Pedrail

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Pedrail \Ped"rail`\, n. [See {Pedi-}; {Rail}.] (Mach.)
     (a) A device intended to replace the wheel of a
         self-propelled vehicle for use on rough roads and to
         approximate to the smoothness in running of a wheel on a
         metal track. The tread consists of a number of rubber
         shod feet which are connected by ball-and-socket joints


         to the ends of sliding spokes. Each spoke has attached to
         it a small roller which in its turn runs under a short
         pivoted rail controlled by a powerful set of springs.
         This arrangement permits the feet to accomodate
         themselves to obstacles even such as steps or stairs. The
         pedrail was invented by one B. J. Diplock of London, Eng.
     (b) A vehicle, as a traction engine, having such pedrails.
         [Webster 1913 Suppl.]