Sarah E. Goode received patent US322177A on July 14, 1885, for her invention of the folding cabinet bed. This invention was a clever solution for urban dwellers living in small apartments, a common challenge in the late 19th century. The patent described a bed with hinged sections that could be folded up into a cabinet, effectively transforming the piece of furniture into a functional desk.
Details of the Patent
Goode’s patent, titled “Folding Cabinet Bed,” addressed the need for furniture that could serve multiple purposes in limited living spaces.
- The Invention: The design featured a bed frame and mattress that could be folded into a cabinet. When folded, the cabinet could be used as a roll-top desk with built-in compartments for stationery and other items.
- Key Features: The patent specified a system of hinged sections and a counterbalance mechanism that made it easy to raise and lower the bed. This design ensured the bed could be easily converted without requiring a lot of effort or space.
- Problem Solved: By combining a bed and a desk into a single piece of furniture, Goode’s invention freed up valuable floor space, making small apartments more functional and comfortable.
Significance of the Invention and Inventor
Sarah E. Goode’s invention was a practical and impactful solution to a common societal problem. Its design was a precursor to the modern Murphy bed, showing how her ingenuity influenced later space-saving furniture. However, her greatest impact was not just her invention but her pioneering role as an African-American woman.
- First African-American Woman to Receive a Patent: While there is some debate among historians, Goode is widely regarded as the first African-American woman to be granted a U.S. patent. In a time when both her race and gender created significant barriers, her achievement was a monumental step forward for women and African-Americans in the field of innovation.
- Legacy as an Entrepreneur: Born into slavery, Goode was a freedwoman who moved to Chicago and became a successful entrepreneur, co-owning a furniture store with her husband. Her invention stemmed directly from listening to her customers’ needs, demonstrating her business acumen and dedication to solving real-world problems.
- Inspiration: Sarah E. Goode’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance, ingenuity, and the ability to overcome adversity. Her legacy has inspired countless others and highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of African-American women to American innovation and history.
To learn more about Sarah Goode’s life and her invention, check out this video Sarah Goode and the Folding Bed from Stuff of Genius.
