Working in her furniture store, Sarah E. Goode recognized a need for a multi-use bed and through hard work, ingenuity, and determination, invented her unique cupboard bed. As the first African-American woman to get a U.S. patent, she built a life far away from slavery--a life where her sweet dreams could come true. Full color. 1/4. n nSarah E. Goode was one of the first African-American women to get a US patent. Working in her furniture store, she recognized a need for a multi-use bed and through hard work, ingenuity, and determination, invented her unique cupboard bed. She built more than a piece of furniture. She built a life far away from slavery, a life where her sweet dreams could come true.n