1851 Great Exhibition: Official Catalogue: Class VIII.: William Greene Rhind
290. RHIND, WILLIAM GREENE, Ross, Herefordshire — Inventor.
Model of a marine life-preserving deck seat, representing the deck seat of a steam packet or sailing vessel, so constructed that in three minutes it can be changed into a safety raft, capable of sustaining eight people on the water. The back and seat are lined with cork, and joined by hinges, the legs being made moveable.
Model representing the deck seat, as changed into a raft; this change is effected by loosening the elbows, clearing the back and seat together, and putting in the legs at right angles. Four of the seats, when spread out, are adapted for the construction of a great raft, which might be made by putting empty casks underneath, and spars, gratings, etc. as a deck; the raft, also, with a low Bermudian sail, might be used to convey a rope to the lee shore. The deck seat can also be instantly made into a couch, table, or litter, being equally adapted for garden seats in pleasure-grounds or hospitals.