The Invention
The patent, US396089A, granted to Daniel Johnson of Kansas City, Missouri, on January 15, 1889, is for a “Rotary Dining-Table.” The invention is a complete dining set that includes a rotating table and attached, adjustable chairs. Johnson designed it specifically to address the challenges of dining on a sea-going vessel where a ship’s movement can make walking around a table difficult and dangerous.
Key Features:
- Rotating Table: The central component is a large, circular dining table (E) that rotates on a vertical power-shaft (B).
- Adjustable Chairs: The chairs (G) are not on the floor; they are suspended from the underside of the table on adjustable rods. This allows the occupant to slide the chair toward or away from the table. The chairs are also designed to rotate along with the table.
- Vibrating Chair for Stability: For use on a rocking ship, Johnson designed a special chair that can vibrate independently of the table’s movement. It has a counterbalancing weight (g) attached to its underside, ensuring that the occupant remains in a stable, upright position even when the ship is listing or rolling.
- Control Mechanism: The table’s rotation is controlled by a foot-lever (C) that, when depressed, engages a band-and-pulley system connected to an engine. This allows a server or an occupant to rotate the table to the desired position.
- Modular and Self-Contained: The entire system—table, chairs, and rotating mechanism—is a single unit. It can be bolted to the floor and ceiling, making it a complete, self-contained solution for a dining saloon.
Significance of the Invention and Inventor
Daniel Johnson’s patent is an excellent example of an inventor creating a product to solve a very specific problem. While not widely adopted, it showcases a clever and practical application of mechanical principles.
- Solving a Niche Problem: The primary purpose of the invention was to make dining on a sea-going vessel safer and more convenient. On a moving ship, walking around a table to serve food is difficult. Johnson’s solution eliminated this need, allowing service from a single, stationary point while the table and guests rotated. This was a direct response to a real-world problem.
- Ingenious Design: The design is a testament to Johnson’s ingenuity. The suspension of the chairs from the table is a particularly clever idea, as it keeps the entire dining unit together. The addition of a counterbalanced “vibrating” chair shows a deep understanding of the physics of a moving vessel and a commitment to passenger comfort.
- Part of a Trend: This invention is part of a larger trend of 19th-century inventors creating solutions for the growing transportation industry. As steamships, trains, and other vehicles became more common, there was a market for products that made travel more comfortable and efficient. Johnson’s patent shows how inventive minds applied mechanical solutions to everyday challenges of the time.
