The
ROAD HAWGG
TM
June 2008
Motorcyclist of the Month
two pages
Copyright 2007-2008 www.theroadhawgg.com All rights reserved.
References :
3Wheelers.com, Zoom UK,
Edward Butler and The Butler
Petrol Cycle
1884
In 1884 it has been written that Edward Butler an Englishman would have plans to build a
three-wheel vehicle, which was shown at the Stanly Cycle Show in London, then later in
1885 at the Inventions Exhibitions of London.
Do to "experiment laws" of the British Law rulings Mr. Butler's invention went through tests
and experiments until it was ruled ok for a patent in 1887 ( Patent 15598 - London ).
It was a two-cylinder vehicle designed to work off a spray of a petroleum product
carburated with air. The design was equiped with two front wheels of 32 inches. These two
wheels where controled by two handles that would rock back and forth which worked on
seperated pivots for each wheel. And the single rear wheel was controled by a chain for
power from the engine.
The 3-Wheel Trike was dubed the
" Butlers Petrol-Cycle Syndicated Limited Patent "
Later Mr. Butler would work with his design and achieve in putting a four-strock water cooled engine in the trike that would average about 600 rpm's.
He also in using the word " Petro " and inventing the spark plug, magneto, coil ignition and spray carburator that opertaed his new design would find
problems with his invention due to government restrictions.
British law stated that a vehicle could go only at a maximum speed of 2mph in the city and 4mph in the country that would limit Mr. Butlers design. And
along with these restrictions a vehicle had to have three people attending the operation on a vehicle. One person had to walk in front of the vehicle
waving a red flag warning other road user's and help control horses. " The 1865 Red Flag Act " that appeared do to a growing number of steamed powered vehicles.
You can see how these restrictions would have hindered Mr. Butler achievements since his trike would range speeds of upto 3mph - 10mph.
Speed was regulated by a throttle valve lever and overheating
was prevented by water circulation.
The process of stopping and running of the trike was done by raising the single drive rear wheel off the ground, which was operated by a foot lever.
Do to the lack of interest from the public and the trike never going to production, Mr. Butler would scrap the Petrol Cycle in 1896 and sell the patent
rights to H.J. Lawson and the engine would see production for use on motor boats.
Shortly after - "The Locomotive Act of 1896 "
would pass a law that vehicles could reach
speeds of 14mph.
The Bishops Online - UK, Wikipedia and photo