Abstract:
A first playpen enclosure that converts easily to a bassinet, changing table or bed-side crib or “co-sleeper” that attaches securely to the parents&#39; bed. A second enclosure support system maintains a padded enclosure and rigid floor panel at one or more predetermined levels below the top of the playpen to form the bassinet and co-sleeper. The second enclosure has a back, two sides, a bottom and a front flap that converts into a front wall for use in the bassinet mode and overhangs the front horizontal rail for use in the co-sleeper mode. The upper front corners are segmented into a movable section and a fixed section to facilitate lowering the front horizontal rail to at least one lower second position to accommodate various parental bed heights. Extensions of the fixed section are affixed to the front vertical rails and accept the movable sections in several positions to secure the rail in the second positions. The support means, padded enclosure and rigid floor panel complete the changing table with the edges of the front flap secured to the edges of the side walls. The playpen is placed adjacent the parents&#39; bed with the front flap extended over the bed for use as a co-sleeper. Means are provided to secure loose flap material to the front of the co-sleeper. For co-sleeper use, reinforcing straps secure the unit to the parents&#39; bed and prevent movement. The unit is easily folded with its components into a compact carrying case for transport or storage.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/642,467, filed Aug. 14, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein as if being set forth in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     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 to a play yard, 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  
       [0003]     Play yards and playpens for babies and young children are well known and many variations have been marketed over the years. Low portable cribs have also been used as playpens. For reasons of economy and space conservation it has been practical to find additional uses for playpens, such as bassinets and changing tables if such additional uses can be accomplished by means of easy alterations or adjustments that are reversible.  
         [0004]     In U.S. Pat. No. 2,548,769, Burgin teaches a crib that can be lowered for use as a playpen. Shamie, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,339,470 teaches a portable playpen that can be converted to a changing or dressing table. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,336, 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. Saldana, U.S. Pat. No. 2,691,176, 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. 5,581,827 to Fong et al. discloses a foldable playpen unit.  
         [0005]     Recently there has been a resurgence in the practice of having babies sleep adjacent the parents&#39; bed. Such bed-side cribs are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,435 to Griffin et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,655 to Van Winkle et al. and to Tharalson et al. as U.S. Pat. No. 5,148,561.  
         [0006]     It is an objective of the present invention to provide a single unit that, with quick and easy adjustments, can be adapted for several different purposes, including a playpen, a bassinet, a changing table and a co-sleeper.  
         [0007]     It is another objective of the present invention to provide a unit that can be converted to a co-sleeper that is an improvement over the prior art, that rests on four legs, with or without attached wheels, will not lift, tip or buck and that is secured to the parents&#39; bed with a safety strap so it cannot slide away from the bed.  
         [0008]     It is a further objective to provide a co-sleeper that is adaptable to both U.S. and European bed heights, including means of securing the co-sleeper to beds of both heights. Means should be provided to permit the co-sleeper mattress to be positioned at heights within the co-sleeper suitable for positioning adjacently to both U.S. and European bed surfaces. Likewise, means for adjusting the mattress cover to minimize any excess fabric when switching between U.S. and European mattress height adjustments should be provided.  
         [0009]     Another objective of the present invention is to allow conversion to a co-sleeper while still maintaining the stability of the unit by the repositioning of the front horizontal rail. Such repositioning should provide for both U.S. and European bed heights.  
         [0010]     It is yet a further objective of the present invention that the co-sleeper be adjacent the parents&#39; bed but at a level below the level of the parents&#39; bed. Another objective of the present invention is to provide means to adjust the height of the co-sleeper to conform to the different bed heights. A still further objective of the present invention is to provide a secure washable enclosure for an infant of small child.  
         [0011]     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a playpen in which an infant or small child can be tended to by a care-giver that is physically handicapped. A further objective of the present invention is to provide a unit that folds easily for storage and transport.  
         [0012]     It is still a further objective of the invention to provide a playpen with a floor which can withstand repeated jumping and rough play by an infant or small child without sagging or the risk of breakage. The floor should be constructed of a mesh material to prevent accidental suffocation of an infant or small child who might find his or her way underneath the co-sleeper mattress.  
         [0013]     It is yet a further objective to provide an easily convertible playpen that includes strong, secure hinging mechanisms for the playpen support members. Such mechanisms should lock the members securely in place and yet be simple and easy to release when required. These mechanisms should be padded and enclosed so that movable metallic parts are not accessible to an infant or small child&#39;s fingers.  
         [0014]     It is still a further objective of the invention to provide for simple adjustments to the height of the front wall of the co-sleeper while preventing injury to any small fingers that may be inserted into the openings in the adjustment mechanism.  
         [0015]     It is another objective to minimize any loose fabric associated with the co-sleeper mattress that could conceivably cause asphyxiation of an infant or small child.  
         [0016]     Other features and advantages of the invention will be seen from the following description and drawings.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0017]     The present invention is a portable combination bedside co-sleeper convertibly adapted for use as a bassinet, changing table and playpen. The co-sleeper, includes an enclosure that has an open top, a floor, a mattress support panel, a front wall, and at least one surrounding wall connected to the front wall. The floor has a top surface, a bottom surface and surrounding side edges and is attached to the front wall and the surrounding wall at the surrounding side edges. The mattress support panel has an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer perimeter and is removably attached to the front wall and the surrounding wall at the outer perimeter and is spaced upwardly from the floor. A mattress pad is provided. The mattress pad has an upper surface, a lower surface and is sized and shaped to fit slidably between the front wall and the surrounding wall.  
         [0018]     Means are provided for reversibly lowering a height of at least a portion of the front wall, from a first position at the top to at least one second position below the top. A securing strap assembly is provided for securing the co-sleeper to a parental bed. When the front wall is raised to the first position, the co-sleeper is usable as a bassinet; and when the front wall is then lowered to one of its second positions, the co-sleeper is usable as a changing table. When the securing strap assembly is properly positioned and the co-sleeper is secured to the parental bed it will serve as a co-sleeper.  
         [0019]     In a variant of the invention, the floor further includes a series of first reinforcing straps. The first reinforcing straps are located upon the bottom surface of the floor. At least two of the first reinforcing straps are attached to the enclosure.  
         [0020]     In another variant, the floor further includes at least two fastening portions extending outwardly from the first reinforcing straps and attaching to the enclosure and at least two securing portions. The securing portions attach the fastening portions to a lower edge of the front wall and to a lower edge of the surrounding wall.  
         [0021]     In still another variant, the floor further includes means for removably securing the lower surface of the mattress pad to the top surface of the floor.  
         [0022]     In yet another variant of the invention, the mattress support panel is formed of mesh material.  
         [0023]     In still another variant, the mattress support panel further includes a series of reinforcing panels. The reinforcing panels are attached to the upper surface of the mattress support panel. A series of second reinforcing straps is provided. The second reinforcing straps are attached to the lower surface of the mattress support panel.  
         [0024]     In another variant, spacing of the mattress support panel upwardly from the floor is adjustable between a first, lower position to at least one second higher position, thereby permitting the mattress pad to be maintained at at least two different heights relative to an upper mattress surface of the parental bed.  
         [0025]     In still another variant, the mattress support panel is removably attached to the front wall and the surrounding wall at the outer perimeter using a first zipper.  
         [0026]     In yet another variant, means are provided for securing an openable end of the first zipper.  
         [0027]     In yet a further variant of the invention, the means for securing an openable end of the first zipper includes a first reversibly separable securing tab. The first securing tab attaches to a zipper pull of the first zipper. A zipper pull cover is provided. The zipper pull cover has a side edge, a top surface, a bottom surface and a first reversibly separable pad attached to the bottom surface. The zipper pull cover is attached at the side edge to an inner surface of either the front wall or the surrounding wall adjacent the openable end of the first zipper. A second reversibly separable attachment pad is attached to the upper surface of the mattress support panel adjacent the openable end of the first zipper. When the first zipper is in a closed position, the first reversibly separable pad of the zipper pull cover will attach to the first securing tab and the second reversibly separable attachment pad, thereby preventing easy opening of the first zipper.  
         [0028]     In still a further variant, a flexible covering for an upper portion of the first zipper is provided to prevent injury to an infant or small child.  
         [0029]     In another variant, the mattress support panel includes a surrounding edge panel. The surrounding edge panel extends upwardly from the outer perimeter for a first predetermined distance and has an upper edge. A second zipper is provided. The second zipper removably attaches the surrounding edge panel to the front wall and the surrounding wall at the upper edge. When the second zipper attaches the upper edge to the front wall and the surrounding wall the mattress support panel will be located at the first lower position. When the first zipper also attaches the outer perimeter to the front wall and the surrounding wall the mattress support panel will be disposed at one of the second higher positions.  
         [0030]     In still another variant, means are provided for securing an openable end of the second zipper.  
         [0031]     In yet another variant, the means for securing an openable end of the second zipper includes a second reversibly separable securing tab. The second securing tab attaches to a zipper pull of the second zipper. The zipper pull cover is attached at the side edge to an inner surface of either the front wall or the surrounding wall adjacent the openable ends of the first zipper and the second zipper. A third reversibly separable attachment pad attaches adjacent the upper edge of the surrounding edge panel adjacent the openable end of the second zipper. When the second zipper is in a closed position, the first reversibly separable pad of the zipper pull cover will attach to the second securing tab and the third reversibly separable attachment pad, thereby preventing easy opening of the second zipper.  
         [0032]     In a further variant, the flexible covering is provided for an upper portion of the second zipper to prevent injury to an infant or small child.  
         [0033]     In still a further variant of the invention, the mattress support panel includes means for removably securing the lower surface of the mattress pad to the upper surface of the mattress support panel.  
         [0034]     In another variant, the mattress pad includes means for removably securing the lower surface of the mattress pad to either the upper surface of the mattress support panel or the top surface of the floor.  
         [0035]     In yet another variant, the mattress pad includes a washable cover. The washable cover is sized and shaped to fit over the mattress pad. Means are provided for removably securing the washable cover to the lower surface of the mattress pad. The washable cover has means for being removably secured to the upper surface of the mattress support panel or the floor.  
         [0036]     In yet a further variant, the mattress pad includes at least three portions. Each of the portions has a rigid bottom section and a padded top section. The portions are hingedly attached to each other. Means are provided for removably attaching outer edges of the mattress pad together. The mattress pad serves as an enclosure for the co-sleeper when folded for transport and storage.  
         [0037]     In still a further variant, the mattress pad includes a slat-receiving pocket and a stiffening slat. The slat receiving pocket extends across the bottom sections of the at least three portions and is sized and shaped to receive the stiffening slat for further supporting the mattress pad.  
         [0038]     In another variant of the invention, at least a portion of the surrounding wall is formed of mesh material.  
         [0039]     In still another variant, the surrounding wall includes a reclosable opening. The opening provides access to a space between the floor and the mattress support panel.  
         [0040]     In yet another variant, the co-sleeper includes height adjusting means for changing a height of the co-sleeper such that the upper surface of the mattress support panel is located at a level below an upper surface of a mattress of the parental bed.  
         [0041]     In yet a further variant, the height adjusting means comprises extensions that attach to lower edges of the enclosure.  
         [0042]     In still a further variant, the co-sleeper includes removable wheels. The wheels attach to either the lower edges of the enclosure or the extensions.  
         [0043]     In another variant, the co-sleeper includes at least one pair of alignment means through which the securing strap assembly is directed for maintaining the securing strap assembly in horizontal orientation and preventing lifting or bucking of the co-sleeper when secured to the parental bed. The co-sleeper also includes at least one pair of securing strap attachment means for fastening the securing strap assembly to the co-sleeper.  
         [0044]     In still another variant, the securing strap assembly includes a strap member that has a first end and a second end. A resistance plate member is provided that has at least two slots vertically aligned and centrally located at which the strap member is attached such that the first end and the second end are equidistant from the plate member. Attachment cooperation means are located at the first end and the second end of the strap member for reversible connection to one of the pairs of securing strap attachment means. Adjusting means are provided for adjusting a length of the strap member and tightening it after connecting the attachment cooperation means to one of the pairs of securing strap attachment means. The strap member is properly positioned when located under a mattress and above a surface on which the mattress rests on the parental bed and held in place by the resistance plate member located vertically at a side of the parental bed opposite placement of the co-sleeper and the strap member is tightened so the co-sleeper is held fast to the parental bed.  
         [0045]     In still a further variant of the invention, the front wall is comprised of flexible material and means for supporting the flexible material.  
         [0046]     In yet a further variant, the co-sleeper includes means for constraining a portion of the flexible material when the front wall is lowered from the first position at the top to one of the second positions below the top.  
         [0047]     In another variant, the means for constraining a portion of the flexible material includes a first strap portion. The first strap portion has a first end and a second end and is attached at the first end to an inner surface of the front wall at a level below the at least one second position. A receiving connector is provided. The receiving connector is attached to the first strap portion at the second end. A second strap portion is provided. The second strap portion has a first end and a second end and is attached at the first end to an outer surface of the front wall at a level below the at least one second position. An attaching connector is provided. The attaching connector has a slot. The slot is sized and shaped to fit slidably over the second strap portion. The second strap portion is looped through the slot of the attaching connector and removably attached to itself with a slidable adjusting buckle. When the front wall is in one of the second positions and the attaching connector is disposed in the receiving connector, the slidable adjusting buckle is moved to tighten the first and second strap portions so as to constrain the portion of the flexible material.  
         [0048]     In still another variant, the co-sleeper includes an inside pocket. The inside pocket has a reversibly closable top opening and is located on the inner surface of the front wall with the first end of the first strap portion attached to the front wall within the inside pocket. An outside pocket is provided. The outside pocket has a reversibly closable top opening and is located upon the outer surface of the front wall with the first end of the second strap portion attached to the front wall within the outside pocket. When the first and second strap portions with attached receiving and attaching connectors are not needed to constrain the portion of the flexible material, the strap portions are stored within the inside and outside pockets, respectively.  
         [0049]     In yet another variant, a portion of the front wall is formed of mesh material.  
         [0050]     In a further variant, the means for reversibly lowering the height of at least a portion of the front wall includes a first set of reversibly separable fasteners located adjacent a top edge of the front wall adjacent a first side edge of the front wall. A second set of reversibly separable fasteners is located adjacent a top edge of the front wall adjacent a second side edge of the front wall. When the front wall is lowered from the first, upper position to one of the second lower positions, the reversibly separable fasteners are opened to permit the front wall to be lowered while securing any excessive flexible material when the front wall is in the first upper position.  
         [0051]     In yet a further variant, at least one upper mattress control slit is provided. The upper mattress control slit penetrates the mattress support panel. At least one upper releasable attachment means is provided. The upper releasable attachment means is located on the lower surface of the mattress support panel adjacent the mattress control slit. At least one attachment strip is provided. The attachment strip is attached to the lower surface of the mattress pad, is sized and shaped to fit slidably through the mattress control slit and has means for attaching to the releasable attachment means. When the mattress pad is located on the mattress support panel, the attachment strip is located through the upper mattress control slit and attached to the upper releasable attachment means, the mattress pad will be removably secured to the mattress support panel.  
         [0052]     In still a further variant, at least one lower mattress control slit is provided. The lower mattress control slit penetrates the floor. At least one lower releasable attachment means is provided. The lower releasable attachment means is located on the bottom surface of the floor adjacent the lower mattress control slit. At least one attachment strip is provided. The attachment strip is attached to the lower surface of the mattress pad, is sized and shaped to fit slidably through the lower mattress control slit and has means for attaching to the lower releasable attachment means. When the mattress pad is located on the floor, the attachment strip is located through the lower mattress control slit and attached to the lower releasable attachment means, the mattress pad will be removably secured to the floor.  
         [0053]     In another variant of the invention, the portable combination bedside co-sleeper includes a rigid enclosure that has an open top, a floor, a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a mattress support panel. The floor has a top surface, a bottom surface and surrounding side edges and is attached to the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side wall at the surrounding side edges. The mattress support panel has an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer perimeter and is removably attached to the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side wall at the outer perimeter and is spaced upwardly from the floor. A mattress pad is provided. The mattress pad has an upper surface, a lower surface and is sized and shaped to fit slidably between the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side wall.  
         [0054]     A rigid frame is provided. The frame is formed at the top by front and rear upper parallel horizontal rails, first and second upper side horizontal rails, two upper front corner members and two upper rear corner members in cooperation therewith. The frame is formed adjacent the floor by front and rear lower parallel horizontal rails and first side and second side lower parallel horizontal rails in cooperation therewith, a pair of front vertical rails and a pair of rear vertical rails in further cooperation with the two upper front corner members and the two upper rear corner members and the four lower corner leg members. The rigid frame supports the floor, the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall. Each upper front corner member is constructed of two reversibly separable complementary sections. The first of the sections is fixedly attached to an end of the front upper horizontal rail and the second of the sections is fixedly attached to an upper end of one of the front vertical rails. The upper front corner members support the upper front horizontal rail in a first position.  
         [0055]     Receiving means are fixedly attached to each front vertical rail for receiving the first section of an upper front corner member and reversibly maintaining the upper front horizontal rail in at least one lower second position, thereby lowering the front wall and maintaining structural rigidity of the co-sleeper when the upper front horizontal rail is in one of the second positions. A securing strap assembly is provided for securing the co-sleeper to a parental bed. When the upper front horizontal rail and the front wall are in the raised first position, the co-sleeper is usable as a bassinet; and when the upper front horizontal rail and the front wall are then lowered to one of the second positions, the co-sleeper is usable as a changing table. Further, when the securing strap assembly is properly positioned and the co-sleeper is secured to the parental bed it will serve as a co-sleeper.  
         [0056]     In still another variant, first and second padded covers are provided. Each of the padded covers is sized and shaped to fit over one of the two upper front corner members. Means are provided for attaching the first and second padded covers to the first and second side walls. When the upper front horizontal rail is in the second position and the first and second padded covers are installed over the upper front corner members, openings in the corner members will be covered and thus protected from entry by fingers of infants or small children.  
         [0057]     In yet another variant, the front and rear upper parallel horizontal rails and first and second upper side horizontal rails are padded.  
         [0058]     In a further variant, the floor includes a series of first reinforcing straps. The first reinforcing straps are located on the bottom surface of the floor. At least two of the first reinforcing straps are attached to the rigid frame.  
         [0059]     In still a further variant, the floor includes at least two fastening portions extending outwardly from the first reinforcing straps and attaching to the rigid frame. At least two securing portions are provided. The securing portions attach the fastening portions to lower edges of the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall.  
         [0060]     In yet a further variant, the floor includes means for removably securing the lower surface of the mattress pad to the top surface of the floor.  
         [0061]     In another variant of the invention, the mattress support panel is formed of mesh material.  
         [0062]     In still another variant, the mattress support panel includes a series of reinforcing panels. The reinforcing panels are attached to the upper surface of the mattress support panel. A series of second reinforcing straps is provided. The second reinforcing straps are attached to the lower surface of the mattress support panel.  
         [0063]     In a further variant, spacing of the mattress support panel upwardly from the floor is adjustable between a first, lower position to at least one second higher position. This permits the mattress pad to be maintained at at least two different heights relative to an upper mattress surface of the parental bed.  
         [0064]     In still a further variant, the mattress support panel is removably attached to the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side wall at the outer perimeter using a first zipper.  
         [0065]     In yet a further variant, means are provided for securing an openable end of the first zipper.  
         [0066]     In another variant, the means for securing an openable end of the first zipper includes a first reversibly separable securing tab. The first securing tab is attached to a zipper pull of the first zipper. A zipper pull cover is provided. The zipper pull cover has a side edge, a top surface, a bottom surface and a first reversibly separable pad attached to the bottom surface. The zipper pull cover is attached at the side edge to an inner surface of either of the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side wall adjacent the openable end of the first zipper. A second reversibly separable attachment pad is provided. The second attachment pad is attached to the upper surface of the mattress support panel adjacent the openable end of the first zipper. When the first zipper is in a closed position, the first reversibly separable pad of the zipper pull cover will attach to the first securing tab and the second reversibly separable attachment pad, thereby preventing easy opening of the first zipper.  
         [0067]     In still another variant, a flexible covering is provided for an upper portion of the first zipper to prevent injury to an infant or small child.  
         [0068]     In yet another variant, the mattress support panel includes a surrounding edge panel. The surrounding edge panel extends upwardly from the outer perimeter for a first predetermined distance and has an upper edge. A second zipper is provided. The second zipper removably attaches the surrounding edge panel either to the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall at the upper edge. When the second zipper attaches the upper edge to the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall the mattress support panel will be located on the first lower position. When the first zipper also attaches the outer perimeter to the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall the mattress support panel will be located on the second higher position.  
         [0069]     In a further variant, means are provided for securing an openable end of the second zipper.  
         [0070]     In still a further variant, the means for securing an openable end of the second zipper includes a second reversibly separable securing tab. The second securing tab attaches to a zipper pull of the second zipper. A zipper pull cover is provided. The zipper pull cover has a side edge, a top surface, a bottom surface and a first reversibly separable pad attached to the bottom surface. The zipper pull cover is attached at the side edge to an inner surface of either of the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side wall adjacent the openable end of the second zipper. A third reversibly separable attachment pad is provided. The third attachment pad is attached adjacent the upper edge of the surrounding edge panel adjacent the openable end of the second zipper. When the second zipper is in a closed position, the first reversibly separable pad of the zipper pull cover will attach to the second securing tab and the third reversibly separable attachment pad, thereby preventing easy opening of the second zipper.  
         [0071]     In yet a further variant of the invention, a flexible covering is provided for an upper portion of the second zipper to prevent injury to an infant or small child.  
         [0072]     In another variant, the mattress support panel includes means for removably securing the lower surface of the mattress pad to the upper surface of the mattress support panel.  
         [0073]     In still another variant, the mattress pad includes means for removably securing the lower surface of the mattress pad to either the upper surface of the mattress support panel or the top surface of the floor.  
         [0074]     In yet another variant, the mattress pad includes a washable cover. The washable cover is sized and shaped to fit over the mattress pad. Means are provided for removably securing the washable cover to the lower surface of the mattress pad. The washable cover has means for being removably secured to the lower surface of the mattress pad and means for being removably secured to the upper surface of the mattress support panel.  
         [0075]     In a further variant, at least a portion of either of the back wall, the first side wall and the second side wall is formed of mesh material.  
         [0076]     In still a further variant, the back wall includes a reclosable opening. The reclosable opening provides access to a space between the floor and the mattress support panel.  
         [0077]     In yet a further variant, the co-sleeper includes height-adjusting means for changing a height of the co-sleeper such that the upper surface of the mattress support panel is located on at a level below an upper surface of a mattress of the parental bed.  
         [0078]     In yet another variant, the height adjusting means includes extensions that attach to the four lower corner leg members.  
         [0079]     In still another variant, removable wheels are provided. The wheels attach to either of four lower corner leg members and the extensions.  
         [0080]     In a further variant, the co-sleeper includes at least one pair of alignment means through which the securing strap assembly is directed for maintaining the securing strap assembly in horizontal orientation and preventing lifting or bucking of the co-sleeper when secured to the parental bed. The co-sleeper also includes at least one pair of securing strap attachment means for fastening the securing strap assembly to the co-sleeper.  
         [0081]     In still a further variant, the securing strap assembly includes a strap member that has a first end and a second end. A resistance plate member is provided that has at least two slots vertically aligned and centrally located on at which the strap member is attached such that the first end and the second end are equidistant from the plate member. Attachment cooperation means are provided that are located at the first end and the second end of the strap member for reversible connection to one of the pairs of securing strap attachment means. Adjusting means are provided for adjusting a length of the strap member and tightening it after connecting the attachment cooperation means to one of the pairs of security strap attachment means. The strap member is properly positioned when located under a mattress and above a surface on which the mattress rests on the parental bed. The strap member is held in place by the resistance plate member located vertically at a side of the parental bed opposite placement of the co-sleeper. The strap member is tightened so the co-sleeper is held fast to the parental bed.  
         [0082]     In another variant of the invention, the front wall is comprised of flexible material and means for supporting the flexible material.  
         [0083]     In still another variant, means are provided for constraining a portion of the flexible material when the front wall is lowered from the first position at the top to one of the second positions below the top.  
         [0084]     In yet another variant, the means for constraining a portion of the flexible material includes a first strap portion. The first strap portion has a first end and a second end and is attached at the first end to an inner surface of the front wall at a level below the at least one second position. A receiving connector is provided. The receiving connector is attached to the first strap portion at the second end. A second strap portion is provided. The second strap portion has a first end and a second end and is attached at the first end to an outer surface of the front wall at a level below the at least one second position. An attaching connector is provided. The attaching connector has a slot. The slot is sized and shaped to fit slidably over the second strap portion. The second strap portion is looped through the slot of the attaching connector and removably attached to itself with a slidable adjusting buckle. When the front wall is in one of the second positions and the attaching connector is located in the receiving connector, the slidable adjusting buckle may be moved to tighten the first and second strap portions so as to constrain the portion of the flexible material.  
         [0085]     In still another variant, an inside pocket is provided. The inside pocket has a reversibly closable top opening and is located on the inner surface of the front wall with the first end of the first strap portion attached to the front wall within the inside pocket. An outside pocket is provided. The outside pocket has a reversibly closable top opening and is located on the outer surface of the front wall with the first end of the second strap portion attached to the front wall within the outside pocket. When the first and second strap portions with attached receiving and attaching connectors are not needed to constrain the portion of the flexible material, the strap portions are stored within the inside and outside pockets, respectively.  
         [0086]     In yet another variant, a portion of the front wall is formed of mesh material.  
         [0087]     In a further variant, the rigid frame includes means for pivotally mounting the front and rear upper horizontal rails to the upper front corner members and upper rear corner members, respectively. Frame locking devices positioned at center points of the front and rear upper horizontal rail are pivotally mounted to the rails permitting the upper rails to pivot downwardly from the open top of the enclosure. Means are provided for pivotally mounting the first and second upper side horizontal rails to the upper front and rear corner members. Frame locking devices positioned at center points of the first and second upper side horizontal rails are pivotally mounted to the rails permitting each of the rails to pivot downwardly from the open top of the enclosure.  
         [0088]     Means are provided for pivotally mounting the first side and second side lower horizontal rails to the lower corner leg members. Frame pivoting devices positioned at center points of the first side and second side lower horizontal rails are pivotally mounted to the rails permitting each of the rails to pivot upwardly. Means are provided for pivotally mounting the front and rear lower horizontal rails to the lower front and rear corner leg members, respectively. Frame pivoting devices positioned at center points of the front and rear lower horizontal rails are pivotally mounted to the rails permitting each of the rails to pivot upwardly. The frame may be quickly folded into a compact package for transport and storage by releasing the locking devices positioned on the front and rear upper horizontal rails and first and second upper side horizontal rails, depressing the upper horizontal rails downwardly while pulling upwardly on the frame pivoting devices on the lower horizontal rails, thereby causing the upper and horizontal rails to bend downwardly, the lower horizontal rails to bend upwardly and the vertical rails to move inwardly.  
         [0089]     In still a further variant, the mattress pad includes at least three portions. Each of the portions has a rigid bottom section and a padded top section. The portions are hingedly attached to each other. Means are provided for removably attaching outer edges of the mattress pad together. The mattress pad serves as an enclosure for the co-sleeper when folded for transport and storage.  
         [0090]     In yet a further variant, the mattress pad further comprises a slat-receiving pocket and a stiffening slat. The slat receiving pocket extends across the bottom sections of the at least three portions and is sized and shaped to receive the stiffening slat for further supporting the mattress pad.  
         [0091]     In another variant of the invention, the means for reversibly lowering the height of at least a portion of the front wall includes a first set of reversibly separable fasteners located adjacent a top edge of the front wall adjacent a first side edge of the front wall. A second set of reversibly separable fasteners is located adjacent the top edge of the front wall adjacent a second side edge of the front wall. When the front wall is lowered from the first, upper position to one of the second lower positions, the reversibly separable fasteners are opened to permit the front wall to be lowered while securing any excessive flexible material when the front wall is in the first upper position.  
         [0092]     In yet another variant, the first and second sections of the upper front corner members and the receiving means fixedly attached to each front vertical rail for receiving the first section of the upper front corner members and reversibly maintaining the upper front horizontal rail in at least one lower second position include a T-shaped protrusion extending from a point adjacent a lower end of the first section of the upper front corner members toward an upper end of the first section terminating in a stop. A securing extension located on the first section adjacent and below the T-shaped protrusion is provided. The securing extension is bendable away from the T-shaped protrusion and includes a retaining ledge. A first mating T-shaped slot is provided. The T-shaped slot extends from a point adjacent an upper end of the second section of the upper front corner member and terminates above a lower end of the upper front corner members.  
         [0093]     A second mating T-shaped slot extends from a point adjacent an upper end of the receiving means toward a lower end of the receiving means and terminates above a lower end of the receiving means. At least two locating features are provided. The locating features are positioned on the second section and the receiving means adjacent and below the first and second T-shaped slots. The locating features are sized, shaped and located to be removably engaged by the retaining ledge of the securing extension so that the first section of the upper front corner member may be secured to either the second section or the receiving means.  
         [0094]     In still another variant, the rigid frame is formed of hollow tubing. The front, rear, first side and second side upper horizontal rails each have a first portion and a second portion. Each portion has an inboard end and an outboard end, and the frame locking devices positioned at center points of the upper horizontal rails include a connecting frame. The frame is pivotally mounted to the inboard ends of each of the first and second portions of the upper horizontal rails. The connecting frame includes a pair of locking holes. A pair of spring-loaded buttons is mounted within the upper horizontal rails. The buttons are sized, shaped and located to engage the locking holes in the connecting frame when the first and second portions of the upper horizontal rails are collinear. Means are provided for pushing both buttons inwardly so as to clear the locking holes in the connecting frame simultaneously, thereby permitting the upper horizontal rails to be pivoted downwardly.  
         [0095]     In a further variant, the rigid frame is formed of hollow tubing. The front, rear, first side and second side lower horizontal rails each have a first portion and a second portion. Each portion has an inboard end and an outboard end. The frame pivoting devices positioned at center points of the lower horizontal rails include a spring housing. The spring housing is pivotally mounted upon a pair of mounting pins to the inboard ends of each of the first and second portions of the lower horizontal rails. The spring housing includes first and second pairs of arcurate alignment slots and first and second pairs of positioning detents. First and second alignment pins are provided. The alignment pins are mounted parallel to the mounting pins and spaced outwardly from the inboard ends of the first and second portions of the lower horizontal rails. The alignment pins are sized, shaped and located to fit slidably within the arcurate alignment slots. Each of the pairs of positioning detents is spaced apart by a distance slightly less than a diameter of one of the lower horizontal rails. When the first and second portions of the lower horizontal rails are collinear, the rails will be within the spring housing and when the rails are pivoted with respect to one another to fold the co-sleeper, the detents will be urged against the rails by a spring resistance of the housing, causing the housing to spread apart, such resistance serving to maintain collinear alignment of the lower horizontal rails when the co-sleeper is erected.  
         [0096]     In a further variant, the first section of the front upper corner member is a male section and the second section is a female section. The second section has an opening sufficiently small so as to prevent entry of fingers of small children or infants.  
         [0097]     In a final variant of the invention, the receiving means is a female section for association with a male section. The receiving means has an opening sufficiently small so as to prevent the entry of fingers of small children or infants. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0098]     Understanding of the present invention will be facilitated by consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts:  
         [0099]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention in a first position at the top;  
         [0100]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the rigid frame of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating the two reversibly separable complimentary sections of the two upper front corner members, the receiving means, the frame locking devices and the frame pivoting devices;  
         [0101]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention in the second position below the top illustrating the height adjustment means, the removable wheels and the means for constraining a portion of the flexible material;  
         [0102]      FIG. 2A  is a partial cutaway perspective of the  FIG. 1  embodiment illustrating the second strap portion attached to the front wall;  
         [0103]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional side view of the enclosure illustrating the portion of the surrounding wall formed of mesh material and the reclosable opening;  
         [0104]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the co-sleeper attached to the parents&#39; bed by means of the safety strap assembly;  
         [0105]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the co-sleeper illustrating the padded covers and means for attaching the padded covers to the side walls;  
         [0106]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the enclosure illustrating the floor and top;  
         [0107]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the enclosure illustrating the mattress support panel at the first lower position;  
         [0108]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional detail of  FIG. 7  taken along the line  8 - 8 ;  
         [0109]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the enclosure illustrating the mattress support panel at the at least one second higher position;  
         [0110]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional detail of  FIG. 9  taken along the line  10 - 10 ;  
         [0111]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the mattress pad with washable cover;  
         [0112]      FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of the means for removably securing the washable cover to the mattress pad and the means for removably securing the mattress pad to the mattress support panel;  
         [0113]      FIG. 12  is a perspective detail view of the mattress support panel removably attached to the enclosure and the means for securing an openable end of the first zipper;  
         [0114]      FIG. 12A  is a perspective detail view of the means for securing an openable end of the first zipper, the first reversibly separable securing tab, the zipper pull cover of the first zipper, the second reversibly separable attachment pad, the surrounding edge panel, the flexible covering for an upper portion of the first zipper, the openable end of the second zipper, the second reversibly separable securing tab, the zipper pull cover of the second zipper and the third reversibly separable attachment pad;  
         [0115]      FIG. 12B  is a perspective detail view of the means for securing an openable end of the second zipper, the second reversibly separable securing tab, the zipper pull of the second zipper, the zipper pull cover and the third reversibly separable attachment pad;  
         [0116]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the frame locking device;  
         [0117]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the frame pivoting device;  
         [0118]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the floor illustrating the lower mattress control slit, the lower releasable attachment means and the attachment strip;  
         [0119]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the upper surface of the mattress support panel;  
         [0120]      FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of the lower surface of the mattress support panel;  
         [0121]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the mattress pad illustrating the slat-receiving pocket and the stiffening slat;  
         [0122]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the floor and the enclosure;  
         [0123]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the height adjusting means and removable wheels attached to the lower edges of the enclosure;  
         [0124]      FIG. 20  is a perspective detail view of the means for reversibly lowering the height of at least a portion of the front wall;  
         [0125]      FIG. 21  is a perspective detail view of the means for reversibly lowering the height of at least a portion of the front wall illustrating the T-shaped protrusion and the securing extension of the first section of the upper front corner member;  
         [0126]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment in partially collapsed condition;  
         [0127]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment in further collapsed condition; and  
         [0128]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment secured within the segmented rigid floor member as a compact package for transportation and storage. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0129]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  4 ,  6 ,  11 ,  15 ,  16  and  16 A, the present invention is a portable combination bedside co-sleeper  10  convertibly adapted for use as a bassinet, changing table and playpen. The co-sleeper  10 , includes an enclosure  15  that has an open top  20 , a floor  25 , a mattress support panel  30 , a front wall  35 , and at least one surrounding wall  40  connected to the front wall  35 . The floor  25  has a top surface  45 , a bottom surface  50  and surrounding side edges  55  and is attached to the front wall  35  and the surrounding wall  40  at the surrounding side edges  55 . The mattress support panel  30  has an upper surface  60 , a lower surface  65 , an outer perimeter  70  and is removably attached to the front wall  35  and the surrounding wall  40  at the outer perimeter  70  and is spaced upwardly from the floor  25 . A mattress pad  75  is provided. The mattress pad  75  has an upper surface  80 , a lower surface  85  and is sized and shaped to fit slidably between the front wall  35  and the surrounding wall  40 .  
         [0130]     Means  90  are provided for, reversibly lowering a height  95  of at least a portion  100  of the front wall  35 , from a first position  105  at the top  20  to at least one second position  110  below the top  20 . A securing strap assembly  115  is provided for securing the co-sleeper  10  to a parental bed  120 . When the front wall  35  is raised to the first position  105 , the co-sleeper  10  is usable as a bassinet; and when the front wall  35  is then lowered to one of its second positions  110 , the co-sleeper  10  is usable as a changing table. When the securing strap assembly  115  is properly positioned and the co-sleeper  10  is secured to the parental bed  120  it will serve as a co-sleeper  10 .  
         [0131]     In a variant of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 18 , the floor  25  further includes a series of first reinforcing straps  125 . The first reinforcing straps  125  are located upon the bottom surface  50  of the floor  25 . At least two of the first reinforcing straps  125  are attached to the enclosure  15 .  
         [0132]     In another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 18 , the floor  25  further includes at least two fastening portions  130  extending outwardly from the first reinforcing straps  125  and attaching to the enclosure  15  and at least two securing portions  135 . The securing portions  135  attach the fastening portions  130  to a lower edge  140  of the front wall  35  and to a lower edge  145  of the surrounding wall  40 .  
         [0133]     In still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the floor  25  further includes means  150  for removably securing the lower surface  85  of the mattress pad  75  to the top surface  45  of the floor  25 .  
         [0134]     In yet another variant of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the mattress support panel  30  is formed of mesh material  155 .  
         [0135]     In still another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 16 A, the mattress support panel  30  further includes a series of reinforcing panels  160 . The reinforcing panels  160  are attached to the upper surface  60  of the mattress support panel  30 . A series of second reinforcing straps  165  is provided. The second reinforcing straps  165  are attached to the lower surface  65  of the mattress support panel  30 .  
         [0136]     In another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , spacing of the mattress support panel  30  upwardly from the floor  25  is adjustable between a first, lower position  170  to at least one second higher position  175 , thereby permitting the mattress pad  75  to be maintained at at least two different heights relative to an upper mattress surface  177  of the parental bed  120 .  
         [0137]     In still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the mattress support panel  30  is removably attached to the front wall  35  and the surrounding wall  40  at the outer perimeter  70  using a first zipper  180 .  
         [0138]     In yet another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 12 A, means  185  are provided for securing an openable end  190  of the first zipper  180 .  
         [0139]     In yet a further variant of the invention, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 12 A, the means  185  for securing an openable end  190  of the first zipper  180  includes a first reversibly separable securing tab  195 . The first securing tab  195  attaches to a zipper pull  200  of the first zipper  180 . A zipper pull cover  205  is provided. The zipper pull cover  205  has a side edge  210 , a top surface  215 , a bottom surface  220  and a first reversibly separable pad  225  attached to the bottom surface  220 . The zipper pull cover  205  is attached at the side edge  210  to an inner surface  230  of either the front wall  35  or the surrounding wall  40  adjacent the openable end  190  of the first zipper  180 . A second reversibly separable attachment pad  235  is attached to the upper surface  60  of the mattress support panel  30  adjacent the openable end  190  of the first zipper  180 . When the first zipper  180  is in a closed position  240 , the first reversibly separable pad  225  of the zipper pull cover  205  will attach to the first securing tab  195  and the second reversibly separable attachment pad  235 , thereby preventing easy opening of the first zipper  180 .  
         [0140]     In still a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 12A , a flexible covering  243  for an upper portion  245  of the first zipper  180  is provided to prevent injury to an infant or small child (not shown).  
         [0141]     In another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , the mattress support panel  30  includes a surrounding edge panel  250 . The surrounding edge panel  250  extends upwardly from the outer perimeter  70  for a first predetermined distance  255  and has an upper edge  260 . A second zipper  265  is provided. The second zipper  265  removably attaches the surrounding edge panel  250  to the front wall  35  and the surrounding wall  40  at the upper edge  260 . When the second zipper  265  attaches the upper edge  260  to the front wall  35  and the surrounding wall  40  the mattress support panel  30  will be located at the first lower position  170 . When the first zipper  180  also attaches the outer perimeter  70  to the front wall  35  and the surrounding wall  40  the mattress support panel  30  will be located at one of the second higher positions  175 .  
         [0142]     In still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 12A , means  270  are provided for securing an openable end  275  of the second zipper  265 .  
         [0143]     In yet another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 8, 10 ,  12 A and  12 B, the means  270  for securing an openable end  275  of the second zipper  265  includes a second reversibly separable securing tab  280 . The second securing tab  280  attaches to a zipper pull  285  of the second zipper  265 . The zipper pull cover  205  is attached at the side edge  210  to an inner surface  230  of either the front wall  35  or the surrounding wall  40  adjacent the openable ends  190 ,  275  of the first zipper  180  and the second zipper  265 . A third reversibly separable attachment pad  290  attaches adjacent the upper edge  260  of the surrounding edge panel  250  adjacent the openable end  275  of the second zipper  265 . When the second zipper  265  is in a closed position  295 , the first reversibly separable pad  225  of the zipper pull cover  205  will attach to the second securing tab  280  and the third reversibly separable attachment pad  290 , thereby preventing easy opening of the second zipper  265 .  
         [0144]     In a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 12A , the flexible covering  243  is provided for an upper portion  305  of the second zipper  265  to prevent injury to an infant or small child (not shown).  
         [0145]     In still a further variant of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the mattress support panel  30  includes means  310  for removably securing the lower surface  85  of the mattress pad  75  to the upper surface  60  of the mattress support panel  30 .  
         [0146]     In another variant, as shown in  FIG. 11A , the mattress pad  75  includes means  315  for removably securing the lower surface  85  of the mattress pad  75  to either the upper surface  60  of the mattress support panel  30  or the top surface  45  of the floor  25 .  
         [0147]     In yet another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 11 A, the mattress pad  75  includes a washable cover  320 . The washable cover  320  is sized and shaped to fit over the mattress pad  75 . Means  325  are provided for removably securing the washable cover  320  to the lower surface  85  of the mattress pad  75 . The washable cover  320  has means  330  for being removably secured to the upper surface  60  of the mattress support panel  30  or the floor  25 .  
         [0148]     In yet a further variant, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 24 , the mattress pad  75  includes at least three portions  333 . Each of the portions  333  has a rigid bottom section  335  and a padded top section  340 . The portions  333  are hingedly attached to each other. Means  345  are provided for removably attaching outer edges  350  of the mattress pad  75  together. The mattress pad  75  serves as an enclosure  355  for the co-sleeper  10  when folded for transport and storage.  
         [0149]     In still a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the mattress pad  75  includes a slat-receiving pocket  360  and a stiffening slat  365 . The slat receiving pocket  360  extends across the bottom sections  335  of the at least three portions  333  and is sized and shaped to receive the stiffening slat  365  for further supporting the mattress pad  75 .  
         [0150]     In another variant of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 3 , at least a portion  370  of the surrounding wall  40  is formed of mesh material  375 .  
         [0151]     In still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the surrounding wall  40  includes a reclosable opening  380 . The opening  380  provides access to a space  385  between the floor  25  and the mattress support panel  30 .  
         [0152]     In yet another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 19 , the co-sleeper  10  includes height adjusting means  390  for changing a height  395  of the co-sleeper  10  such that the upper surface  60  of the mattress support panel  30  is located at a level  400  below an upper surface  405  of a mattress  410  of the parental bed  120 .  
         [0153]     In yet a further variant, a shown in  FIGS. 2, 3  and  19 , the height adjusting means  390  comprises extensions  415  that attach to lower edges  420  of the enclosure  15 .  
         [0154]     In still a further variant, as shown in  FIGS. 2, 3  and  19 , the co-sleeper  10  includes removable wheels  425 . The wheels  425  attach to either the lower edges  420  of the enclosure  15  or the extensions  415 .  
         [0155]     In another variant, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the co-sleeper  10  includes at least one pair of alignment means  430  through which the securing strap assembly  115  is directed for maintaining the securing strap assembly  115  in horizontal orientation and preventing lifting or bucking of the co-sleeper  10  when secured to the parental bed  120 . The co-sleeper  10  also includes at least one pair of securing strap attachment means  435  for fastening the securing strap assembly  115  to the co-sleeper  10 .  
         [0156]     In still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the securing strap assembly  115  includes a strap member  440  that has a first end  445  and a second end  450 . A resistance plate member  455  is provided that has at least two slots  460  vertically aligned and centrally located at which the strap member  440  is attached such that the first end  445  and the second end  450  are equidistant from the plate member  455 . Attachment cooperation means  465  are located at the first end  445  and the second end  450  of the strap member  440  for reversible connection to one of the pairs of securing strap attachment means  435 . Adjusting means  470  are provided for adjusting a length  475  of the strap member  440  and tightening it after connecting the attachment cooperation means  465  to one of the pairs of securing strap attachment means  435 . The strap member  440  is properly positioned when located under a mattress  410  and above a surface  485  on which the mattress  410  rests on the parental bed  120  and held in place by the resistance plate member  455  located vertically at a side  490  of the parental bed  120  opposite placement of the co-sleeper  10  and the strap member  440  is tightened so the co-sleeper  10  is held fast to the parental bed  120 .  
         [0157]     In still a further variant of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the front wall  35  is comprised of flexible material  495  and means  500  for supporting the flexible material  495 .  
         [0158]     In yet a further variant, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the co-sleeper  10  includes means  505  for constraining a portion  510  of the flexible material  495  when the front wall  35  is lowered from the first position  105  at the top  20  to one of the second positions  110  below the top  20 .  
         [0159]     In another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 6 , the means  505  for constraining a portion  510  of the flexible material  495  includes a first strap portion  515 . The first strap portion  515  has a first end  520  and a second end  525  and is attached at the first end  520  to an inner surface  530  of the front wall  35  at a level  532  below the at least one second position  110 . A receiving connector  535  is provided. The receiving connector  535  is attached to the first strap portion  515  at the second end  525 . A second strap portion  540  is provided. The second strap portion  540  has a first end  545  and a second end  547  and is attached at the first end  545  to an outer surface  550  of the front wall  35  at a level  555  below the at least one second position  110 . An attaching connector  560  is provided. The attaching connector  560  has a slot  565 . The slot  565  is sized and shaped to fit slidably over the second strap portion  540 . The second strap portion  540  is looped through the slot  565  of the attaching connector  560  and removably attached to itself  540  with a slidable adjusting buckle  570 . When the front wall  35  is in one of the second positions  110  and the attaching connector  560  is located in the receiving connector  535 , the slidable adjusting buckle  570  is moved to tighten the first  515  and second  540  strap portions so as to constrain the portion  510  of the flexible material  495 .  
         [0160]     In still another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 6 , the co-sleeper  10  includes an inside pocket  575 . The inside pocket  575  has a reversibly closable top opening  580  and is located on the inner surface  530  of the front wall  35  with the first end  520  of the first strap portion  515  attached to the front wall  35  within the inside pocket  575 . An outside pocket  585  is provided. The outside pocket  585  has a reversibly closable top opening  590  and is located upon the outer surface  550  of the front wall  35  with the first end  545  of the second strap portion  540  attached to the front wall  35  within the outside pocket  585 . When the first  515  and second  540  strap portions with attached receiving  535  and attaching  560  connectors are not needed to constrain the portion  510  of the flexible material  495 , the strap portions  515 ,  540  are stored within the inside  575  and outside  585  pockets, respectively.  
         [0161]     In yet another variant, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a portion  595  of the front wall  35  is formed of mesh material  600 .  
         [0162]     In a further variant, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  20  and  21 , the means  90  for reversibly lowering the height  95  of at least a portion  100  of the front wall  35  includes a first set of reversibly separable fasteners  605  located adjacent a top edge  610  of the front wall  35  adjacent a first side edge  615  of the front wall  35 . A second set of reversibly separable fasteners  620  is located adjacent the top edge  610  of the front wall  35  adjacent a second side edge  625  of the front wall  35 . When the front wall  35  is lowered from the first, upper position  105  to one of the second lower positions  110 , the reversibly separable fasteners  605 ,  620  are opened to permit the front wall  35  to be lowered while securing any excessive flexible material  630  when the front wall  35  is in the first upper position  105 .  
         [0163]     In yet a further variant, as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 16 , at least one upper mattress control slit  635  is provided. The upper mattress control slit  635  penetrates the mattress support panel  30 . At least one upper releasable attachment means  640  is provided. The upper releasable attachment means  640  is located on the lower surface  65  of the mattress support panel  30  adjacent the mattress control slit  635 . At least one attachment strip  645  is provided. The attachment strip  645  is attached to the lower surface  85  of the mattress pad  75 , is sized and shaped to fit slidably through the mattress control slit  635  and has means  650  for attaching to the releasable attachment means  640 . When the mattress pad  75  is located on the mattress support panel  30 , the attachment strip  645  is located through the upper mattress control slit  635  and attached to the upper releasable attachment means  640 , the mattress pad  75  will be removably secured to the mattress support panel  30 .  
         [0164]     In still a further variant, as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 15 , at least one lower mattress control slit  652  is provided. The lower mattress control slit  652  penetrates the floor  25 . At least one lower releasable attachment means  655  is provided. The lower releasable attachment means  655  is located on the bottom surface  50  of the floor  25  adjacent the lower mattress control slit  652 . At least one attachment strip  645  is provided. The attachment strip  645  is attached to the lower surface  85  of the mattress pad  75 , is sized and shaped to fit slidably through the lower mattress control slit  652  and has means for attaching to the lower releasable attachment means  655 . When the mattress pad  75  is located on the floor  25 , the attachment strip  645  is located through the lower mattress control slit  652  and attached to the lower releasable attachment means  655 , the mattress pad  75  will be removably secured to the floor  25 .  
         [0165]     In another variant of the invention, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 1A ,  4 ,  11 ,  15 ,  16 ,  20  and  21 , the portable combination bedside co-sleeper  10  includes a rigid enclosure  660  that has an open top  665 , a floor  670 , a front wall  675 , a back wall  680 , a first side wall  685 , a second side wall  690  and a mattress support panel  30 . The floor  670  has a top surface  700 , a bottom surface  705  and surrounding side edges  710  and is attached to the front wall  675 , back wall  680 , first side wall  685  and second side wall  690  at the surrounding side edges  710 . The mattress support panel  30  has an upper surface  60 , a lower surface  65 , an outer perimeter  70  and is removably attached to the front wall  675 , back wall  680 , first side wall  685  and second side wall  690  at the outer perimeter  70  and is spaced upwardly from the floor  670 . A mattress pad  75  is provided. The mattress pad  75  has an upper surface  80 , a lower surface  85  and is sized and shaped to fit slidably between the front wall  675 , back wall  680 , first side wall  685  and second side wall  690 .  
         [0166]     A rigid frame  730  is provided. The frame  730  is formed at the top  665  by front  735  and rear  740  upper parallel horizontal rails, first  745  and second  750  upper side horizontal rails, two upper front corner members  755 ,  760  and two upper rear corner members  765 ,  770  in cooperation therewith. The frame  730  is formed adjacent the floor  670  by front  775  and rear  780  lower parallel horizontal rails and first side  785  and second side  790  lower parallel horizontal rails in cooperation therewith, a pair of front vertical rails  795 ,  800  and a pair of rear vertical rails  805 ,  810  in further cooperation with the two upper front corner members  755 ,  760  and the two upper rear corner members  765 ,  770  and the four lower corner leg members  815 ,  816 ,  817 ,  818 . The rigid frame  730  supports the floor  670 , the front wall  675 , the back wall  680 , the first side wall  685  and the second side wall  690 . Each upper front corner member  755 ,  760  is constructed of two reversibly separable complementary sections  820 ,  825 . The first of the sections  820  is fixedly attached to an end  830  of the front upper horizontal rail  735  and the second of the sections  825  is fixedly attached to an upper end  835  of one of the front vertical rails  795 ,  800 . The upper front corner members  755 ,  760  support the upper front horizontal rail  735  in a first position  840 .  
         [0167]     Receiving means  845  are fixedly attached to each front vertical rail  795 ,  800  for receiving the first section  820  of an upper front corner member  755 ,  760  and reversibly maintaining the upper front horizontal rail  735  in at least one lower second position  850 , thereby lowering the front wall  675  and maintaining structural rigidity of the co-sleeper  10  when the upper front horizontal rail  735  is in one of the second positions  850 . A securing strap assembly  115  is provided for securing the co-sleeper  10  to a parental bed  120 . When the upper front horizontal rail  735  and the front wall  675  are in the raised first position  840 , the co-sleeper  10  is usable as a bassinet; and when the upper front horizontal rail  735  and the front wall  675  are then lowered to one of the second positions  850 , the co-sleeper  10  is usable as a changing table. Further, when the securing strap assembly  115  is properly positioned and the co-sleeper  10  is secured to the parental bed  120  it will serve as a co-sleeper  10 .  
         [0168]     In still another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 2, 5  and  20 , first  855  and second  860  padded covers are provided. Each of the padded covers  855 ,  860  is sized and shaped to fit over one of the two upper front corner members  755 ,  760 . Means  865  are provided for attaching the first  855  and second  860  padded covers to the first  685  and second  690  side walls. When the upper front horizontal rail  735  is in the second position  850  and the first  855  and second  860  padded covers are installed over the upper front corner members  755 ,  760 , openings  867 ,  868  in the corner members  755 ,  760  will be covered and thus protected from entry by fingers of infants or small children (not shown).  
         [0169]     In yet another variant, as shown in  FIG. 22 , the front  735  and rear  740  upper parallel horizontal rails and first  745  and second  750  upper side horizontal rails are padded.  
         [0170]     In a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 18 , the floor  670  includes a series of first reinforcing straps  125 . The first reinforcing straps  125  are located on the bottom surface  705  of the floor  670 . At least two of the first reinforcing straps  125  are attached to the rigid frame  730 .  
         [0171]     In still a further variant, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 18 , the floor  670  includes at least two fastening portions  130  extending outwardly from the first reinforcing straps  125  and attaching to the rigid frame  730 . At least two securing portions  135  are provided. The securing portions  135  attach the fastening portions  130  to lower edges  869  of the front wall  675 , the back wall  680 , the first side wall  685  and the second side wall  690 .  
         [0172]     In yet a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the floor  670  includes means  150  for removably securing the lower surface  85  of the mattress pad  75  to the top surface  700  of the floor  670 .  
         [0173]     In another variant of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 15 , the mattress support panel  30  is formed of mesh material  155 .  
         [0174]     In still another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 16 A, the mattress support panel  30  includes a series of reinforcing panels  160 . The reinforcing panels  160  are attached to the upper surface  60  of the mattress support panel  30 . A series of second reinforcing straps  165  is provided. The second reinforcing straps  165  are attached to the lower surface  65  of the mattress support panel  30 .  
         [0175]     In a further variant, as shown in  FIGS. 7, 9 ,  12  and  12 A, spacing of the mattress support panel  30  upwardly from the floor  670  is adjustable between a first, lower position  170  to at least one second higher position  175 . This permits the mattress pad  75  to be maintained at at least two different heights relative to an upper mattress surface  177  of the parental bed  120 .  
         [0176]     In still a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the mattress support panel  30  is removably attached to the front wall  675 , the back wall  680 , the first side wall  685  and the second side wall  690  at the outer perimeter  70  using a first zipper  180 .  
         [0177]     In yet a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 12A , means  185  are provided for securing an openable end  190  of the first zipper  180 .  
         [0178]     In another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 12 A, the means  185  for securing an openable end  190  of the first zipper  180  includes a first reversibly separable securing tab  195 . The first securing tab  195  is attached to a zipper pull  200  of the first zipper  180 . A zipper pull cover  205  is provided. The zipper pull cover  205  has a side edge  210 , a top surface  215 , a bottom surface  220  and a first reversibly separable pad  225  attached to the bottom surface  220 . The zipper pull cover  205  is attached at the side edge  210  to an inner surface  230  of either of the front wall  675 , the back wall  680 , the first side wall  685  and the second side wall  690  adjacent the openable end  190  of the first zipper  180 . A second reversibly separable attachment pad  235  is provided. The second attachment pad  235  is attached to the upper surface  60  of the mattress support panel  30  adjacent the openable end  190  of the first zipper  180 . When the first zipper  180  is in a closed position  240 , the first reversibly separable pad  225  of the zipper pull cover  205  will attach to the first securing tab  195  and the second reversibly separable attachment pad  235 , thereby preventing easy opening of the first zipper  180 .  
         [0179]     In still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 12A , a flexible covering  243  is provided for an upper portion  245  of the first zipper  180  to prevent injury to an infant or small child (not shown).  
         [0180]     In yet another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 7, 8 ,  9 ,  10  and  12 A, the mattress support panel  30  includes a surrounding edge panel  250 . The surrounding edge panel  250  extends upwardly from the outer perimeter  725  for a first predetermined distance  255  and has an upper edge  260 . A second zipper  265  is provided. The second zipper  265  removably attaches the surrounding edge panel  250  either to the front wall  675 , the back wall  680 , the first side wall  685  and the second side wall  690  at the upper edge  260 . When the second zipper  265  attaches the upper edge  260  to the front wall  675 , the back wall  680 , the first side wall  685  and the second side wall  690  the mattress support panel  695  will be located on the first lower position  170 . When the first zipper  180  also attaches the outer perimeter  725  to the front wall  675 , the back wall  680 , the first side wall  685  and the second side wall  690  the mattress support panel  695  will be located on the second higher position  175 .  
         [0181]     In a further variant, as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , means  270  are provided for securing an openable end  275  of the second zipper  265 .  
         [0182]     In still a further variant, the means  270  for securing an openable end  275  of the second zipper  265  includes a second reversibly separable securing tab  280 . The second securing tab  280  attaches to a zipper pull  285  of the second zipper  265 . A zipper pull cover  205  is provided. The zipper pull cover  205  has a side edge  210 , a top surface  215 , a bottom surface  220  and a first reversibly separable pad  225  attached to the bottom surface  220 . The zipper pull cover  205  is attached at the side edge  210  to an inner surface  230  of either of the front wall  675 , the back wall  680 , the first side wall  685  and the second side wall  690  adjacent the openable end  275  of the second zipper  265 . A third reversibly separable attachment pad  290  is provided. The third attachment pad  290  is attached adjacent the upper edge  260  of the surrounding edge panel  250  adjacent the openable end  275  of the second zipper  265 . When the second zipper  265  is in a closed position  295 , the first reversibly separable pad  225  of the zipper pull cover  205  will attach to the second securing tab  280  and the third reversibly separable attachment pad  290 , thereby preventing easy opening of the second zipper  265 .  
         [0183]     In yet a further variant of the invention, a flexible covering  243  is provided for an upper portion  305  of the second zipper  265  to prevent injury to an infant or small child (not shown).  
         [0184]     In another variant, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the mattress support panel  30  includes means  310  for removably securing the lower surface  85  of the mattress pad  75  to the upper surface  60  of the mattress support panel  30 .  
         [0185]     In still another variant, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the mattress pad  75  includes means  315  for removably securing the lower surface  85  of the mattress pad  75  to either the upper surface  60  of the mattress support panel  30  or the top surface  700  of the floor  670 .  
         [0186]     In yet another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 11 A, the mattress pad  75  includes a washable cover  320 . The washable cover  320  is sized and shaped to fit over the mattress pad  75 . Means  325  are provided for removably securing the washable cover  320  to the lower surface  85  of the mattress pad  75 . The washable cover  320  has means  325  for being removably secured to the lower surface  85  of the mattress pad  75  and means  330  for being removably secured to the upper surface  60  of the mattress support panel  30 .  
         [0187]     In a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 3 , at least a portion of either of the front wall  675 , the back wall  680 , the first side wall  685  and the second side wall  690  is formed of mesh material  375 .  
         [0188]     In still a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the back wall  680  includes a reclosable opening  380 . The reclosable opening  380  provides access to a space  385  between the floor  670  and the mattress support panel  30 .  
         [0189]     In yet a further variant, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 19 , the co-sleeper  10  includes height-adjusting means  390  for changing a height  395  of the co-sleeper  10  such that the upper surface  60  of the mattress support panel  30  is located on at a level  400  below an upper surface  405  of a mattress  410  of the parental bed  120 .  
         [0190]     In yet another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 2, 3  and  19 , the height adjusting means  390  includes extensions  415  that attach to the four lower corner leg members  815 ,  816 ,  817 ,  818 .  
         [0191]     In still another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 2, 3  and  19 , removable wheels  425  are provided. The wheels  425  attach to either of four lower corner leg members  815 ,  816 ,  817 ,  818  and the extensions  415 .  
         [0192]     In a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the co-sleeper  10  includes at least one pair of alignment means  430  through which the securing strap assembly  115  is directed for maintaining the securing strap assembly  115  in horizontal orientation and preventing lifting or bucking of the co-sleeper  10  when secured to the parental bed  120 . The co-sleeper  10  also includes at least one pair of securing strap attachment means  435  for fastening the securing strap assembly  115  to the co-sleeper  10 .  
         [0193]     In still a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the securing strap assembly  115  includes a strap member  440  that has a first end  445  and a second end  450 . A resistance plate member  455  is provided that has at least two slots  460  vertically aligned and centrally located on at which the strap member  440  is attached such that the first end  445  and the second end  450  are equidistant from the plate member  455 . Attachment cooperation means  465  are provided that are located at the first end  445  and the second end  450  of the strap member  440  for reversible connection to one of the pairs of securing strap attachment means  435 . Adjusting means  470  are provided for adjusting a length  475  of the strap member  440  and tightening it after connecting the attachment cooperation means  465  to one of the pairs of security strap attachment means  435 . The strap member  440  is properly positioned when located under a mattress  410  and above a surface  485  on which the mattress  410  rests on the parental bed  120 . The strap member  440  is held in place by the resistance plate member  455  located vertically at a side  490  of the parental bed  120  opposite placement of the co-sleeper  10 . The strap member  440  is tightened so the co-sleeper  10  is held fast to the parental bed  120 .  
         [0194]     In another variant of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the front wall  675  is comprised of flexible material  495  and means  500  for supporting the flexible material  495 .  
         [0195]     In still another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , means  505  are provided for constraining a portion  510  of the flexible material  495  when the front wall  675  is lowered from the first position  105  at the top  665  to one of the second positions  110  below the top  665 .  
         [0196]     In yet another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 6 , the means  505  for constraining a portion  510  of the flexible material  495  includes a first strap portion  515 . The first strap portion  515  has a first end  520  and a second end  525  and is attached at the first end  520  to an inner surface  530  of the front wall  675  at a level  532  below the at least one second position  110 . A receiving connector  535  is provided. The receiving connector  535  is attached to the first strap portion  515  at the second end  525 . A second strap portion  540  is provided. The second strap portion  540  has a first end  545  and a second end  547  and is attached at the first end  545  to an outer surface  550  of the front wall  675  at a level  555  below the at least one second position  110 . An attaching connector  560  is provided. The attaching connector  560  has a slot  565 . The slot  565  is sized and shaped to fit slidably over the second strap portion  540 . The second strap portion  540  is looped through the slot  565  of the attaching connector  560  and removably attached to itself  540  with a slidable adjusting buckle  570 . When the front wall  675  is in one of the second positions  110  and the attaching connector  560  is located in the receiving connector  535 , the slidable adjusting buckle  570  may be moved to tighten the first  515  and second  540  strap portions so as to constrain the portion  510  of the flexible material  495 .  
         [0197]     In still another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 6 , an inside pocket  575  is provided. The inside pocket  575  has a reversibly closable top opening  580  and is located on the inner surface  530  of the front wall  675  with the first end  520  of the first strap portion  515  attached to the front wall  675  within the inside pocket  575 . An outside pocket  585  is provided. The outside pocket  585  has a reversibly closable top opening  590  and is located on the outer surface  550  of the front wall  675  with the first end  545  of the second strap portion  540  attached to the front wall  675  within the outside pocket  585 . When the first  515  and second  540  strap portions with attached receiving  535  and attaching  560  connectors are not needed to constrain the portion  510  of the flexible material  495 , the strap portions  515 ,  540  are stored within the inside  575  and outside  585  pockets, respectively.  
         [0198]     In yet another variant, as shown in  FIG. 1 , a portion  595  of the front wall  675  is formed of mesh material  600 .  
         [0199]     In a further variant, as shown in  FIGS. 1A, 13 ,  14 ,  22 ,  23  and  24 , the rigid frame  730  includes means  870  for pivotally mounting the front  735  and rear  740  upper horizontal rails to the upper front corner members  755 ,  760  and upper rear corner members  765 ,  770 , respectively. Frame locking devices  875  positioned at center points  880  of the front  735  and rear  740  upper horizontal rails are pivotally mounted to the rails  735 ,  740  permitting the upper rails  735 ,  740  to pivot downwardly from the open top  665  of the enclosure  660 . Means  885  are provided for pivotally mounting the first  745  and second  750  upper side horizontal rails to the upper front  755 ,  760  and rear  765 ,  770  corner members. Frame locking devices  875  positioned at center points  890  of the first  745  and second  750  upper side horizontal rails are pivotally mounted to the rails  745 ,  750  permitting each of the rails  745 ,  750  to pivot downwardly from the open top  665  of the enclosure  660 .  
         [0200]     Means  895  are provided for pivotally mounting the first side  785  and second side  790  lower horizontal rails to the lower corner leg members  815 ,  816 ,  817 ,  818 . Frame pivoting devices  900  positioned at center points  905  of the first side  785  and second side  790  lower horizontal rails are pivotally mounted to the rails  785 ,  790  permitting each of the rails  785 ,  790  to pivot upwardly. Means  910  are provided for pivotally mounting the front  775  and rear  780  lower horizontal rails to the lower corner leg members  815 ,  816 ,  817 ,  818 , respectively. Frame pivoting devices  900  positioned at center points  915  of the front  775  and rear  780  lower horizontal rails are pivotally mounted to the rails  775 ,  780  permitting each of the rails  775 ,  780  to pivot upwardly. The frame  730  may be quickly folded into a compact package  920  for transport and storage by releasing the locking devices  875  positioned on the front  735  and rear  740  upper horizontal rails and first  745  and second  750  upper side horizontal rails, depressing the upper horizontal rails  735 ,  740 ,  745 ,  750  downwardly while pulling upwardly on the frame pivoting devices  900  on the lower horizontal rails  775 ,  780 ,  785 ,  790 , thereby causing the upper  735 ,  740 ,  745 ,  750  horizontal rails to bend downwardly, the lower horizontal rails  775 ,  780 ,  785 ,  790  to bend upwardly and the vertical rails  795 ,  800 ,  805 ,  810  to move inwardly.  
         [0201]     In still a further variant, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 24 , the mattress pad  75  includes at least three portions  333 . Each of the portions  333  has a rigid bottom section  335  and a padded top section  340 . The portions  333  are hingedly attached to each other. Means  345  are provided for removably attaching outer edges  350  of the mattress pad  75  together. The mattress pad  75  serves as an enclosure  355  for the co-sleeper  10  when folded for transport and storage.  
         [0202]     In yet a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the mattress pad  75  further comprises a slat-receiving pocket  360  and a stiffening slat  365 . The slat receiving pocket  360  extends across the bottom sections  335  of the at least three portions  333  and is sized and shaped to receive the stiffening slat  365  for further supporting the mattress pad  75 .  
         [0203]     In another variant of the invention, as shown in  FIGS. 2, 20  and  21 , the means  90  for reversibly lowering the height  95  of at least a portion  100  of the front wall  675  includes a first set of reversibly separable fasteners  605  located adjacent a top edge  610  of the front wall  675  adjacent a first side edge  615  of the front wall  675 . A second set of reversibly separable fasteners  620  is located adjacent the top edge  610  of the front wall  675  adjacent a second side edge  625  of the front wall  675 . When the front wall  675  is lowered from the first, upper position  105  to one of the second lower positions  110 , the reversibly separable fasteners  605 ,  620  are opened to permit the front wall  675  to be lowered while securing any excessive flexible material  630  when the front wall  675  is in the first upper position  105 .  
         [0204]     In yet another variant, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 20  and  21 , the first  820  and second  825  sections of the upper front corner members  755 ,  760  and the receiving means  845  fixedly attached to each front vertical rail  795 ,  780  for receiving the first section  820  of the upper front corner members  755 ,  760  and reversibly maintaining the upper front horizontal rail  735  in at least one lower second position  850  include a T-shaped protrusion  925  extending from a point  930  adjacent a lower end  935  of the first section  820  of the upper front corner members  755 ,  760  toward an upper end  937  of the first section  820  terminating in a stop  940 . A securing extension  945  located on the first section  820  adjacent and below the T-shaped protrusion  925  is provided. The securing extension  945  is bendable away from the T-shaped protrusion  925  and includes a retaining ledge  950 . A first mating T-shaped slot  955  is provided. The T-shaped slot  955  extends from a point  960  adjacent an upper end  965  of the second section  825  of the upper front corner member  755 ,  760  and terminates above a lower end  970  of the upper front corner members  755 ,  760 .  
         [0205]     A second mating T-shaped slot  972  extends from a point  975  adjacent an upper end  980  of the receiving means  845  toward a lower end  985  of the receiving means  845  and terminates above a lower end  985  of the receiving means  845 . At least two locating features  990 ,  995  are provided. The locating features  990 ,  995  are positioned on the second section  825  and the receiving means  845  adjacent and below the first  955  and second  972  T-shaped slots. The locating features  990 ,  995  are sized, shaped and located to be removably engaged by the retaining ledge  950  of the securing extension  945  so that the first section  820  of the upper front corner member  755 ,  760  may be secured to either the second section  825  or the receiving means  845 .  
         [0206]     In still another variant; as shown in  FIG. 13 , the rigid frame  730  is formed of hollow tubing  1000 . The front  735 , rear  740 , first side  745  and second side  750  upper horizontal rails each have a first portion  1005  and a second portion  1010 . Each portion  1005 ,  1010  has an inboard end  1015  and an outboard end  1020 , and the frame locking devices  875  positioned at center points  880 ,  890  of the upper horizontal rails  735 ,  740 ,  745 ,  750  include a connecting frame  1025 . The frame  1025  is pivotally mounted to the inboard ends  1015  of each of the first  1005  and second  1010  portions of the upper horizontal rails  735 ,  740 ,  745 ,  750 . The connecting frame  1025  includes a pair of locking holes  1030 ,  1031 . A pair of spring-loaded buttons  1035 ,  1036  are mounted within the upper horizontal rails  735 ,  740 ,  745 ,  750 . The buttons  1035 ,  1036  are sized, shaped and located to engage the locking holes  1030 ,  1031  in the connecting frame  1025  when the first  1005  and second  1010  portions of the upper horizontal rails  735 ,  740 ,  745 ,  750  are collinear. Means  1040  are provided for pushing both buttons  1035 ,  1036  inwardly so as to clear the locking holes  1030 ,  1031  in the connecting frame  1025  simultaneously, thereby permitting the upper horizontal rails  735 ,  740 ,  745 ,  750  to be pivoted downwardly.  
         [0207]     In a further variant, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the rigid frame  730  is formed of hollow tubing  1000 . The front  775 , rear  780 , first side  785  and second side  790  lower horizontal rails each have a first  1045  portion and a second portion  1050 . Each portion  1045 ,  1050  has an inboard end  1055  and an outboard end  1060 . The frame pivoting devices  900  positioned at center points  905 ,  915  of the lower horizontal rails  775 ,  780 ,  785 ,  790  include a spring housing  1065 . The spring housing  1065  is pivotally mounted upon a pair of mounting pins  1070 ,  1071  to the inboard ends  1055  of each of the first  1045  and second  1050  portions of the lower horizontal rails  775 ,  780 ,  785 ,  790 . The spring housing  1065  includes first  1075  and second  1080  pairs of arcurate alignment slots and first  1090  and second  1095  pairs of positioning detents. First  1100  and second  1105  alignment pins are provided. The alignment pins  1100 ,  1105  are mounted parallel to the mounting pins  1070 ,  1071  and spaced outwardly from the inboard ends  1055  of the first  1045  and second  1050  portions of the lower horizontal rails  775 ,  780 ,  785 ,  790 . The alignment pins  1100 ,  1105  are sized, shaped and located to fit slidably within the arcurate alignment slots  1075 ,  1080 . Each of the pairs  1090 ,  1095  of positioning detents is spaced apart by a distance  1085  slightly less than a diameter  1110  of one of the lower horizontal rails  775 ,  780 ,  785 ,  790 . When the first  1045  and second  1050  portions of the lower horizontal rails  775 ,  780 ,  785 ,  790  are collinear, the rails  775 ,  780 ,  785 ,  790  will be within the spring housing  1065  and when the rails  775 ,  780 ,  785 ,  790  are pivoted with respect to one another to fold the co-sleeper  10 , the detents  1090 ,  1095  will be urged against the rails  775 ,  780 ,  785 ,  790  by a spring resistance of the housing  1065 , causing the housing  1065  to spread apart, such resistance serving to maintain collinear alignment of the lower horizontal rails  775 ,  780 ,  785 ,  790  when the co-sleeper  10  is erected.  
         [0208]     In a further variant, as shown in as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the first section  820  of the front upper corner member  755 ,  760  is a male section  1115  and the second section  825  is a female section  1120 . The second section  825  has an opening  1125  sufficiently small so as to prevent entry of fingers of small children or infants (not shown).  
         [0209]     In a final variant of the invention, as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the receiving means  845  is a female section  1130  for association with a male section  1131 . The receiving means  845  has an opening  1135  sufficiently small so as to prevent the entry of fingers of small children or infants (not shown).  
         [0210]     While one embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited thereto and may be otherwise practiced within the scope of the following claims.