On May 3, 1887, William R. Davis Jr., an African-American inventor from Worcester, Massachusetts, received U.S. Patent No. 362,611 for a game table. This invention was designed as a versatile piece of furniture that could be easily converted to accommodate different games and uses.
Invention and Patent Details
The patent describes a multi-functional game table featuring a hinged tabletop that could be unfolded to reveal a playing surface. One side of the top had a surface suitable for games like checkers or chess, while the other side could be used as a plain tabletop. The design also included a drawer or storage compartment beneath the playing surface to hold game pieces, cards, or other items.
The core innovation of Davis’s design was its compact and convertible nature. It was an early example of multi-purpose furniture, a concept that is common today but was a novel idea in the 19th century. His invention made it possible for a single piece of furniture to serve multiple functions in a home, making it particularly useful for smaller living spaces.
Societal Impact
William R. Davis Jr.’s game table is a testament to the ingenuity of African-American inventors in creating practical products for everyday life. While it may not have had a revolutionary impact on a large industry, his patent demonstrates the contributions of Black inventors to consumer goods and home furnishings. The invention reflects a focus on utility and efficiency, providing a clever solution to a common domestic problem. Davis’s work, like that of many other Black inventors, is a significant part of the history of American innovation, highlighting how inventors from all backgrounds contributed to the development of household items and technology.
