To help while away the long hours in bed, an adjustable table of the type pictured in Figure 7.1 will prove useful before, during, and after meals, because of its "side pocket" storage space for games and projects, and its adjustable feature for reading. Just prior to meal times, while the patient's hands and face are being sponged off, the table is light enough to be carried to the kitchen where the meal can be arranged on its flat, central portion. During sleeping hours it can be slipped under the bed.

The construction of the frame for the table is simplified by the use of lap joints at the comers and for interior braces, and by boring the holes for the i-in. dowel lengths all the way through both the upper frame members and the solid bottoms of the two side pockets. This will permit both sets of holes to be bored simultaneously, insuring an accurate fit. Once glued into place, all dowel ends are sanded flush; the ends of comer dowels are saw kerfed and then force fitted by hammering in small wedges, as indicated in the detail.

Lumber List

Fig. 7.1. Adjustable bed table (back view).

The table top is a single piece of 1/2-in. plywood with a pair of hinges mortised into the front, or patient's edge, corresponding to mortises in the frame. A section of quarter-round molding is bradded to the front edge to serve as a book-rest when the top is raised on its wire support, as illustrated in the drawing. The latter is bent from No. 10 wire in the form of a blunt wedge, with its 2-in. wide bottom engaging one of the four saw kerfs in the center brace, and its top arms spread apart 23/4 in. to maintain pressure in the holes drilled in the two hinge blocks screwed to the underside of the table top.

The aprons of 1/4-in. material which form a stationary, vertical rim around three sides of the hinged top are butt jointed, with the front member bradded to the front edge of the frame, and the two side pieces attached to the outside, or pocket side edges of the pocket dividers. The dimensions listed will permit a -11/16-in. clearance for the three outer edges of the table top, on the assumption that this will relieve the apron or rim from undue wear and tear. However, since small crumbs, beads, needles, and other sundries are apt to roll into these crevices, the home craftsman may prefer to glue and brad the three aprons directly to the edges of the movable table top. In this case the overall measurements of the frame can be reduced by 1/8 in. in both directions.

Several coats of ivory enamel should be applied after thorough sandings, or if the table is to receive a natural finish, valspar will protect it from spilled liquids, water colors, finger painting, or other damp activities.