162  and are formed of tubing having a first inner diameter  166 . Each the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  has a vertically oriented slit  170  penetrating the tubing. Each of the slits  170  faces inwardly toward the other and extends downwardly from the upper ends  158  of the rails  142 ,  146  for a first predetermined distance  174 . A pair of adjusting members  178  is provided. Each of the adjusting members  178  is formed of a section of tubing  180  that has an upper end  182  and a lower end  186  and is sized to fit slidably within the first inner diameter  166  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146 . Each of the adjusting members  178  has a control tab  190  fitted at the upper end  182  of the section of tubing, the control tab  190  is sized and shaped to fit slidably within one of the vertically oriented slits  170 . 
   The front upper horizontal rail  110  has first  194  and second  198  ends and is connected to the control tabs  190  of the adjusting members  178  at the first  194  and second  198  ends such that the control tabs  190  slide upwardly and downwardly within the vertically oriented slits  170  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  between a first upper position  202  and a second lowered position  206  while maintaining the structural rigidity of the frame  106 . Means  212  are provided for securing the adjusting members  178  at either of the first upper position  202  and the second lowered position  206 . The front wall  26  is formed of flexible material  210  and has a top edge  214 , a bottom edge  218 , a first side edge  222  and a second side edge  226 . The front wall  26  is attached at its top edge  214  to the front upper horizontal rail  110 , at its bottom edge  218  to the front lower horizontal rail  126 , and at its first  222  and second  226  side edges to the front vertical rails  142 ,  146 . 
   The front wall  26  has a pair of vertical openings  230  adjacent the first  222  and second  226  side edges and extending downwardly from the top edge  214  along the vertically oriented slits  170  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  for the first predetermined distance  174 . Means  234  are provided for reversibly closing the vertical openings  230  in the front wall  26 . 
   (3) In a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the means  212  for securing the adjusting members  178  at either of the first upper position  202  and the second lowered position  206  further includes a pair of securing holes  238 . The securing holes  238  extend through the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  adjacent their upper ends  158 . A pair of through holes  242  is provided. The through holes  242  extend through the sections of tubing  180  of the adjusting members  178 . The securing holes  238  and the through holes  242  are of a second diameter  246  and are aligned with one another when the front horizontal rail  110  is in the first upper position  202 . A pair of spring-loaded buttons  250  is provided. The buttons  250  are mounted within the sections of tubing  180  of the adjusting members  178  with the buttons  250  extending outwardly through the through holes  242 . The spring-loaded buttons  250  also extend outwardly through the securing holes  238  when the front horizontal rail  110  is in the first upper position  202 . When the spring-loaded buttons  250  are depressed, the buttons  250  will pass through the securing holes  238  and the adjusting members  178  will slide downwardly within the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  until the control tabs  190  rest on a bottom edge  254  of the vertically oriented slits  170  in the rails  142 ,  146 , allowing the front horizontal rail  110  to reach the second lowered position  206 . 
   (4) In another variant of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the means  234  for reversibly closing the vertical openings in the front wall are selected from the group comprising zippers  258 , snaps (not shown), buttons (not shown), and hooking and looping members (not shown). 
   (5) In still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a rigid frame  262  is provided. The rigid frame  262  supports the floor  22 , the front wall  26 , the back wall  30 , the first side wall  34  and the second side wall  38  of the first enclosure  14 . The frame  262  is formed adjacent the top  18  by a rear upper (parallel) horizontal rail  114  orthogonally connected to first  118  and second  122  upper side horizontal rails. The frame  262  is formed adjacent the floor  22  by front  126  and rear  130  lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side  134  and second side  138  lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper  114 ,  118 ,  122  and lower  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138  horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails  150 ,  154  located at ends of the horizontal rails  114 ,  118 ,  122 ,  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138 . 
   The front vertical rails  142 ,  146  have an upper end  158  and a lower end  162 . A rigid panel  266  is provided. The rigid panel  266  has upper  270  and lower  274  edges, first  278  and second  282  side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail  142  to the second front vertical rail  146  and extends downwardly from the upper end  270  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  for a second predetermined distance  286 . The rigid panel  266  is hingedly attached at its lower edge  274  to the first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails. Means  290  are provided for removably securing the first  278  and second  282  side edges of the rigid panel  266  adjacent the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146 . The front wall  26  is formed of flexible material  210  and extends from a point  294  below the lower edge  274  of the rigid panel  266  to the front lower horizontal rail  126  and from the first front vertical rail  142  to the second front vertical rail  146 . 
   (6) In yet another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the means  290  for removably securing the first  278  and second  282  side edges of the rigid panel  266  adjacent the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  includes first  298  and second  302  threaded orifices. The threaded orifices  298 ,  302  are located adjacent the upper ends  158  of the first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and face toward the rigid panel  266 . First  306  and second  310  threaded fasteners are provided. The threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are sized and shaped to threadedly engage the threaded orifices  298 ,  302  and are rotatably mounted to holes  314  adjacent the upper edge  270  and first  278  and second  282  side edges of the rigid panel  266 . The holes  314  are located to allow the threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  to removably engage the threaded orifices  298 ,  302 . When the threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are rotated to engage the threaded orifices  298 ,  302 , the rigid panel  266  will be secured to the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  thereby forming a rigid enclosure  14  with walls  26 ,  30 ,  34 ,  38  of equal height and when the threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are rotated to disengage from the threaded orifices  298 ,  302 , the rigid panel  266  will be lowered to provide a rigid enclosure  14  having one lowered wall  26 . 
   (7) In yet a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 7 , a rigid frame  318  is provided. The rigid frame  318  supports the floor  22 , the front wall  26 , the back wall  30 , the first side wall  34  and the second side wall  38  of the first enclosure  14 . The frame  318  is formed adjacent the top  18  by a rear upper horizontal rail  114  orthogonally connected to first  118  and second  122  upper side horizontal rails. The frame  318  is formed adjacent the floor  22  by front  126  and rear  130  lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side  134  and second side  138  lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper  114  and lower  126 ,  130  horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails  150 ,  154  located at ends of the horizontal rails  114 ,  118 ,  122 ,  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138 . The front vertical rails  142 ,  146  have an upper end  158  and a lower end  162 . An intermediate front horizontal rail  322  is provided. The intermediate rail  322  is orthogonally connected to the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  and is spaced downwardly from the upper ends  158  of the vertical rails  142 ,  146  by a third predetermined distance  326 . A rigid panel  330  is provided. The rigid panel  330  has upper  334  and lower  338  edges, first  342  and second  346  side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail  142  to the second front vertical rail  146  and extends downwardly from the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  for a second predetermined distance  286 . The rigid panel  330  is hingedly attached at its lower edge  338  to the intermediate front horizontal rail  322 . 
   Means  290  are provided for removably securing the first  342  and second  346  side edges of the rigid panel  330  adjacent the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146 . The front wall  26  is formed of flexible material  210  and extends from a point  294  below the lower edge  338  of the rigid panel  330  to the front lower horizontal rail  126  and from the first  142  front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail  146 . 
   (8) In yet a further variant of the invention, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the means  290  for removably securing the first  278  and second  282  side edges of the rigid panel  266  adjacent the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  includes first  298  and second  302  threaded orifices. The threaded orifices  298 ,  302  are located adjacent the upper ends  158  of the first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and face toward the rigid panel  266 . First  306  and second  310  threaded fasteners are provided. The threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are sized and shaped to threadedly engage the threaded orifices  298 ,  302  and are rotatably mounted to holes  314  adjacent the upper edge  270  and first  278  and second  282  side edges of the rigid panel  266 . The holes  314  are located to allow the threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  to removably engage the threaded orifices  298 ,  302 . When the threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are rotated to engage the threaded orifices  298 ,  302 , the rigid panel  266  will be secured to the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  thereby forming a rigid enclosure  14  with walls  26 ,  30 ,  34 ,  38  of equal height and when the threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are rotated to disengage from the threaded orifices  298 ,  302 , the rigid panel  266  will be lowered to provide a rigid enclosure  14  having one lowered wall  26 . 
   (9) In still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 8 , a rigid frame  350  is provided. The rigid frame  350  supports the floor  22 , the front wall  26 , the back wall  30 , the first side wall  34  and the second side wall  38  of the first enclosure  14 . The frame  350  is formed adjacent the top  18  by a rear upper horizontal rail  114  orthogonally connected to first  118  and second  122  upper side horizontal rails. The frame  350  is formed adjacent the floor  22  by front  126  and rear  130  lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side  134  and second side  138  lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper  114 ,  118 ,  122  and lower  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138  horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails  150 ,  154  located at ends of the horizontal rails  114 ,  118 ,  122 ,  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138 . The front vertical rails  142 ,  146  have an upper end  158  and a lower end  162 . 
   An intermediate front horizontal rail  322  is provided. The intermediate rail  322  is orthogonally connected to the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  and is spaced downwardly from the upper ends  158  of the vertical rails  142 ,  146  by a third predetermined distance  326 . A rigid panel  354  is provided. The rigid panel  354  has upper  358  and lower  362  edges, first  366  and second  370  side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail  142  to the second front vertical rail  146  and extending downwardly from the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  for a second predetermined distance  286 . Means  290  are provided for removably attaching the rigid panel  354  to the front vertical rails  142 ,  146 . The front wall  26  is formed of flexible material  210  and extends from a point  294  below the lower edge  362  of the rigid panel  354  to the front lower horizontal rail  126  and from the first  142  front vertical rail to the second front vertical rail  146 . 
   (10) In still a further variant, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the means  290  for removably securing the rigid panel  354  to the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  includes at least two threaded orifices  298 ,  302 , the threaded orifices  298 ,  302  are located upon the first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and face toward the rigid panel  354 . At least two threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are provided. The threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are sized and shaped to threadedly engage the threaded orifices  298 ,  302  and are rotatably mounted to holes  314  adjacent the first  366  and second  370  side edges of the rigid panel  354 . The holes  314  are located to allow the threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  to removably engage the threaded orifices  298 ,  302 . When the threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are rotated to engage the threaded orifices  298 ,  302 , the rigid panel  354  will be secured to the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  thereby forming a rigid enclosure  14  with walls  26 ,  30 ,  34 ,  38  of equal height and when the threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are rotated to disengage from the threaded orifices  298 ,  302 , the rigid panel  354  will be removed to provide a rigid enclosure  14  having one lowered wall  26 . 
   (11) In yet a further variant of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 9 , a rigid frame  358  is provided. The rigid frame  358  supports the floor  22 , the front wall  26 , the back wall  30 , the first side wall  34  and the second side wall  38  of the first enclosure  14 . The frame  358  is formed adjacent the top  18  by a rear upper horizontal rail  114  orthogonally connected to first  118  and second  122  upper side horizontal rails. The frame  358  is formed adjacent the floor  22  by front  126  and rear  130  lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side  134  and second side  138  lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper  114 ,  118 ,  122  and lower  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138  horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails  150 ,  154  located at ends of the horizontal rails  114 ,  118 ,  122 ,  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138 . 
   The front vertical rails  142 ,  146  have an upper end  158  and a lower end  162 . First  364  and second  368  receiving tracks are provided. The receiving tracks  364 ,  368  are located upon the first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and face inwardly toward each other. The receiving tracks  364 ,  368  extend from the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  downwardly for a fourth predetermined distance  370 . A rigid panel  374  is provided. The rigid panel  374  has upper  378  and lower  382  edges, first  386  and second  390  side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail  142  to the second front vertical rail  146 . The rigid panel  374  extends downwardly from the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  for a second predetermined distance  286 . The rigid panel  374  is sized and shaped to fit slidably between the first  364  and second  368  receiving tracks. Means  394  are provided for maintaining the rigid panel  374  at a first upper position  398 , with the upper edge  378  of the panel  374  adjacent the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146 . 
   The front wall  26  is formed of flexible material  210  and extends from a point  294  below the lower edge  382  of the rigid panel  378  to the front lower horizontal rail  126  and from the first front vertical rail  142  to the second front vertical rail  146 . 
   (12) In another variant, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the means  394  for maintaining the rigid panel  374  at the first upper position  398 , with the upper edge  378  of the panel  374  adjacent the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  includes a pair of retaining holes  402 . The retaining holes  402  penetrate the first  386  and second  390  side edges of the rigid panel  374 . A pair of clearance holes  406  is provided. The clearance holes  406  penetrate the receiving tracks  364 ,  368  so as to align with the retaining holes  402  in the rigid panel  374  when the panel  374  is located in the first upper position  398  with its upper edge  378  adjacent the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146 . A pair of spring-loaded pins  410  is provided. The pins  410  are located upon the first  364  and second  368  receiving tracks so that the pins  410  will engage the retaining holes  402  when the rigid panel  374  is in the first upper position  398 . When the spring-loaded pins  410  are retracted, the rigid panel  374  will fall in the receiving tracks  364 ,  368  to a second, lowered position  414 . 
   (13) In yet another variant, as shown in  FIG. 10 , a rigid frame  418  is provided. The rigid frame  418  supports the floor  22 , the front wall  26 , the back wall  30 , the first side wall  34  and the second side wall  38  of the first enclosure  14 . The frame  418  is formed adjacent the top  18  by a rear upper horizontal rail  114  orthogonally connected to first  118  and second  122  upper side horizontal rails. The frame  418  is formed adjacent the floor  22  by front  126  and rear  130  lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side  134  and second side  138  lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper  114 ,  118 ,  122  and lower  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138  horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails  150 ,  154  located at ends of the horizontal rails  114 ,  118 . The front vertical rails  142 ,  146  have an upper end  158  and a lower end  162 . 
   An intermediate front horizontal rail  322  is provided. The intermediate rail  322  is orthogonally connected to the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  and is spaced downwardly from the upper ends  158  of the vertical rails  142 ,  146  by a third predetermined distance  422 . Third  426  and fourth  430  receiving tracks are provided. The receiving tracks  426 ,  430  are located upon the first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and face inwardly toward each other. The receiving tracks  426 ,  430  extend from the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  downwardly for a fifth predetermined distance  434 . 
   A rigid panel  438  is provided. The rigid panel  438  has upper  442  and lower  446  edges, first  450  and second  454  side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail  142  to the second front vertical rail  146  and the rigid panel  438  extends downwardly from the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  for a second predetermined distance  286 . The rigid panel  438  is sized and shaped to fit slidably and removably between the third  426  and fourth  430  receiving tracks. The front wall  26  is formed of flexible material  210  and extends from a point  294  below the lower edge  446  of the rigid panel  438  to the front lower horizontal rail  126  and from the first front vertical rail  142  to the second front vertical rail  146 . The rigid panel  438  extends the front wall  26  to the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146 . 
   When the rigid panel  438  is removed from the third  426  and fourth  430  receiving tracks, the play yard  10  will have a lowered front wall  26  and be suitable for use as either of a changing table and a co-sleeper and when the rigid panel  438  is installed between the tracks  426 ,  430 , all of the walls  26 ,  30 ,  34 ,  38  of the play yard  10  will be of similar height and be suitable for use as a play yard  10  or bassinet. 
   (14) In still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 11 , a rigid frame  458  is provided. The rigid frame  458  supports the floor  22 , the front wall  26 , the back wall  30 , the first side wall  34  and the second side wall  38  of the first enclosure  14 . The frame  458  is formed adjacent the top  18  by a rear upper horizontal rail  114  orthogonally connected to first  118  and second  122  upper side horizontal rails. The frame  458  is formed adjacent the floor  22  by front  126  and rear  130  lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side  134  and second side  138  lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper  114 ,  118 ,  122  and lower  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138  horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails  150 ,  154  located at ends of the horizontal rails  114 ,  118 ,  122 ,  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138 . The front vertical rails  142  have an upper end  158  and a lower end  162 . An intermediate front horizontal rail  322  is provided. The intermediate rail  322  is orthogonally connected to the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  and is spaced downwardly from the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  by a third predetermined distance  422 . 
   At least one pair of tubular receivers  462  is provided. The receivers  462  are affixed to the front wall  26 . A rigid panel  466  is provided. The rigid panel  466  has upper  470  and lower  474  edges, first  478  and second  482  side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail  142  to the second front vertical rail  146  and the rigid panel  466  extends downwardly from the upper end  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  for a second predetermined distance  286 . First  486  and second  490  securing rods are provided. The securing rods  486 ,  490  extend downwardly from the lower edge  474  of the rigid panel  466 . The securing rods  486 ,  490  are sized, shaped and located to fit slidably within the receivers  462  such that the upper edge  470  of the rigid panel  466  will be positioned at the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  when the securing rods  486 ,  490  are positioned within the receivers  462 . When the securing rods  486 ,  490  are removed from the receivers  462 , the play yard  10  will have a lowered front wall  26  and be suitable for use as either of a changing table and a co-sleeper and when the securing rods  486 ,  490  are installed in the receivers  462  securing the rigid panel  466  in place, all of the walls  26 ,  30 ,  34 ,  38  of the play yard  10  will be of similar height and be suitable for use as a play yard  10  or bassinet. 
   (15) In yet another variant, as shown in  FIG. 11 , means  494  are provided for removably securing the rigid panel  466  to the play yard  10 . 
   (16) In a further variant of the invention, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the means  494  for removably securing the rigid panel  466  to the play yard  10  further includes at least two threaded orifices  298 ,  302 . The threaded orifices  298 ,  302  are located upon the first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and face toward the rigid panel  466 . At least two threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are provided. The threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are sized and shaped to threadedly engage the threaded orifices  298 ,  302  and are rotatably mounted to holes  314  adjacent the first  478  and second  482  side edges of the rigid panel  466 . The holes  314  are located to allow the threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  to removably engage the threaded orifices  298 ,  302 . When the threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are rotated to engage the threaded orifices  298 ,  302 , the rigid panel  466  will be secured to the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  thereby forming a rigid first enclosure  14  with walls  26 ,  30 ,  34 ,  38  of equal height and when the threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are rotated to disengage from the threaded orifices  298 ,  302 , the rigid panel  466  will be removed to provide a rigid first enclosure  14  having one lowered wall  26 . 
   (17) In still a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 14 , a rigid frame  498  is provided. The rigid frame  498  supports the floor  22 , the front wall  26 , the back wall  30 , the first side wall  34  and the second side wall  38  of the first enclosure  14 . The frame  498  is formed adjacent the top  18  by a rear upper horizontal rail  114  orthogonally connected to first  118  and second  122  upper side horizontal rails. The frame  498  is formed adjacent the floor  22  by front  126  and rear  130  lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side  134  and second side  138  lower parallel horizontal rails, the upper  114 ,  118 ,  122  and lower  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138  horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails  150 ,  154  located at ends of the horizontal rails  114 ,  118 ,  122 ,  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138 . The front vertical rails  142 ,  146  have an upper end  158  and a lower end  162 . 
   An intermediate front horizontal rail  322  is provided. The intermediate rail  322  is orthogonally connected to the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  and is spaced downwardly from the upper ends  158  of the vertical rails  142 ,  146  by a third predetermined distance  422 . A flexible panel  502  is provided. The flexible panel  502  has upper  506  and lower  510  edges, first  514  and second  518  side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail  142  to the second front vertical rail  146  and the flexible panel  502  extends downwardly from the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  for a second predetermined distance  286 . The flexible panel  502  is hingedly attached to the intermediate front horizontal rail  322  at its lower edge  510 . Means  522  are provided for removably securing the upper edge  506  of the flexible panel  502  to either of the upper ends  158  of the vertical rails  142 ,  146  and the first  34  and second  38  side walls. 
   Means  526  are provided for reversibly attaching the first  514  and second  518  side edges of the flexible panel  502  to the first  34  and second  38  side walls so as to eliminate any openings  530  between the flexible panel  502  and the side walls  34 ,  38 . When the flexible panel  502  is secured to either of the upper ends  158  of the vertical rails  142 ,  146  and the first  34  and second  38  side walls, all of the walls  26 ,  30 ,  34 ,  38  of the play yard  10  will be of similar height and be suitable for use as a play yard  10  or bassinet. When the flexible panel  502  is detached from either of the upper ends  158  of the vertical rails  142 ,  146  and the first  34  and second  38  side walls, the play yard  10  will have a lowered front wall  26  and be suitable for use as either of a changing table and a co-sleeper. 
   (18) In yet a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the means  522  for removably securing the upper edge  506  of the flexible panel  502  to either of the upper ends  158  of the vertical rails  142 ,  146  and the first  34  and second  38  side walls is selected from the group comprising straps with hooking and looping means (not shown), straps with adjusting buckles  530  and straps with snaps (not shown). 
   (19) In another variant of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the means  526  for reversibly attaching the first  514  and second  518  side edges of the flexible panel  502  to the first  34  and second  38  side walls is selected from the group comprising hooking and looping means (not shown), zippers  534  and snaps (not shown). 
   (20) In still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 20 , a rigid frame  538  is provided. The rigid frame  538  supports the floor  22 , the front wall  26 , the back wall  30 , the first side wall  34  and the second side wall  38  of the first enclosure  14 . The frame  538  is formed adjacent the top  18  by front  110  and rear  114  upper parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first  118  and second  122  upper side horizontal rails. The frame  538  is formed adjacent the floor  22  by front  126  and rear  130  lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side  134  and second side  138  lower parallel horizontal rails, the upper  110 ,  114 ,  118 ,  122  and lower  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138  horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails  150 ,  154  located at ends of the horizontal rails  110 ,  114 ,  118 ,  122 ,  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138 . The front vertical rails have an upper end  158  and a lower end  162 . 
   The front upper horizontal rail  110  is removably attached to either of the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  and intermediate points  542  on the front vertical rails  142 ,  146 . The intermediate points  542  are spaced downwardly from the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  by a second predetermined distance  286 . A flexible panel  546  is provided. The flexible panel  546  has upper  550  and lower  554  edges, first  558  and second  562  side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail  142  to the second front vertical rail  146  and the flexible panel  546  extends downwardly from the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  for the second predetermined distance  286 . The flexible panel  546  is attached at its upper edge  550  to the front upper horizontal rail  110  and attached at its lower edge  554  to an upper edge  566  of the front wall  26 . Means  570  are provided for reversibly attaching the first  558  and second  562  side edges of the flexible panel  546  to the first  34  and second  38  side walls so as to eliminate any openings between the flexible panel  546  and the side walls  34 ,  38 . 
   When the front upper horizontal rail  110  and attached flexible panel  546  are secured to the upper ends  158  of the vertical rails  142 ,  146  all of the walls  26 ,  30 ,  34 ,  38  of the play yard  10  will be of similar height and be suitable for use as a play yard  10  or bassinet and when the front upper horizontal rail  110  and attached flexible panel  546  are attached to the intermediate points  542 , the play yard  10  will have a lowered front wall  26  and be suitable for use as either of a changing table and a co-sleeper. 
   (21) In yet another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 15 ,  16 , and  17 , the front upper horizontal rail  110  includes first  574  and second  578  tubular members. The tubular members  574 ,  578  are sealed at their outer ends  582 , are sized and shaped to fit slidably within one another and having a combined length  586  greater than the front upper horizontal rail  110 . A compression spring  590  is provided. The spring  590  is located within the tubular members  574 ,  578  and urges the outer ends  582  apart from one another. First  594  and second  598  upper sockets are provided. The upper sockets  594 ,  598  are located at the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  and are sized and shaped to slidably receive the outer ends  582  of the first  574  and second  578  tubular members. First  602  and second  606  intermediate sockets are provided. The intermediate sockets  602 ,  606  are located at the intermediate points  610  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  and are sized and shaped to slidably receive the outer ends  582  of the first  574  and second  578  tubular members. 
   When the first  574  and second  578  tubular members are urged toward one another, compressing the spring  590 , the outer ends  582  of the members  574 ,  578  will be withdrawn from the upper  594 ,  598  or intermediate  602 ,  606  sockets and the front upper horizontal rail  110  will be movable to a raised  614  or a lowered  618  position. When the first  574  and second  578  tubular members are released, the spring  590  will seat the outer ends  582  of the members  574 ,  578  in the upper  594 ,  598  or intermediate  602 ,  606  sockets, thereby adjusting a height of the front wall  26  of the play yard  10 . 
   (22) In a further variant of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the means  570  for reversibly attaching the first  558  and second  562  side edges of the flexible panel  546  to the first  34  and second  38  side walls is selected from the group comprising hooking and looping means (not shown), zippers  534  and snaps (not shown). 
   (23) In yet a further variant, as shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , a rigid frame  622  is provided. The rigid frame  622  supports the floor  22 , the front wall  26 , the back wall  30 , the first side wall  34  and the second side wall  38  of the first enclosure  14 . The frame  622  is formed adjacent the top  18  by a rear upper horizontal rail  114  orthogonally connected to first  118  and second  122  upper side horizontal rails. The frame  622  is formed adjacent the floor  22  by front  126  and rear  130  lower parallel horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first side  134  and second side  138  lower parallel horizontal rails. The upper  114 ,  118 ,  122  and lower  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138  horizontal rails are orthogonally connected by first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails  150 ,  154  located at ends of the horizontal rails  114 ,  118 ,  122 ,  126 ,  130 ,  134 ,  138 . The front vertical rails  142 ,  146  have an upper end  158  and a lower end  162 . 
   An intermediate front horizontal rail  322  is provided. The intermediate rail  322  is orthogonally connected to the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  and is spaced downwardly from the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  by a third predetermined distance  422 . A rigid panel  626  is provided. The rigid panel  626  has upper  630  and lower  634  edges, first  638  and second  642  side edges and extends from the first front vertical rail  142  to the second front vertical rail  146  and the rigid panel  626  extends downwardly from the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  for a second predetermined distance  286 . First  646  and second  650  positioning arms are provided. The positioning arms  646 ,  650  have first  654  and second  658  ends, are pivotally mounted at their first ends  654  to the first  118  and second  122  upper side horizontal rails and are pivotally mounted at their second ends  658  to the first  638  and second  642  side edges of the rigid panel  626 . 
   The rigid panel  626  is movable from a first, lowered position  662  where the upper edge  630  of the rigid panel  626  is located adjacent the upper ends  158  of the front vertical rails  142 ,  146 , to a second, raised position  666  wherein the upper edge  630  of the rigid panel  626  is located adjacent the rear upper horizontal rail  114 . Means  670  are provided for securing the rigid panel  626  in either of the first  662  and second  666  positions. When the rigid panel  626  is secured in the first, lowered position  662 , all of the walls  26 ,  30 ,  34 ,  38  of the play yard  10  will be of similar height and suitable for use as a play yard  10  or bassinet and when the rigid panel  626  is secured in the second, raised position  666 , the play yard  10  will have a lowered front wall  26  and be suitable for use as either of a changing table and a co-sleeper. 
   (24) In still a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 20 , the means  670  for securing the rigid panel  626  in either of the first  662  and second  666  positions includes first  298  and second  302  threaded orifices. The first  298  and second  302  threaded orifices are located upon the first  142  and second  146  front vertical rails and face toward the rigid panel  626  when the rigid panel  626  is located in the first, lowered position  662 . Third  674  and fourth  678  threaded orifices are provided. The third  674  and fourth  678  threaded orifices are located upon the first  150  and second  154  rear vertical rails and face toward the rigid panel  626  when the rigid panel  626  is located in the second, raised position  666 . At least two threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are provided. The threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are sized and shaped to threadedly engage the threaded orifices  298 ,  302 ,  674 ,  678  and are rotatably mounted to holes  682  adjacent the first  638  and second  642  side edges of the rigid panel  626 , the holes  682  are located to allow the threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  to removably engage the threaded orifices  298 ,  302 ,  674 ,  678 . 
   When the threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are rotated to engage the first  298  and second  302  threaded orifices, the rigid panel  626  will be secured to the front vertical rails  142 ,  146  thereby forming a rigid first enclosure  14  with walls  26 ,  30 ,  34 ,  38  of equal height and when the threaded fasteners  306 ,  310  are rotated to engage the third  674  and fourth  678  threaded orifices, the rigid panel  626  will be secured to the rear vertical rails  150 ,  154  thereby forming a rigid first enclosure  14  having one lowered wall  26 . 
   (25) In another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 21 ,  22 , and  24 , at least four tensioning bars  686  are provided. Each of the tensioning bars  686  has first  690  and second  694  ends, a first predetermined diameter  698 , a first predetermined length  702 , and a rotating means  706  attached to the first end  690 . The rotating means  706  has a handle  710  and an attachment portion  714 . The attachment portion  714  has an external thread  718  located between the handle  710  and the tensioning bar  686 . First  722  and second  726  side frames are provided. Each of the first  722  and second  726  side frames have parallel front  730  and rear  734  vertical rails, the vertical rails  730 ,  734  are orthogonally connected to upper  738  and lower  742  horizontal rails. 
   The first side frame  722  has at least five internally threaded fixtures  746 , each of the internally threaded fixtures  746  includes an orifice  750  collinear with the internal threading  754 . The orifice  750  is sized to permit passage of the first predetermined diameter  698  of the tensioning bar  686 . The internal threading  754  is sized and shaped to engage the external thread  718  of the attachment portion  714 . The internally threaded fixtures  746  are located upon the front  730  and rear  734  vertical rails of the first side frame  722 , at upper  758  and lower  762  ends of the vertical rails  730 ,  734  and at a first point  766  between the upper  758  and lower  762  ends of the front vertical rail  730 ,  734 . The orifices  750  of the internally threaded fixtures  746  are located orthogonally to the vertical rails  730 ,  734  and the horizontal rails  738 ,  742 . 
   The second side frame  726  has at least five receiving sockets  770 . Each of the receiving sockets  770  has a closed end  774  and is sized, shaped and located to slidably accept the second end  694  of the tensioning bar  686 . The receiving sockets  770  are located upon the front  730  and rear  734  vertical rails of the second side frame  726 , at upper  758  and lower  762  ends of the vertical rails  730 ,  734  and at a first point  766  between the upper  758  and lower  762  ends of the front vertical rail  730 ,  734 . The orifices  750  of the internally threaded fixtures  746  are located orthogonally to the vertical rails  730 ,  734  and the horizontal rails  738 ,  742 . 
   First  778  and second  782  side walls are provided. Each of the first  778  and second  782  side walls is formed of flexible material  786  and extends from the front vertical rails  730  to the rear vertical rails  734  and from the upper horizontal rails  738  to the lower horizontal rails  742 . A rear wall  790  is provided. The rear wall  790  is formed of flexible material  786  and extends from the upper ends  758  to the lower ends  762  of the rear vertical rails  734 . The rear wall  790  has a length equal to the first predetermined length  702 . A front wall  794  is provided. The front wall  794  is formed of flexible material  786  and extends from the upper ends  758  to the lower ends  762  of the front vertical rails  730 , the front wall  794  having a length equal to the first predetermined length  702 . 
   The front wall  794  has an upper section  798  and a lower section  802 . The upper section  798  extends from the upper ends  758  of the front vertical rails  730  to the first point  766  on the front vertical rails  730 . The lower section  802  extends from the first point  766  to lower ends  762  of the front vertical rails  730 . The upper section  798  has an upper edge  806 , the upper edge  806  comprising a first passageway  810 , the first passageway  810  is sized and shaped to fit slidably over one of the tensioning bars  686 . The lower section  802  has an upper edge  814 , the upper edge  814  comprising a second passageway  818 . The second passageway is sized and shaped to fit slidably over one of the tensioning bars  686 . The tensioning bars  686  serve to stretch the front  794  and rear  790  walls between the first  722  and second  726  side frames when the second ends  694  are located in the receiving sockets  770  and the external thread  718  of the rotating means  706  engages the internal threading  754 of the internally threaded fixtures  746  and the handles  710  of the attachment portions  714 are turned to urge the first side frame  722  away from the second side frame  726 . 
   When one of the tensioning bars  686  is inserted into an internally threaded fixture  746  at the upper end  758  of the front vertical rail  730  of the first side frame  722 , through the first passageway  810  and into a receiving socket  770  at the upper end  758  of the front vertical rail  730  of the second side frame  726 , the front wall  794  will have a first height  822  equal to the side  778 ,  782  and back  790  walls, suitable for use as a play yard or bassinet. When one of the tensioning bars  686  is inserted into an internally threaded fixture  746  at the first point  766  on the front vertical rail  730  of the first side frame  722 , through the second passageway  818  and into a receiving socket  770  at the first point  766  on the front vertical rail  730  of the second side frame  726  the front wall  794  will have a second, lowered height  826 , suitable for use as a changing table or co-sleeper. 
   (26) In still another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , foot extension members  830  are provided. The foot extension members  830  are attached to the lower ends  762  of the front  730  and rear  734  vertical rails. The foot extension members  830  serve to elevate the play yard  10  above a ground surface  834 . 
   (27) In yet another variant, as shown in  FIG. 23 , means  838  are provided for attaching the back wall  790  to the first  778  and second  782  side walls at rear edges  842  thereof. 
   (28) In a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 23 , means  846  are provided for attaching the lower section  802  of the front wall  794  to the first  778  and second  782  side walls at front edges  850  thereof. Means  854  are provided for removably attaching the upper section  798  of the front wall  794  to the first  778  and second  782  side walls at front edges  854  thereof. 
   When one of the tensioning bars  686  is inserted into an internally threaded fixture  746  at the upper end  758  of the front vertical rail  730  of the first side frame  722 , through the first passageway  810  and into a receiving socket  770  at the upper end  758  of the front vertical rail  730  of the second side frame  726  and the removable attachment means  854  is attached, the play yard  10  will have the first height  822  equal to the side  778 ,  782  and back  790  walls, suitable for use as a play yard  10  or bassinet and no side openings  858  will be available adjacent the upper section  798  of the front wall  794 , and when one of the tensioning bars  686  is inserted into an internally threaded fixture  746  at the first point  766  on the front vertical rail  730  of the first side frame  722 , through the second passageway  818  and into a receiving socket  770  at the first point  766  on the front vertical rail  730  of the second side frame  726  and the removable attachment means  854  is detached, the front wall  794  will have a second, lowered height  826 , suitable for use as a changing table or co-sleeper. 
   (29) In yet a further variant of the invention, as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 28 , a bottom frame  862  is provided. The bottom frame  862  comprises front  866  and rear  870  lower horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first  874  and second  878  side lower horizontal rails. A top frame  882  is provided. The top frame  882  comprising a rear upper horizontal rail  886  orthogonally connected to first  890  and second  894  side upper horizontal rails. Each of the upper horizontal rails  886 ,  890 ,  894  has at least one securing protrusion  898  on a downward facing surface  902  of the rail  886 ,  890 ,  894 . 
   A first tensioning member  906  is provided. The first tensioning member  906  has a first end  910  and a second end  914  and is pivotally mounted at the first end  910  to the first side lower horizontal rail  874 . A second tensioning member  918  is provided. The second tensioning member  918  has a first end  922  and a second end  926  and is pivotally mounted at the first end  922  to the second side lower horizontal rail  878 . A third tensioning member  930  is provided. The third tensioning member  930  has a first end  934  and a second end  938  and is pivotally mounted at the first end  934  to the rear lower horizontal rail  870 . A fourth tensioning member  942  is provided. The fourth tensioning member  942  has a first end  946  and a second end  950  and is pivotally mounted at the first end  946  to the rear lower horizontal rail  870 . 
   A position retaining device  954  is provided. The position retaining device  954  (is formed of resilient material and) has a first end  958 , a second end  962  and a concave upper surface  966 , the upper surface  966  has a ridge  970 . The position retaining device  954  is attached at its first end  958  to each of the second ends  914 ,  926 ,  938 ,  950  of the tensioning members  906 ,  918 ,  930 ,  942 . A first side wall  974  is provided. The first side wall  974  is formed of flexible material  978 , has front  982  and rear  986  edges and extends from the first side lower horizontal rail  874  to the first side upper horizontal rail  890  for a first predetermined height  990 . A second side wall  994  is provided. The second side wall  994  is formed of flexible material  978 , has front  998  and rear  1002  edges and extends from the second side lower horizontal rail  878  to the second side upper horizontal rail  894  for the first predetermined height  990 . 
   A back wall  1006  is provided. The back wall  1006  is formed of flexible material  978 , has first  1010  and second  1014  side edges and extends from the rear lower horizontal rail  870  to the rear upper horizontal rail  886  for the first predetermined height  990 . A front wall  1018  is provided. The front wall  1018  is formed of flexible material  978 , has a top edge  1022 , first  1026  and second  1030  side edges and extends from the front lower horizontal rail  866  upwardly to a level of the first  890  and second  894  side upper horizontal rails for the first predetermined height  990 . The front wall  1018  is attached at its first edge  1026  to the front edge  982  of the first side wall  974  and attached at its second edge  1030  to the front edge  998  of the second side wall  994 . 
   The front wall  1018  includes first  1034  and second  1038  lowering means. The lowering means  1034 ,  1038  are spaced inwardly from the first  1026  and second  1030  side edges and extend downwardly from the top edge  1022  for a first predetermined distance  1042 . The lowering means  1034 ,  1038  comprise a reclosable linear opening  1046  and permit the front wall  1018  to have the first predetermined height  990  when closed and a second, lower predetermined height  1050  when opened. The first  906 , second  918 , third  930  and fourth  942  tensioning members have a first predetermined length  1054 . The first predetermined length  1054  is sufficient to stretch the first  974  and second  994  side walls, and back  1006  and front  1018  walls to the first predetermined height  990  when the tensioning members  906 ,  918 ,  930 ,  942  are pivoted upwardly from the rear lower horizontal rail  870  and first  874  and second  878  side lower horizontal rails such that the ridge  970  on the concave upper surface  966  of the position retaining device  954  at the second end  914 ,  926 ,  938 ,  950  of each tensioning member  906 ,  918 ,  930 ,  942  is forced past the securing protrusion  898  on the downward facing surface  902  of the each of the upper horizontal rails  886 ,  890 ,  894 . 
   (30) In another variant, as shown in  FIG. 26 , the reclosable linear opening  1046  of the lowering means  1034 ,  1038  is closed by means selected from the group comprising zippers (not shown), snaps (not shown), hooks (not shown), buttons (not shown) and hooking and looping means  1058 . 
   (31) In still another variant of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 26 , foot extension members  1062  are provided. The foot extension members  1062  are attached to undersides of either of the front  886  and rear  870  lower horizontal rails and the first  874  and second  878  side lower horizontal rails. The foot extension members  1062  serve to elevate the play yard  10  above a ground surface  834 . 
   (32) In a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 26 , means  1066  are provided for attaching the back wall  1006  to the first  974  and second  994  side walls at rear edges  986 ,  1002  of the side walls  974 ,  994 . 
   (33) In still a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 27 , a front upper horizontal rail  1070  is provided. The front upper horizontal rail  1070  includes first  1074  and second  1078  tubular members. The tubular members  1074 ,  1078  are sealed at their outer ends  1082 , are sized and shaped to fit slidably within one another and having a combined length greater  1086  than the front upper horizontal rail  1070 . A compression spring  1090  is provided. The spring  1090  is located within the tubular members  1074 ,  1078  and urges the outer ends  1082  apart from one another. A passageway  1094  is provided. The passageway  1094  is located at the top edge  1022  of the front wall  1018  and is sized and shaped to fit slidably over the front upper horizontal rail  1070 . The front upper horizontal rail  1070  is located within the passageway  1094 . First  1098  and second  1102  upper sockets are provided. The upper sockets  1098 ,  1102  are located at outer ends  1016  of the first  890  and second  894  side upper horizontal rails and are sized and shaped to slidably receive the outer ends  1082  of the first  1074  and second  1078  tubular members. 
   First  1106  and second  1110  intermediate sockets are provided. The intermediate  1106 ,  1110  sockets are located at intermediate points  1114  of the first  906  and second  918  tensioning members and are sized and shaped to slidably receive the outer ends  1082  of the first  1074  and second  1078  tubular members. When the lowering means  1034 ,  1038  are opened and the first  1074  and second  1078  tubular members are urged toward one another, compressing the spring  1090 , the outer ends  1082  of the members  1074 ,  1078  will be withdrawn from either of the upper  1098 ,  1102  and intermediate  1106 ,  1110  sockets and the front upper horizontal rail  1070  will be movable to either of a raised  1114  and a lowered  1118  position. When the first  1074  and second  1078  tubular members are released, the spring  1090  will seat the outer ends  1082  of the members  1074 ,  1078  in either of the upper  1098 ,  1102  and intermediate  1106 ,  1110  sockets, the lowering means  1034 ,  1038  is closed for the raised position  1114 , thereby adjusting a height  990 ,  1050  of the front wall  1018  of the play yard  10 . 
   (34) In yet a further variant of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 29 , a bottom frame  1122  is provided. The bottom frame  1122  comprises front  1126  and rear  1130  lower horizontal rails orthogonally connected to first  1134  and second  1138  side lower horizontal rails. A top frame  1142  is provided. The top frame  1142  comprises a rear upper horizontal rail  1146  orthogonally connected to first  1150  and second  1154  side upper horizontal rails. First  1158 , second  1162 , third  1166  and fourth  1170  support members are provided. Each of the support members  1158 ,  1162 ,  1166 ,  1170  has an upper portion  1174  and an equal length lower portion  1178 . Each of the upper  1174  and lower  1178  portions has a first end  1182  and a second end  1186 . The upper  1174  and lower  1178  portions are joined at their second ends  1186  at a hinge  1190 . The hinge  1190  permits the upper  1174  and lower  1178  portions to rotate between zero and slightly more that 180 degrees with respect to each other. 
   Means  1194  are provided for controlling the rotation of the upper  1174  and lower  1178  portions about the hinge  1190 . The upper  1174  and lower  1178  portions of the first support member  1158  are pivotally mounted at their first ends  1182  to the first side upper  1150  and lower  1134  horizontal rails. The upper  1174  and lower  1178  portions of the second support member  1162  are pivotally mounted at their first ends  1182  to the second side upper  1154  and lower  1138  horizontal rails. The upper  1174  and lower  1178  portions of the third support member  1166  are pivotally mounted at their first ends  1182  to the rear upper  1146  and lower  1130  horizontal rails. The upper  1174  and lower  1178  portions of the fourth support member  1170  are pivotally mounted at their first ends  1182  to the rear upper  1146  and lower  1130  horizontal rails. 
   A first side wall  1198  is provided. The first side wall  1198  is formed of flexible material  978 , has front  1202  and rear  1206  side edges and extends from the first side lower horizontal rail  1134  to the first side upper horizontal rail  1150  for a first predetermined height  1210 . A second side wall  1214  is provided. The second side wall  1214  is formed of flexible material  978 , has front  1218  and rear  1222  side edges and extends from the second side lower horizontal rail  1138  to the second side upper horizontal rail  1154  for the first predetermined height  1210 . A back wall  1226  is provided. The back wall  1226  is formed of flexible material  978 , has first  1230  and second  1234  side edges and extends from the rear lower horizontal rail  1130  to the rear upper horizontal rail  1146  for the first predetermined height  1210 . A front wall  1238  is provided. The front wall  1238  is formed of flexible material  978 , has a top edge  1242 , first  1246  and second  1250  side edges and extends from the front lower horizontal rail  1126  upwardly to a level of the first  1150  and second  1154  side upper horizontal rails for the first predetermined height  1210 . 
   The front wall  1238  is attached at its first side edge  1246  to the front edge  1202  of the first side wall  1198  and attached at its second side edge  1250  to the front edge  1218  of the second side wall  1214 . The front wall  1238  includes first  1254  and second  1258  lowering means. The lowering means  1254 ,  1258  are spaced inwardly from the first  1246  and second  1250  side edges and extend downwardly from the top edge  1242  for a first predetermined distance  1262 . The lowering means  1254 ,  1258  comprise a reclosable linear opening  1266  and permit the front wall  1238  to have the first predetermined height  1210  when closed and a second, lower predetermined height  1270  when opened. 
   The first  1158 , second  1162 , third  1166  and fourth  1170  support members have a first predetermined length  1274 , the first predetermined length  1274  is sufficient to stretch the first  1198  and second  1214  side walls and back  1226  and front  1238  walls to the first predetermined height  1210  when the upper  1174  and lower  1178  portions of the support members are rotated at least 180 degrees from each other. 
   (35) In another variant, as shown in  FIG. 29 , the means  1194  for controlling the rotation of the upper  1174  and lower  1178  portions about the hinge  1190  further comprises a sleeve  1278 . The sleeve  1278  is sized and shaped to fit slidably over the hinge  1190 . A ledge  1282  is provided. The ledge  1282  is attached to the lower portion  1178  of the support member  1158 ,  1162 ,  1166   1170  at a height sufficient to position the sleeve  1278  to enclose the hinge  1190 . When the sleeve  1278  is positioned on the ledge  1282 , the upper portion  1174  of the support member  1158 ,  1162 ,  1166   1170  cannot rotate with respect to the lower portion  1178  of the support member  1158 ,  1162 ,  1166   1170 . When the sleeve  1278  is raised above the hinge  1190 , the upper portion  1174  of the support member  1158 ,  1162 ,  1166   1170  can rotate with respect to the lower portion  1178  of the support member  1158 ,  1162 ,  1166   1170 , permitting the play yard  10  to be collapsed for transport and storage. 
   (36) In yet another variant, as shown in  FIG. 30 , the reclosable linear opening  1266  of the lowering means  1254 ,  1258  is closed by means selected from the group comprising zippers  1286 , snaps (not shown), hooks (not shown), buttons (not shown) and hooking and looping means (not shown). 
   (37) In still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 30 , foot extension members  1290  are provided. The foot extension members  1290  are attached to undersides of either of the front  1126  and rear  1130  lower horizontal rails and the first  1134  and second  1138  side lower horizontal rails. The foot extension members  1290  serve to elevate the play yard  10  above a ground surface  834 . 
   (38) In yet another variant of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 30 , means  1294  are provided for attaching the back wall  1126  to the first  1198  and second  1214  side walls at rear edges  1206 ,  1222  of the side walls  1198 ,  1214 . 
   (39) In yet a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 30 , a front upper horizontal rail  1298  is provided. The front upper horizontal rail  1298  comprises first  1302  and second  1306  tubular members. The tubular members  1302 ,  1306  are sealed at their outer ends  1310 , are sized and shaped to fit slidably within one another and have a combined length  1314  greater than the front upper horizontal rail  1298 . A compression spring  1318  is provided. The spring  1318  is located within the tubular members  1302 ,  1306  and urges the outer ends  1310  apart from one another. A passageway  1322  is provided. The passageway  1322  is located at the top edge  1242  of the front wall  1238  and is sized and shaped to fit slidably over the front upper horizontal rail  1298 . The front upper horizontal rail  1298  is located within the passageway  1322 . 
   First  1326  and second  1330  upper sockets are provided. The upper sockets  1326 ,  1330  are located at outer ends  1334  of the first  1150  and second  1154  side upper horizontal rails and are sized and shaped to slidably receive the outer ends  1334  of the first  1302  and second  1306  tubular members. First  1338  and second  1342  intermediate sockets are provided. The intermediate sockets  1338 ,  1342  are located at intermediate points  1346  of the first  1158  and second  1162  support members and are sized and shaped to slidably receive the outer ends  1334  of the first  1302  and second  1306  tubular members. 
   When the lowering means  1254 ,  1258  are opened and the first  1302  and second  1306  tubular members are urged toward one another, compressing the spring  1318 , the outer ends  1334  of the members  1302 ,  1306  will be withdrawn from either of the upper  1326 ,  1330  and intermediate  1338 ,  1342  sockets and the front upper horizontal rail  1298  will be movable to either of a raised  1350  and a lowered position  1354 , and when the first  1302  and second  1306  tubular members are released, the spring  1318  will seat the outer ends  1334  of the members  1302 ,  1306  in either of the upper  1326 ,  1330  and intermediate  1338 ,  1342  sockets, the lowering means  1254 ,  1258  are closed for the raised position  1350 , thereby adjusting a height  1358  of the front wall  1238  of the play yard  10 . 
   The multi-purpose convertible play yard  10  convertibly adapted for use as a bassinet, changing table or bedside co-sleeper has been described with reference to particular embodiments. Other modifications and enhancements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.