Today in 1893, US Patent 508140 A was issued, an invention of Emil Koch, for his “Beer Plate.” There’s no Abstract, although in the description it includes these claims:

This invention relates to an improved plate of the kind used to support beer glasses, mugs and similar articles.

The object of the invention is to so construct the plate that it is light, durable and will readily absorb the moisture from the glass and also from the table.