503-248-0100 Steven J. Adamson P.O. Box 5997 Facsimile No. Portland, OR 97228 503-248-0105 Agent's registration No. with the Office 32,776 E Address ror correspondence: Mark this check-box where no agent or common representative is/has been appointed and the space above is used instead to indicate a special address to which correspondence should be sent. Form PCT/RO/l 01 (first sheet) (April 2007) See Notes to the requestform * '~ Sheet No ..... Box No. III FURTHER APPLICANT(S) AND/OR (FURTHER) INVENTOR(S) If nonc ofthe allowing sub-boxes is used, this sheet should not be included in the request. N ame and address: (Famdly nnefidlowed by given name; for alegaletiay~fidit ficialdsignation. T his person is: The address must mclude postal code and name ofcowstry The countrvofthe address indicated in this Hais theappscant's Sale (that is, counter) ofresulence tnoStateofresidence is Indiaitedhlc/ow.) E] applicant only Shane Chen E] applicant and inventor inventor only (Ifthis check-bar Cam1 NW A 98607 Aven e is marked, do not fill in below.) Camas, WA 98607 Applicant's registration No. with the Office State (that is, country) of nationality: State (that is, country) of residence: us u US TUS This person is applicant all designated all designated States except the United States E the States indicated in for the purposes of: States the Untued States of America of America only J the Supplanental Box Name and address' (amdynamefollowedbygiven name; for ategdaenty.fiiflcildesignation Thispersonis: The address must icludepostal code ad name ofwuntry. The country ofthe uddresv indicated in this Box is the applicant's 9ate (that is. couary) ofresdence ifno S&ae ofresidence a indicated belvw.) aplicant only applicant and inventor inventor only (Ifthis check-box is marked, do notfill in below.) Applicant's registrationNo. with theOllice State (that is, country) of nationality: State (that is, country) of residence: This person is applicant all designated all desiginated States except the United States the States indicated in for the purposes of: States the Unted States of Amenca of America only the Supplemental Box Name and address: (Familyramefilowedby given name:or alegalentity.fdlofficialdesignatioI This person is: rhe address mtn indudepostalode and name owtmiry. Lne country ofthe address itdicwtedin this Box is the applicant's State (that is, country) residence ifna iaeofresidence is idicatedbelow.) applicant only applicant and inventor inventor only (IfthLs check-box Is marked, do not fall in below.) Applicant'sregistrationNo. withtheOffice State (that is, country) of nationality: Sae(htscny)of residence: This person is applicant 1all designated ali designated States except the United States the States indicated in for the purposes of: Fi States the United States of America of America only the Supplemental Box Name and address: (Fumilynamejltlowdbygiven name; fora legal entity, idl officialdesignation. This person is: The address must include pstala de and tiame country. Tlhersntryofthe address indicated in this Bauistheapplicant's Sate (thats.count) ofresdence i(noStatefresidence sindiastcdbelow) applicant only applicant and inventor inventor only (If this check-box is marked, do not fill in below) Applicant'sregistrationNo. withtheOffice State (that is, country) of nationality: State (that is, country) of residence: This person is applicant all designated all designated States except the United States r1 the States indicated in for the purposes of: States the Utnied States of America of America only L.J the Supplemental Box Further applicants and/or (further) inventors are indicated on another continuation sheet. Form PCT/RO/101 (continuation sheet) (April 2007) See Notes to the requestformn PATENT COOPERATION TREATS' From the INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY TO: STEVEN J. ADAMSON PCT P.O. BOX 5997 PORTLAND, OR 97228 NOTIFICATION OF TRANSMITTAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT OR THE DECLARATION (PCT Rule 44. 1) Date of Mailing (day/monih/year) Applicant's or agent's file reference RZROI3-PCT FOR FURTHER ACTION See paragraphs I and 4 below International application No. International filing date PCT/US07/20439 (day/month/year) 21 September 2007 (21.09.2007) Applicant RAZOR USA,LLC 1. The applicant is hereby notified that the international search report has been established and is transmitted herewith. Filing of amendments and statement under Article 19: The applicant is entitled, if he so wishes, to amend the claims of the international application (see Rule 46): When? The time limit for filing such amendments is normally two months from the date of transmittal of the international search report. Where? Directly to the International Bureau of WIPO, 34, chemin des Colombettes 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, Facsimile No.: (41-22) 33882.70. For more detailed instructions, see the notes on the accompanying sheet. 2. The applicant is hereby notified that no international search report will be established and that the declaration under Article 17(2)(a) to that effect is transmitted herewith. 3. With regard to the protest against payment of(an) additional fee(s) under Rule 40.2. the applicant is notified that: El the protest together with the decision thereon has been transmitted to the International Bureau together with the applicant's request to forward the texts of both the protest and the decision thereon to the designated Offices. no decision has been madc yet on the protest; the applicant will be notified as soon as a decision is made. 4. Reminders Shortly after 18 months from the priority date, the international application will be published by the International Bureau. If the applicant wishes to avoid or postpone publication, a notice of withdrawal of the international application, or of the priority claim, must reach the International Bureau as provided in Rules 90 bis.1 and 90 bis.3, respectively, before the completion of the technical preparations for intcmational publication. Within 19 months from the priority date, but only in respect of sorne designated Offices, a demand for international preliminary examination must be filed if the applicant wishes to postpone the entry into the national phase until 30 months from the priority date (in some Offices even later); otherwise the applicant must, within 20 months from the priority date, perform the prescribed acts for entry into the national phase before those designated Offices. In respect of other designated Offces, the time limit of 30 months (or later) will apply even if no demand is filed within 19 months. See the Annex to Form PCT/IB/301 and, for details about the applicable time limits, Office by Office, see the PCT Apphcant's Guide, Volume 11, National Chapters and the WIPO Internet site. Name and mailing address ofthe ISA/US Authorized officer Mail Stop PCT, Attn: ISA/ US Commissioner for Patents Chris Ellis P.O. Box 1450 Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450 Telephone No. (571)2728315 Facsimile No. (571) 273-3201 Form PCT/ISA/220 (A pril 2002) (See notes on accompanying sheet) NOTES TO FORM PCT/ISA/220 These Notes are intended to give the basic instructions concerning the filing of amendments under Article 19. The Notes are based on the requirements of the Patent Cooperation Treaty, the Regulations and the Administrative Instructions under that Treaty. In case of discrepancy b etween these Notes and those requirements, the latter are applicable. For more detailed information, see also the PCTApplicant'.r Guide, a publication of WIPO. [n these Notes, "Article," "Rule" and "Section" refer to the provisions of the PCT, the PCT Regulations and the PCT Administrative Instructions, respectively. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING AMENDMENTS UNDER ARTICLE 19 The applicant has, after having received the international search report and the written opinion of the International Searching Authority, one opportunity to amend the claims of the international application. It should however be emphasized that, since all parts of the international application (claims, description and drawings) may be amended during the international preliminary examination procedure, there is usually no need to file amendments of the claims under Article 19 except where, e.g. the applicant wants the latter to be published for the purposes of provisional protection or has another reason for amending the claims before international publication. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that provisional protection is available in some States only (see PCT Applicant's Guide, Volume I/A, Annexes B) and B2). The attention of the applicant is drawn to the fact that amendments to the claims under Article 19 are not allowed where the International Searching Authority has declared, under Article 17(2), that no international search report would be established (see PCT Applicant's Guide, Volume I/A, paragraph 296). What parts of the International application may be amended? Under Article 19, only the claims may be amended. During the international phase, the claims may also be amended (or further amended) under Article 34 before the International Preliminary Examining Authority. The description and drawings may only be amended under Article 34 before the International Preliminary Examining Authority. Upon entry into the national phase, all parts of the international application may be amended under Article 28 or, where applicable, Article 41. When ? . Within 2 months from the date of transmittal of the international search report or 16 months from the priority date, whichever time limit expires later. It should be noted, however, that the amendments will be considered as having been received on time if they are received by the International Bureau after the expiration of the applicable time limit but before the completion of the technical preparations for international publication (Rule 46.1). Where not to fle the amendments ? The amendments may only be filed with the International Bureau and not with the receiving Office or the International Searching Authority (Rule 46.2). Where a demand for international preliminary examination has been/is filed, see below. How ? Either by cancelling one or mor entire claims, by adding one or more new claims or by amending the text ofone or more of the claims as filed. A replacement sheet must be submitted for each sheet of the claims which, on account of an amendment or amendments, differs from the sheet originally filed. All the claims appearing on a replacement sheet must be numbered in Arabic numerals. Where a claim is cancelled, no renumbering of the other claims is required. In all cases where claims are renumbered, they must be renumbered consecutively (Section 205(b)). The amendments must be made In the language in which the International application Is to be published. What documents must/may accompany the amendments ? Letter (Section 205(b)): The amendments must be submitted with a letter. The letter will not be published with the international application and the amended claims. It should not be confused with the "Statement under Article 19(1)" (see below, under "Statement under Article 19(l)"). The letter must be in English or French, at the choice of the applicant. However, If the language of the International application is English, the letter must be In English; if the language of the International application is French, the letter must be in French. Notes to Form PCT/ISA/22O (first sheet) (October 2005) SIDE MOVEMENT PROPELLED SCOOTER DEVICE HAVING EXPANDED FOOT PLATFORM 5 Inventor(s): Shane Chen FIELD OF THE INVENTION 10 The present invention relates to scooters and, more specifically, to those having three or more wheels and which may be propelled by sideways movement of the user. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 15 Various self-propelled and motorized scooters are known in the art. These include two wheeled, three wheeled and other multi-wheeled embodiments. Known three wheeled scooter embodiments include those disclosed in: U.S. Patent no. 4,540,192, issued to Shelton 20 for a Three-Wheeled Scooter-Type Vehicle ('192 patent); U.S. Patent no. 5,039,121, issued to Holter for a Tri Skater ('121 patent); U.S. Patent no. 6,908,090, issued to Chuang for a Cambering Vehicle Having Inclined Pivot Axle ('090 patent); and U.S. Patent no. 6,976,687 for a 25 Cambering Vehicle and Mechanism ('687 patent). The '192 patent discloses a scooter having two rear wheel frame members, each with a narrow foot placement area, that can be moved between a first adjacent position and a second spaced position. The two rear wheels are each 30 mounted with a spring that biases them in the line of direction of their respective frame members. The bias arrangement also allows movement of the wheels out of this line of direction, while returning them in the absence of - 2 a displacement force. This arrangement permits forward movement of the scooter when the user shifts his or her weight from side to side. The foot placement areas are sunken below their respective rear wheels making stepping 5 on or off the foot areas from the rear disadvantageously difficult. The '121 patent discloses a scooter device similarly possessing narrow foot placement platforms, yet with tilted caster rear wheels instead of spring biased rear 10 wheels. This "tilted caster" arrangement has an effect similar to that of the '192 patent, biasing the wheels in the line of direction of the frame member (if aligned therewith) and permitting forward propulsion of the scooter device in response to side to side movement of the 15 user. The foot placement platforms are disadvantageously narrow and run substantially longitudinally, not permitting ready side to side (lateral) positioning by a user on the device. The '090 patent discloses a scooter device that 20 possesses narrow foot placement platforms and does not utilize spring biased or tilted caster rear wheels. The '090 patent does disclose a scooter device that has a tiltable frame. The tiltable frame permits the steering assembly and wheels to tilt slightly, in parallel, 25 permitting a user to lean the scooter into a turn, etc., thereby enhancing the riding experience. The platforms are disadvantageously small and do not promote lateral positioning by a user. The '687 patent also discloses a scooter device 30 having narrow foot placement platforms. The '687 patent utilizes discloses a scooter device that uses a yoke and linkage arrangement that permits the steering mechanism and wheels to tilt in parallel, permitting a user to lean - 3 the scooter into a turn, etc. In the '687 patent, the rear wheels are fixedly mounted in place and the frame is configured such that there is no independent movement of the position of the rear wheels. The platforms are 5 disadvantageously small and do not promote lateral positioning by a user. The prior art also includes tricycles and like devices that may have a front wheel, a pair of rear wheels, a seat, and a rear platform or frame member that 10 extends between the rear wheels and provides enhanced structural connection between the rear wheels. The scooter devices of the prior art are disadvantageous because they teach narrow foot placement platforms that do not give a user more space to move 15 and/or to more casually or carelessly place their feet (or to welcome additional riders or perform stunts, etc.). Scooter devices of the prior art are also disadvantageous in that they do not provide this or like features in a scooter device with biased direction wheels and/or 20 tiltability of the steering mechanism or frame to enhance performance, etc. The prior art is also disadvantageous in not teaching a scooter device that may be folded, readily disassembled, or otherwise made more compact for storage or transport. 25 The devices of the prior art are also disadvantageous because they do not provide one or more of: tilting of the steering mechanism or foot platforms to improve turning or accentuate the riding experience; direction biased rear wheels; independent or lateral movement of the rear wheel 30 support member to accentuate propulsion efforts; and a flexible structural element efficiently integrated into the frame of the scooter device, among other reasons. Prior art devices also lack adequate braking. -4 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a side-to-side movement propelled scooter 5 device that overcomes the disadvantageous aspects of the prior art. It is another object of the present invention to provide such a scooter device that has a laterally extending foot platform between the two rear wheels. 10 It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a scooter device that has biased direction mounted rear wheels. It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a scooter device that may have a releasable 15 frame structure, a flexible frame, a tiltable steering mechanism and/or a foldable frame. These and related objects of the present invention are achieved by use of a side movement propelled scooter device having expanded foot platform as described herein. 20 In one embodiment, a scooter device of the present invention may include at least a first forward located wheel and a second and a third rearward located wheel; a frame structure through which the first wheel is coupled to the second and third wheels, wherein the second and 25 third rearward located wheels are mounted in a biased direction arrangement; and a steering mechanism that has a vertically ascending control member and is coupled to the first wheel such that turning of the steering mechanism achieves a turning of the first wheel. The frame structure 30 may include a foot placement platform extending laterally between said second and third wheels, the foot placement platform extending at least approximately half of the distance between the second and third wheels. -5 In another embodiment, a scooter device of the present invention may include at least a first forward located wheel and a second and a third rearward located wheel; a frame structure through which the first wheel is 5 coupled to the second and third wheels, wherein the second and third rearward located wheels are mounted in a biased direction arrangement; and a steering mechanism coupled to the first wheel such that turning of the steering mechanism achieves a turning of the first wheel; wherein 10 the frame structure includes a first frame member that is substantially longitudinally disposed and an additional frame member or members that couple to the rearward end of the frame member and extend to the second and third rear wheels. A foot placement platform is preferably mounted to 15 the additional frame member or members. Various other inventive aspects are provided within the present invention as discussed below and indicated in the claims. The attainment of the foregoing and related 20 advantages and features of the invention should be more readily apparent to those skilled in the art, after review of the following more detailed description of the invention taken together with the drawings. 25 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figs. 1-3 illustrate a side elevation, a bottom perspective, and a rear perspective view of a scooter device in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a rear wheel 30 of the scooter device of Figs. 1-3. Figs. 5-7 illustrate a side elevation view, a top perspective view and a front perspective view (in a folded position) of another embodiment of a scooter device. -6 Figs. 8-12 are top plan views of the rear portion of other embodiments of a scooter device. Figs. 13-15 illustrate another embodiment of a scooter device with an expanded user platform. 5 Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the scooter device of Figs. 5-7 with a braking arrangement. Figs. 17-20 illustrate a scooter device having a U shaped flexible frame member and the frame member itself, respectively. 10 DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to Figs. 1-3, a side elevation, a bottom perspective, and a rear perspective view of a scooter device in accordance with the present invention are 15 respectively shown. The scooter device 10 may include a frame structure 20 that is coupled to a steering mechanism 50 and supports at least a front wheel 12 and at least two rear wheels 22,32. Frame structure 20 may include a joint structure 40 from which a substantially longitudinally 20 disposed (i.e., line of direction) support extends. In the embodiment of Figs. 1-3, the longitudinally disposed support is configured as a single support arm 21 though it may be configured as multiple support arms or other structure that connects to and extends between the 25 steering mechanism and the extended platform. Support arm 21 may be non-movably coupled to steering mechanism 50 (shown in Figs. 1-3) or movably coupled through pivot 41 (shown in Figs. 5-7) or otherwise coupled. Joint structure 40 may also include a cylindrical 30 shell 45 or the like through which shaft 52 of steering mechanism 50 may extend. Steering shaft 52 may couple to wheel 12 on one end and ascend vertically to a handlebar 54 at its other end. It may include multiple (telescoping or otherwise configured) sections 55,56 and a height adjustment mechanism (not shown but known in the art). Scooter device 10 may have a user platform 25 that is coupled to and may be positioned substantially 5 perpendicularly to support arm 21. Platform 25 of Figs. 1 3 preferably extends between the rear wheels 22,32 and provides "standing space" for a user. Platform 25 provides a large, substantially unimpeded surface area that permits a user to carefreely place their feet, ride on one side or 10 the other, invite other riders, and perform stunts with greater foot placement possibilities, etc. Support arm 21 may be fixedly coupled to platform 25 or through a biased cam 38 or the like that permits movement of the support arm relative to the platform. The 15 biased cam permits movement in response to physical stress, but return to an initial position in the absence of the displacement stress. Since the support arm is coupled to the steering mechanism, a biased cam or like arrangement permits the steering mechanism to tilt 20 relative to the user platform, permitting, for example, a user to lean the steering mechanism into a turn, etc. Alternatively, forming all or a section of support arm 21 of a rigid yet flexible material (elastic properties), such as fiberglass or flexible metal or 25 polyurethane or the like permits the steering mechanism to move relative to the platform, for example, permitting a user to lean the steering mechanism into a curve. The provision of platform 25 with support arm 21 (as shown in Figs. 1-3) generally forms the letter "T" or a 30 broad "Y" when viewed from above, with platform members extending out to the side, i.e., laterally from the central support arm. The platform may have different configurations including being round, rectangular, - 8 elliptical, or amorphous, etc., without departing from the present invention. Fig. 4 illustrates rear wheel 22 (or 32) mounted in a forward tilted caster arrangement. This arrangement 5 achieves a wheel that is capable of turning via rotation about its mounting shaft, yet which self-returns to the line of direction at which it is mounted. Self-returning wheels of this type or a spring bias type are known in the art. 10 Referring to Figs. 5-7, a side elevation view, a top perspective view and a front perspective view (in a folded position) of another embodiment of a scooter device 110 in accordance with the present invention are respectively shown. 15 Scooter device 110 may include many of the features of scooter device 10 and other scooter devices described herein. For example, device 110 may include a steering mechanism 150 with a shaft 151 and handle bar 154, a front wheel 112 and two rear wheels 122,132, and a single (or 20 multiple) central support arm 121 that extends to a user platform 125. The user platform 125 may be fixedly or removably coupled to the support arm or coupled through a biased cam or the like 138 that provides a flexible coupling of the platform to the support arm. Rear wheels 25 122,132 are preferably mounted through tilted casters or the like as discussed elsewhere herein. The platform 125 may include two foot placement sections 126,136 respectively supporting rear wheels 122,132. These foot placement sections 126,136 may be 30 pivotally coupled to a central mount structure 137, and configured to permit release and folding into the position indicated in Fig. 7. Support arm 121 may be pivotally coupled to steering mechanism 150 at joint structure 140 -9 and folded via releasable pivot 141 into the folded position indicated in Fig. 7. Alternatively, the foot placement sections 126,136 may be detachably coupled to the support arm as discussed in more detail with reference 5 to Figs. 13-15. Referring to Figs. 8-12, top plan views of the rear portion of three other embodiments of a scooter device, illustrating different user platforms, in accordance with the present invention are respectively shown. 10 Fig. 8 illustrates a platform 270 having a wide or laterally extending Y or V-shaped configuration and with two tapered platform members 271 that lead to larger foot placement regions 272 towards their periphery. Fig. 8 illustrates an angle, a, between a line 15 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support arm 221 (i.e., the line of direction of the scooter) and the primary axis (from a center of the platform member at the support arm to the center of the respective wheel) of the platform member 271. The prior art discloses narrow substantially 20 longitudinally disposed platform members such as those in the '121 patent mentioned above. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the platform members are substantially laterally disposed, with a being less than 45 degrees. The angle, a, may also be greater than 45 degrees yet within the 25 present invention if less than the substantially longitudinally disposed platform members of the prior art. In the embodiment of Fig. 8, a may range from 5 to 45 degrees or from 10 to 35 degrees. Fig. 9 illustrates a platform 275 having multiple 30 sections 276 mounted on a laterally extending frame member 277. In aggregate, these sections constitute a substantially continuous platform extending from above one rear wheel to above the other. - 10 Referring to Figs. 10-12, top plan views of the rear portion of three other embodiments of a scooter device, illustrating different frame arrangements and user platforms, in accordance with the present invention are 5 respectively shown. Fig. 10 illustrates a frame structure 280 that includes a principal longitudinally disposed support arm 281 (similar to support arm 221) and a laterally extending support member that may be straight 282, U-shaped (curved) 283, V-shaped 284 (Figs. 10-12, 10 respectively) or otherwise configured. In Fig. 12, angle a is approaching 45 degrees. In Fig. 10, the user platform 286 is provided in two elongated sections 287,288 that extend towards each other. Figs. 11-12 also illustrate platforms with elongated 15 sections 293,294 and 297,298, respectively. If the rear wheels are spaced by a distance, d, the combined length of the elongated platform sections, in a lateral dimension substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal line-of direction of the scooter device, is preferably 1/2 or more 20 of distance d and, in some embodiments, approximately 2/3 or more of distance d. The curved or angled embodiments, the elongated platforms, and the substantially continuous platform arrangements, etc., accommodate ready use by different 25 sized users. For example, a 5 year old, being of smaller frame may stand with his or her feet closer to the inside than a larger frame user. Referring to Figs. 13-15, a perspective, a side elevation and a top plan view of another embodiment of a scooter device 30 310 in accordance with the present invention is shown. Scooter device 310 may include a front wheel 312, direction biased rear wheels 322,332, a central support shaft 321, a user platform 325, a joint structure 340, and a steering shaft - 11 351 and handle 354. These components preferably function and may be made in a matter similar to their related components discussed herein with reference to other embodiments. The user platform may include two platforms sections 5 326,336 and these may be releasably coupled to support arm 321. In one method of releasable attachment, the user platform sections may each be coupled to a plate 328 and the plate coupled to support arm 321 via screws or the like 329. In another embodiment, plate 328 may be fashioned with a groove 10 327 and each user platform section may have a protrusion that slides into and releasably locks within the groove. The joint structure 340 may include a pivot 341 about which the support arm and steering shaft may rotate to form a more compact shape, for example, as illustrated in Fig. 7. A 15 pivot bracket or housing 342 and a releasable latch 343 are preferably provided to facilitate proper operation of the pivot. The ability to pivot the steering shaft onto the support arm and remove the user platform sections achieves a compact shape for transport and storage yet yields a 20 functional device with high structural integrity when unfolded and/or assembled for operation. The user platform sections may extend laterally, for example, as shown in the top plan view of Fig. 15, from the support arm with an angle, a, of 5-45 degrees and more 25 preferably of approximately 10-30 or 35 degrees. Referring to Fig. 16, a perspective view of scooter device 110 of Figs. 5-7 with a braking arrangement in accordance with the present invention is shown. In the device of Fig. 16, the central mount structure 137 may be 30 coupled to support arm 121 such that the mount structure 137 and platform section 126,135 rotate or pivot downward relative to support arm 121 when a user leans backwards on the platform (the mount structure may be biased towards an initial position). Stated otherwise, the mount structure 35 and/or platform sections may be configured such that when - 12 a user leans on the rear portions of the platform sections, over break extension 176,177 the platform sections pivot downward from the mount structure permitting the brake extensions to contact the ground, 5 thereby braking the scooter device. Referring to Figs. 17-18, a perspective view and a side elevation view of another embodiment of a flexible frame scooter device 410 in accordance with the present invention are respectively shown. Device 410 may include 10 at least a front wheel 412 and two rear wheels 422,432 coupled to a frame structure 420. A steering mechanism 450 is preferably coupled through joint structure 440 at the front end of the device and the frame structure preferably includes frame arms 421,431 on which foot placement 15 platforms 425,435 are respectively formed. In the device 410 of Figs. 17-18, the frame structure may include a substantially U-shaped or V-shaped flexible mounting member ("U-shaped member") 460 that is made of a strong, yet flexible material that is resilient and has 20 self-returning properties. U-shaped member 460 may be fixedly or pivotally mounted through joint structure 440. Figs. 18-19 illustrate connection through pivot 441 and actuation by a release or the like 444. U-shaped member 460 may include 25 frame arm mounting members 462,463 into which frame arms 421,431 are secured. The mounting members may be formed in a complementary manner to receive frame arms 421,431. The U-shaped member is preferably made of polyurethane, fiberglass or another suitable material. 30 Fig. 19 illustrates device 410 with the steering mechanism 450 uncoupled at release 444 and pivoted downwardly at pivot 441 onto frame arms 421,431 to form a more compact arrangement. - 13 Fig. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a U-shaped frame member in accordance with the present invention. U-shaped frame member is similar to U-shaped frame member 460 of Figs. 17-19 yet preferably includes a 5 reinforcing band or section 481 that may extend between the complementary mounting members 482,483 (similar to mounting members 462,463) and be formed integrally with those members and/or U-shaped wall or body 485. If reinforcing section 481 is not provided a reinforcing 10 crossbar or the like may be provided between the frame arms 421,431. With respect to materials, the various components of the scooter device may be made with known materials. The frame is preferably made of a lightweight rigid, durable 15 material such as aluminum or other metal or alloys thereof. A flexible frame member may be made of fiberglass, a flexible metal or other. Platforms may be made of metal, plastic or of the same material used to make skateboard platforms, among other materials. 20 While the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification, and this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the 25 principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth, and as fall within the scope of 30 the invention and the limits of the appended claims. - 14 CLAIMS 1. A scooter device propelled by side to side movement of a user, comprising: at least a first forward located wheel; 5 at least a second and a third rearward located wheel; a frame structure through which the first wheel is coupled to the second and third wheels, wherein the second and third rearward located wheels are mounted in a biased direction arrangement; and 10 a steering mechanism that has a vertically ascending control member and is coupled to the first wheel such that turning of the steering mechanism achieves a turning of the first wheel; wherein the frame structure includes a foot placement 15 platform extending laterally between said second and third wheels, the foot placement platform extending at least approximately half of the distance between the second and third wheels. 20 2. The scooter device of claim 1, wherein the foot placement platform extends laterally at least approximately two-thirds of the distance between the second and third wheels. 25 3. The scooter device of claim 1, wherein the frame structure includes a foot placement platform that extends substantially continuously from the second wheel to the third wheel. 30 4. The scooter device of claim 1, wherein the frame structure includes a principal longitudinal frame member and the foot placement platform extends substantially - 15 outwardly from the frame member toward the second and third wheels. 5. The scooter device of claim 2, wherein the 5 steering mechanism is fixedly coupled to the frame member and the frame member is fixedly coupled to the foot placement platform. 6. The scooter device of claim 1, wherein the frame 10 structure is configured such that the vertically ascending member may move laterally and the frame structure includes at least one of (1) a flexible structural member and (2) a biased joint that is movable and biased toward an initial configuration. 15 7. The scooter device of claim 6, wherein the flexible material includes at least one of the group of materials including fiberglass, flexible steel and polyurethane. 20 8. The scooter device of claim 1, wherein the frame structure is at least in part movable towards the vertically ascending member to form a more compact arrangement for transport or storage. 25 9. The scooter device of claim 1, wherein the foot placement platform is moveable by a user relative to another portion of the frame structure to initiate a braking of the scooter device. 30 10. A scooter device propelled by side to side movement of user, comprising: at least a first forward located wheel; - 16 at least a second and a third rearward located wheel; a frame structure through which the first wheel is coupled to the second and third wheels, wherein the second and third rearward located wheels are mounted in a biased 5 direction arrangement; and a steering mechanism that has a vertically ascending control member and is coupled to the first wheel such that a turning of the steering mechanism achieves a turning of the first wheel; and 10 wherein the frame structure includes a principal longitudinal frame member and a foot placement platform that extends substantially outwardly from the frame member to the second and third wheels. 15 11. The scooter device of claim 10, wherein the foot placement platform extends substantially continuously from the second wheel to the third wheel. 12. The scooter device of claim 10, wherein the 20 steering mechanism is fixedly coupled to the frame member and the frame member is fixedly coupled to the foot placement platform. 13. The scooter device of claim 10, wherein the 25 frame structure is configured such that the vertically ascending control member may be moved laterally substantially perpendicular to the line of direction of travel of the scooter device while the second and third wheels remain on the ground. 30 14. The scooter device of claim 10, wherein the frame structure is configured such that the vertically ascending member may move laterally and the frame - 17 structure includes at least one of (1) a flexible structural member and (2) a biased joint that is movable and biased toward an initial configuration. 5 15. The scooter device of claim 10, wherein the frame structure is at least in part movable towards the vertically ascending member to form a more compact arrangement for transport or storage. 10 16. The scooter device of claim 10, wherein the foot placement platform includes a least a first section and a second section and the first and section sections are movable into a more compact arrangement for transport or storage. 15 17. The scooter device of claim 10, wherein the foot placement platform is moveable by a user relative to the principal longitudinal frame member to initiate a braking of the scooter device. 20 18. A scooter device propelled by side to side movement of user, comprising: at least a first forward located wheel; at least a second and a third rearward located wheel; 25 a frame structure through which the first wheel is coupled to the second and third wheels, wherein the second and third rearward located wheels are mounted in a biased direction arrangement; and a steering mechanism coupled to the first wheel such 30 that turning of the steering mechanism achieves a turning of the first wheel; and wherein the frame structure includes a first frame member that is substantially longitudinally disposed and a - 18 second frame member coupled to the rearward end of the first member and extending between the second and third rear wheels; and a foot placement platform mounted to the second 5 extending frame member. 19. The scooter device of claim 18, wherein the foot placement platform includes at least two separate foot placement sections. 10 20. The scooter device of claim 18, wherein the foot placement platform extends laterally between the second and third wheels, the foot placement platform extending at least approximately half of the distance between the 15 second and third wheels. 21. The scooter device of claim 18, wherein the foot placement platform that extends substantially continuously from the second wheel to the third wheel. 20 22. The scooter device of claim 18, wherein the frame structure is configured such that the vertically ascending member may move laterally and the frame structure includes at least one of (1) a flexible 25 structural member and (2) a biased joint that is movable and biased toward an initial configuration. 23. The scooter device of claim 18, wherein the frame structure is at least in part movable towards the 30 vertically ascending member to form a more compact arrangement for transport or storage. - 19 ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A scooter device propelled by side to side movement of a user that includes a frame structure through which at least a front wheel is coupled to two direction biased 5 rear wheels. The frame structure may have a foot placement platform that extends laterally between the two rear wheels. The platform may extend over half of the distance between the rear wheels and/or be substantially continuous for that distance. Various platform embodiments and frame 10 structures, including rigid and flexible, are disclosed, among other aspects. zLz 12 32 3 13S? 2-1~ 32( 4S 1, 121 f5iz /Z~S 270 zeo III 9-2 3vq3 110 0 CP