Patent Publication Number: US-7905491-B2

Title: Wobbling game system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/203,516 filed Sep. 3, 2008. This application is a continuation in-part of the Ser. No. 12/203,516 application filed Sep. 3, 2008. The Ser. No. 12/203,516 application is currently pending. The Ser. No. 12/203,516 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application. The Ser. No. 12/203,516 application claimed benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/028,509 filed Feb. 13, 2008. The Ser. No. 61/028,509 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a game and more specifically it relates to a wobbling game system for providing an interactive and challenging game. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
     Games of various styles and playing configurations have been in use for years. Different types of games may consist of electronic games, board games, or others. An element of limitation associated with many games today is the amount realism associated with the game. Often times, the games are rather two dimensional and involve apparatuses that offer very little in relation to the purpose of the games itself. This downfall can lead to player&#39;s dissatisfaction with the game and possibly cause the players to quickly lose interest in the game. 
     The present invention more particularly relates to balancing games. Balancing games in the prior art do not have a self-righting or balance cycle similar to the present invention. Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved wobbling game system for providing an interactive and challenging game. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a wobbling game system that has many of the advantages of the games mentioned heretofore. The invention generally relates to a game that includes an apparatus for determining an outcome of a game, comprising a base including a curved portion and a flat portion, wherein the flat portion is positioned at a lowermost end of the base and wherein the curved portion extends from the flat portion. At least one ballast is positioned proximate the base or adding weight to the base and an adjustable counterbalance mechanism extends from the base for stabilizing the base on the flat portion. A plurality of games to use the apparatus with are also described herein. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     An object is to provide a wobbling game system for providing an interactive and challenging game. 
     Another object is to provide a wobbling game system that may provide for multiple types of games that incorporate various possible outcomes of the wobbling game, such as the direction in which the wobbling apparatus is pointing, amount by which the apparatus is tilted to the vertical, or the time required to balance. 
     An additional object is to provide a wobbling game system that offers a realism aspect and three dimensional playing apparatus to better immerse the player in the game. 
     A further object is to provide a wobbling game system that offers various types of fantasy playing configurations, such as being configured of a ship and using treasure to balance the ship. 
     Another object is to provide a wobbling game system that may be utilized as an alterable hour glass to offer exciting alternatives to timed games. 
     Another object is to provide a wobbling game system that includes a self-righting or balance cycle. 
     Another object is to provide a wobbling game system that allows alterability of the self-righting and balance cycle by interchanging the weights, adjusting the position of the ballast, or adjusting the height of the vertical extension. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention. To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of the present invention securing a pair of eyeglasses. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the present invention securing a pair of eyeglasses. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the present invention securing a pair of eyeglasses. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the present invention with all of the removable parts stored within the internal cavity of the container. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded side cross-sectional view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a magnified cross-sectional view of the side supports removable secured to the container via the retaining element. 
         FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a top cross-sectional view of the present invention in an initial position. 
         FIG. 9  is a top cross-sectional view of the present invention with the upper section being rotated so that the cross member engages the engaging member of the counterbalance mechanism. 
         FIG. 10  is a top cross-sectional view of the present invention with the upper section being rotated further so that the cross member engages the engaging member of the counterbalance mechanism and rotates the movable weighted objects of the counterbalance mechanism. 
         FIG. 11  is a top cross-sectional view of the present invention with the upper section being rotated in an opposite direction to leave the movable weighted objects near the rear side of the container and move the nose (front support) towards the front side of the container. 
         FIG. 12  is a top cross-sectional view of the ratcheting structure between the center post and the center aperture of the cross member. 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention, wherein the container is comprised of a drinking cup configuration. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the container is comprised of a sailboat configuration. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of the other alternate embodiment of the present invention illustrating the sails being rotated to counterbalance the weight placed upon the hull. 
         FIG. 16  is an upper perspective view of the apparatus in the first game embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is an upper perspective view of the apparatus in the first game embodiment with the vertical extension lowered and the first weighted objects and retainer cups exploded from the base. 
         FIG. 18  is an upper perspective view of the apparatus in the first game embodiment with the sails exploded. 
         FIG. 19  is a front view of the apparatus in the first game embodiment positioned within the holder. 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of the apparatus in the first game embodiment, wherein the apparatus is in a tilted position and attached to the launcher. 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of the apparatus in the first game embodiment, wherein the apparatus released from the launcher to start a wobbling process. 
         FIG. 22  is a chart illustrating a possible scoring sheet used during the first game. 
         FIG. 23  is an illustration of pay/load designation that may or may not be placed in the base. 
         FIG. 24  is a side sectional view illustrating the weighted objects being placed in the base. 
         FIG. 25  is a top view of a second game embodiment of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 26  is a front view of the second game embodiment of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 27  is a front view of a third game embodiment of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 28  is a front view of the third game embodiment of the apparatus including a magnetized weighted object. 
         FIG. 29  is a front view of an alternate third game embodiment of the apparatus including the magnetized weighted object. 
         FIG. 30  is a front view of yet another alternate third game embodiment of the apparatus including the magnetized weighted object. 
         FIG. 31  is an upper perspective view of a tandem launcher. 
         FIG. 32  is a side view of the fourth game embodiment of the apparatus with the clamp in the lowest position. 
         FIG. 33  is a side view of the fourth game embodiment of the apparatus with the clamp in the highest position. 
         FIG. 34  is an illustrative game play of the first game using the first game embodiment of the apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     I. Display Embodiment 
     A. Overview 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 15  illustrate a wobbling display system, which comprises a display item  12  (e.g. eyeglasses, etc.), a container  19  for securing the display item  12  to an external surface of the container  19 , wherein the container  19  includes an upper section  20  and a lower section  40 , wherein the lower section  40  includes a curved portion  41  curving downwardly and leading towards a flat portion  42 , wherein the flat portion  42  extends along an extreme lower end of the lower section  40 . An internal cavity extends within the upper section  20  and the lower section  40  of the container  19  to receive the display item  12  during storage and to house both ballast  14  and a counterbalance mechanism  50 . The ballast  14  is positioned within the lower section  40  of the container  19  to maintain the container  19  in an upright position and the counterbalancing mechanism is positioned within the container  19  to counteract a weight placed upon the external surface of the container  19  by the display item  12 . 
     B. Container 
     The present invention includes a container  19 , which preferably includes an upper section  20  and a removable lower section  40 , which will be described subsequently. The container  19  also includes an internal volume, which is divided up into an upper internal cavity  21 , a lower internal cavity  43  and preferably a middle cavity between the upper and the lower. The upper section  20  and the lower section  40  are preferably comprised of similar materials and a configuration to evenly attach. 
     C. Upper Section 
     The upper section  20  of the present invention is preferably comprised of substantially cylindrical shaped configuration with a dome shaped upper portion to resemble a head of a character, individual or other creature. The upper section  20  and the various elements of the upper section  20  may be comprised of various lightweight materials suitable to allow the upper section  20  to be self-righted by the lower section  40 , such as but not limited to plastic, wood or metal and in clear or other color materials. 
     The upper section  20  includes an upper internal cavity  21  extending within the upper section  20  from a lower end of the upper section  20 . The upper internal cavity  21  is designed to both decrease the weight of the upper section  20  and to allow the upper section  20  to function as a container  19 , wherein the display items  12 , and various other removable parts (e.g. side supports  30 , front supports  31 , counterbalance mechanism  50 ) of the present invention may be stored within the upper internal cavity  21  when the present invention is not in use or during transport. The display item  12  in the case of eyeglasses may further be positioned within a pouch  13  within the upper internal cavity  21  and/or lower internal cavity  43  to keep the eyeglasses from being scratched or damaged. The upper section  20  may also include a coin slot  37 , wherein the container  19  may function as a bank. 
     Along the lower end and lower perimeter of the upper section  20 , a first interlocking portion  22  preferably circumscribes the upper section  20 . The first interlocking portion  22  receives a second interlocking portion  44  of the lower section  40  to allow the upper section  20  to remain secured to the lower section  40 , while allowing the upper section  20  to rotate about the lower section  40 . In the preferred embodiment, the first interlocking portion  22  and the second interlocking portion  44  are recessed within the respective lower perimeter of the upper section  20  and upper perimeter of the lower section  40 . 
     A cross member  25  may also extend across the upper internal cavity  21  adjacent the lower end of the upper section  20 . The cross member  25  may completely seal the upper internal cavity  21  from the lower end of the upper section  20  or may allow for a gap between the cross member  25  and the inner surface of the upper section  20  so as not seal the upper internal cavity  21 . The cross member  25  includes a center aperture  26  to receive the center of the counterbalance mechanism  50  and an offset aperture to receive a point of the counterbalance mechanism  50  near the outer perimeter. A pawl  27  also slightly extends from the wing member  55  of the platform  56  to ensure that the counterbalance mechanism  50  rotates in a ratcheting manner with respect to the upper section  20  to maintain the counterbalance mechanism  50  in a set position as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
     The upper section  20  preferably includes a plurality of side supports  30  and front supports  31  to secure a display item  12  upon the external surface of the upper section  20 . In the preferred embodiment, the side supports  30  resemble ears to hold the outer ends of an eyeglass frame and the front support  31  resembles a nose to hold the center of the eyeglass frame as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . The side supports  30  of the preferred embodiment are constructed by folding a piece of material (e.g. cloth, foam, plastic) in half and securing the material to the side of the upper section  20 . 
     The side supports  30  and front supports  31  may also be removable attached to the upper section  20  via a retaining element  32  extending through the upper section  20  and expanding outwards along the inner surface of the upper section  20  to prevent easy removal or falling out of the side supports  30  and front supports  31 . The upper section  20  may thus include various openings extending through the upper section  20  to receive the retaining elements  32 . The upper section  20  may also include hair  35  and eyes  34  to better resemble an individual or character. The hair  35  and eyes  34  may be drawn onto the external surface of the upper section  20  or may be comprised of removable pieces similar to the side supports  30  (ears) and front support  31  (nose). 
     D. Lower Section 
     The lower section  40  removably connects to the upper section  20  and provides the stabilizing part in which to support the upper section  20  in an upright manner. The lower section  40  is preferably comprised of a hemispherical shaped configuration. Along the external surface of the lower section  40 , a curved portion  41  extends toward a lower end to meet up with a flat portion  42  upon the extreme bottom of the lower section  40 . The curved portion  41  provides the structure in which to allow the lower section  40  to wobble or rock and the flat portion  42  provides the structure in which to keep the lower section  40  stabilized. The shape of the upper section  20  and the lower section  40  allow the present invention simply to lean over in a smooth manner rather than fall over in the case that the counterbalance mechanism  50  is not properly adjusted or the display item  12  is too heavy. 
     The lower section  40  includes a lower internal cavity  43  extending within the lower section  40  from an upper end of the lower section  40 . The lower internal cavity  43  holds the ballast  14  within the lower section  40 . The ballast  14  may be comprised of various fluid materials, such as but not limited to coins (e.g. nickels), sand, water, bb&#39;s, or any other element that may move along with the lower section  40  inside of the lower internal cavity  43  and provided a weighted structure in which to keep weight displaced over the flat portion  42  of the lower section  40 . 
     A lower plate  48  also extends across the upper end of the lower section  40  above the lower internal cavity  43 . The cross member  25  may completely seal the lower internal cavity  43  from the upper end of the lower section  40  or may allow for a gap between the lower plate  48  and the inner surface of the lower section  40  so as not seal the lower internal cavity  43 . The lower plate  48  also includes a center aperture  49  to receive the counterbalance mechanism  50 . The lower plate  48  may also be removable and foldable to fit within the upper internal cavity  21  during storage of the present invention. 
     The cross member  25  and the lower plate  48  define a middle internal cavity  46  between thereof. The middle internal cavity  46  is comprised of an open space in which to receive the counterbalance mechanism  50 . The middle internal cavity  46  is preferably sealed or formed so as not to engage other objects within the upper internal cavity  21  of the upper section  20  or the lower internal cavity  43  of the lower section  40 . 
     E. Counterbalance Mechanism 
     A counterbalance mechanism  50  is connected within the middle internal cavity  46  between the cross member  25  of the upper section  20  and the lower plate  48  of the lower section  40 . The counterbalance mechanism  50  retains the present invention in an upright position and may be rotatably adjusted to accommodate for different weighted display items  12  placed upon the external surface of the upper section  20 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the counterbalance mechanism  50  includes a center post  51  connected between the center aperture  26  of the cross member  25  and the center aperture  49  of the lower plate  48 . The center post  51  is preferably fixed in a non rotatable manner between the cross member  25  and the lower plate  48 , wherein the counterbalance mechanism  50  and the upper section  20  rotates around the center post  51 . 
     The center post  51  also includes a plurality of vertical ridges  52  extending parallel along a perimeter of the center post  51 . The vertical ridges  52  individually receive the pawl  27 , wherein the vertical ridges  52  and the pawl  27  function in a ratcheting manner to prevent the upper section  20  from continually spinning about the center post  51  and the lower section  40 . The center post  51  may also include a lower support  53  along a lower end of the center post  51  to keep the center post  51  stabilized and positioned in a straight vertical manner with respect to the lower section  40 . It is appreciated that the pawl  27  may be omitted and the upper section  20  and lower section  40  are simply frictionally fit together. 
     A wing member  55  extends perpendicularly outward from the center post  51 . The wing member  55  is preferably rotatably attached to the center post  51 . The wing member  55  includes a platform  56  extending from an outer end of the wing member  55 . The platform  56  receives a movable case  60 , which includes a plurality of movable weighted objects  16 . The movable case  60  includes a lower part  61  and an upper part  62  in which the movable weighted objects  16  are sealed between to keep the movable weighted objects  16  from moving off of the platform  56 . 
     The movable weighted objects  16  may be comprised of various configurations, all which may provide a weight heavy enough to counterbalance the display item  12  that is supported from the external surface of the upper section  20 . In the preferred embodiment, the movable weighted objects  16  are comprised of coins; however it is appreciated that various other embodiments may be used. 
     An engaging member  63  preferably extends upward from the movable case  60  to either engage the cross member  25  or extend within the offset aperture of the cross member  25 . This allows the rotation of the movable case  60  along with the rotation of the upper section  20  when the user rotates the upper section  20 . It is appreciated that the engaging member  63  may simply be pushed by the cross member  25  so as to allow the upper section  20  to freely swing in an opposing direction away from the movable case  60  in a reverse direction as illustrated in  FIG. 11  and to push the movable case  60  via engaging the engaging member  63  as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
     A stationary case  65  is also preferably fixedly attached to the lower plate  48  at an opposite side of the lower section  40  within the middle internal cavity  46  with respect to the movable case  60  when no display items  12  are supported upon the external surface of the upper section  20 . The stationary case  65  is further positioned at a rearward side of the present invention with respect to the front support  31  (i.e. nose), eyes  34 , hair  35  and side supports  30  (i.e. ears). When a display item  12  is supported upon the front side of the upper section  20 , the movable case  60  and wing member  55  are adjusted towards the stationary case  65  to increase the weight upon the rearward side and thus accommodate for the weight of the display device upon the front side. 
     The stationary case  65  also includes a lower part  66  and upper part  67  similar to the movable case  60 . The stationary case  65  also secures a plurality of stationary weighted objects  17  (e.g. coins) within, wherein the stationary weighted objects  17  are preferably similar in weight and size to the movable weighted objects  16 . 
     F. Operation of Display Embodiment 
     In use, the assembled present invention is stood upright with the lower internal cavity  43  including the ballast  14  and the movable case  60  and the stationary case  65  including the movable weighted objects  16  and the stationary weighted objects  17 . The horizontal center of mass of the present invention is to be located directly over the flat portion  42  to allow the present invention to stay at equilibrium in an upright and consistent position. The display item  12  (e.g. eyeglasses, rings, IPOD NANO, pens, candles, etc.) is positioned upon an external surface of the upper section  20  and supported by the side supports  30  and front support  31 . The curved portion  41  of the lower section  40  is heavy enough to maintain the center of mass within the lower section  40  when the display item  12  is placed upon the upper section  20 , which keeps the present invention from toppling over. 
     When the display item  12  is placed on the upper section  20 , the horizontal center of mass will shift in the direction of the externally placed display item  12  and tip the present invention over. The counterbalance mechanism  50  is twisted to counteract the tipping over of the present invention. The counterbalance mechanism  50  may be adjusted to move the present invention to a more upright position by twisting the upper section  20 , which in turn twists the wing member  55  and movable weighted objects  16  within the movable case  60  relative to the stationary weighted objects  17  within the stationary case  65 . This results in both the movable weighted objects  16  and the stationary weighted objects  17  being positioned on one side of the lower section  40  (i.e. opposite the display item  12 ). 
     Once the counterbalance mechanism  50  is properly adjusted, an external force may be applied to the outside of the present invention causing the lower section  40  to wobble and eventually return to a stabilized position. If desired, an electric motor may be positioned within the lower section  40  to initiate a wobbling motion. A suction cup may also be affixed to the lower end of the base to stabilize the present invention upon a tabletop or dashboard of a vehicle. The suction cup may alleviate the need for the ballast  14  or weighted objects. 
     G. Cup Embodiment 
     In an alternate embodiment, the present invention may be comprised of a cup configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The upper section  20  of the cup may include a caricature that may be asymmetrically positioned or symmetrically positioned with respect to the center of the upper section  20 . The cup embodiment may include or not include the counterbalancing mechanism. The upper internal cavity  21  of the upper section  20  in the cup embodiment is sealed at a lower end to hold a liquid. The upper end of the upper section  20  may also include an opening to receive a straw in which to drink the liquid from the upper internal cavity  21 . 
     H. Sailboat Embodiment 
     In another alternate embodiment, the present invention may be comprised of a sailboat as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . The sailboat embodiment is also described in more detail subsequently in the Game Embodiment portion of the present invention. The sailboat may serve as a decorative bank or other container  19 . The sailboat includes a hull which functions as the upper section  20  and lower section  40  and includes a lower internal cavity  43  within for holding the ballast  14  (the upper section  20  may be removable or non removable from the lower section  40 ). The ballast  14  in this embodiment is comprised of coins, wherein the hull may include a slot or other insertion area in which to add coins to the lower internal cavity  43  as desired. The curvature of the lower section  40  does not need to be the same for the entirety of the lower section  40 . The user is forced to maintain a balance of the sailboat embodiment via the counterbalance mechanism  50 . 
     The sailboat also includes a center mast to function as the center post  51  of the counterbalance mechanism  50 . A plurality of individually rotatable sails extend outwards from the center post  51  to function as the wing members  55  and are rotatably attached to the center post  51 . As the user adds coins to the lower internal cavity  43 , the user needs to adjust the position of the sails with respect to the center post  51  to maintain the present invention in an upright position. The sails (i.e. wing members  55 ) may be comprised of individual different sizes and weights to allow for increased complexity and entertainment in keeping the hull stabilized. The sails may also initiate the wobbling motion of the container  19  (i.e. hull) via catching wind. 
     II. Game Embodiment 
     A. Overview 
     It is appreciated that various aspects of the game embodiment may be combined with the display embodiment of the present invention and vice versa. The game embodiment is used to determine an outcome of a game, wherein the outcome may be an intermediate step in the game, a final winning step, a beginning step or any outcome, large or small, relating to a game. 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 16 through 34  illustrate a wobbling game system  10 , which comprises an apparatus  70  for determining an outcome of a game, comprising a base  71  including a curved portion  72  and a flat portion  73 , wherein the flat portion  73  is positioned at a lowermost end of the base  71  and wherein the curved portion  72  extends from the flat portion  73 . At least one ballast  80  is positioned proximate the base  71  or adding weight to the base  71  and an adjustable counterbalance mechanism  90  extends from the base  71  for stabilizing the base  71  on the flat portion  73 . A plurality of games, to use the apparatus  70 , are also described herein. 
     B. Wobbling Apparatus 
     The wobbling apparatus  70  is the essential piece of the present invention which uses the ballast  80  and counterbalance mechanisms  90  to create a wobbling effect when tipped slightly to the side and if the ballast  80  and counterbalance mechanisms  90  are set correctly efficiently uprights the apparatus  70  in a stable position. Wobbling may be defined as pivoting, shaking, rotating or any movement about a common base  71 . The apparatus  70  may be formed in various shapes, sizes and from many different types of materials. 
     i. Base 
     The apparatus  70  includes a base  71  that primarily provides for the wobbling action of the apparatus  70 . The base  71  includes a curved portion  72  extending predominantly along the lower side of the base  71  and a flat portion  73  at the lower end of the base  71 . The curved portion  72  can be comprised of a plurality of different curvatures, such as but not limited to hemispherical, so as to provide for a wobbling motion of the apparatus  70 . The flat portion  73  provides for a point for the base  71  to gain stability, wherein when the base  71  is centered on the flat portion  73 , the base  71  and apparatus  70  stand upright in a stable manner. 
     ii. Ballast 
     At least one ballast  80 , which may be comprised of a plurality of coins, objects, etc., is preferably positioned within the cavity of the base  71  or atop the base  71 , and the position, alone, or in combination with the counterbalance mechanism  90 , may serve to balance the apparatus  70 . Many other weighted objects may be used, such as metal rods, metal pipes, sand, water filled containers, stones, or marbles. The ballast  80  may be manufactured within the base  71  or placed in the base  71  by the players of the game. It is appreciated that the placement of the base  71  is a source of variability in the wobbling game design. 
     The base  71  may include various ballast  80  receivers, such as holes  75  or poles  76  to secure the ballast  80  within or upon thereof. For example, holes  75  within the base  71  may be removably filled with a number of ballast  80  choices. Various retrieval devices (e.g. magnets) may be used to assist in retrieving the ballast  80  from the holes  75 . Another example may include the use of poles  76  to secure the ballast  80 , wherein the ballast  80 , comprised of segmented pipes, rings, etc., would be secured in location via the poles  76 . It is appreciated that the ballast  80  may include any weighted object attached to, positioned upon or integral with the base  71 . The plurality of ballasts  80  (e.g. weights such as coins, etc.) may further be positioned within retainer cups  82  which may be placed within the holes  75  of the base  71  or on the top surface  74  of the base  71 . 
     iii. Counterbalance Mechanism 
     A counterbalance mechanism  90  is generally included with the apparatus  70  and is positioned above the base  71  and ballast  80 . It is appreciated that in some configurations, the counterbalance mechanism  90  may be placed within the base  71 . The counterbalance mechanism  90  may further be separated from the base  71  via being connected to the vertical extension  91 . The counterbalance mechanism  90  offers another source of design variability for balancing the apparatus  70 . The counterbalance mechanism  90  may allow for a proper horizontal center of mass, but if the vertical center of mass is too high the apparatus  70  will not balance. The vertical center of mass may be lowered by lowering the counterbalance mechanism  90 . The counterbalance mechanism  90  is any component or element that offsets the weight of the ballast  80  or base  71  so as to be manipulated or adjusted to affect the wobbling motion of the apparatus  70  and manner and time in which the apparatus  70  may become stabilized after wobbling. It is appreciated that the apparatus  70  may include a plurality of counterbalance mechanisms connected to or separate from one another, all which control a movement and balance of the base  71 . 
     The counterbalance mechanism  90  may be comprised of a multitude of designs, such as weighted beams which may be twisted to one side, sliding weights upon the vertical extension  91  positioned to act to counter the ballast  80  within the base  71 , or adjustable countering weights  109  located on top of the base  71 . The counterbalance mechanism  90  may further be altered (i.e. change the degree in which countered weight is placed on the base  71 ) via twisting or rotating the counterbalance mechanism  90  about the base  71 . Other configurations include a magnetized countering weight  109  that may be placed at various locations atop the base  71 . 
     The counterbalance mechanism  90  may include the vertical extension  91  that preferably extends upward from the base  71 . The vertical extension  91  is preferably fixed to the base  71  and is adjustable in height to adjust the manner in which the apparatus  70  is able to balance. In the preferred embodiment, the vertical extension  91  includes a lower segment  92  directly extending upwards from the base  71 , and an upper segment  94  telescopingly adjustable from the lower segment  92 . A threadable clamp  93 , generally positioned at the upper end of the lower segment  92 , may be used to secure the upper segment  94  in a fixed vertical position by tightening the clamp  93  about the vertical extension  91 . The clamp  93  is preferably weighted and may be used in the fourth game embodiment of the apparatus  70  as an adjustment means of a timer, wherein the apparatus  70  is used as a timer. 
     Various types of sails  100  may also be included in the counterbalance mechanism  90 . One such sail  100  extends from the upper end of the vertical extension  91 , such as in the first embodiment of the apparatus  70 . The sail  100  includes multiple slots  101  that receive connecting elements  103 . The connecting elements  103  are comprised of a wire like configuration to extend through the slots  101  of the sails  100  and threadably connect to retaining elements  96  of the vertical extension  91 . Magnets  109 , functioning as weighted objects, may also be placed on the sail  100 , and more particularly onto the connecting element  103 , to further provide a dampening or counterbalance force for the apparatus  70 . The weighted objects  109  are slidable along the connecting element  103 . The connecting elements  103  may further include catch portions  104 , which are configured as L-hooks, to catch the sail  100  and secure the end of the sail  100  upon the connecting element  103 . 
     When the object of the game base  71  is to provide a balanced or unbalanced outcome, it can be beneficial to have the outcome in a rather short period of time. The sails  100  offer a way to shorten a balance cycle time (described subsequently) by buffering the fast movement of the base  71 , and slowing  106  the speed of the wobble rather quickly. Once the wobble speed slows, the sails  100  allow the slower movement of the base  71  to occur largely unimpeded. The sails  100  could be twisted relative to each other in various embodiments. However, it is preferred that the sails  100  remain in a common plane so as to be more easily operated. Different sail  100  sizes, numbers, shapes, and locations may be appreciated with different embodiments. 
     In the second embodiment of the apparatus  70 , the ballast  80  is in a fixed location and weight can only be added above the base  71  resulting in some destabilization of the apparatus  70 . The counterbalance mechanism  90  allows for a proper horizontal center of mass, but if the vertical center of mass is too high the apparatus  70  will not be balanced. The wings  106  in the second embodiment may thus be lowered towards the base  71  if it is desired to achieve stability. It is appreciated that the wings  106  may include retainer cups  108  for the weighted objects  109  and are adjustable in height and rotation as well as being able to hold differing amounts of weighted objects  109 . 
     In the third embodiment, the vertical center of mass changes with the horizontal center of mass in the form of a tilted countering weight  109 . Counterbalance is achieved through a magnetized weighted object  109  placed upon the top surface  74  of the base  71 . The weighted object  109  may be various configurations, such as a flag pole, etc. and placed at various locations upon the top surface  74  of the base  71 . The sail  100  in the third embodiment is preferably adjustable in position. 
     The fourth embodiment is used as a timepiece. When adjusting the length of wobble time of the apparatus  70  in the fourth embodiment, positioning the clamp  93  at the lowest position shortens the wobble time and positioning the clamp  93  at the highest position lengthens the wobble time. The clamp  93  and attached vertical extension  91  in this embodiment serve as the counterbalance mechanism  90 . 
     C. Launcher 
     The present invention includes a launcher  110  to wobble the apparatus  70 . The launcher  110  is a mechanism that is removably secured within the upper opening  97  of the vertical extension  91 . The launcher  110  includes a handle  111 , a connecting rod  114  and a trigger  115  which is accessible through a finger opening  112 . The connecting rod  114  is inserted and removably secured within the opening of the apparatus  70  and the apparatus  70  is tiled to approximately 70 degrees it&#39;s vertical. The trigger  115  or switch is then pulled, thus releasing the connecting rod  114  from the opening  97  of the apparatus  70  and allowing the apparatus  70  to pivot or wobble away from the launcher  110 . The launcher  110  may also be comprised of a tandem launcher  110 ′ including two handles  111 ′, two connecting rods  114 ′, and an elongated trigger  115 ′ extending through multiple openings  112 ′ to simultaneously engage both connecting rods  114 ′. 
     D. Game Methods 
     Various game play methods may be utilized with the apparatus  70 . Generally game play involves balancing the apparatus  70  utilizing the ballast  80  and counterbalance mechanism  90  both of which may be positioned differently according to the specific game play. It is appreciated that for each described game play, various embodiments may be used and methods in which to play the particular game. 
     The games preferably include a balance cycle to be used with the apparatus  70 . A balance cycle involves loosening the brass circular clamp  93  and rotating the sails  100  to a position that allows the sliding weight to counterbalance the ballast  80 . The circular clamp  93  is generally tightened by hand only once the sails  100  are in the desired location. Rotating the sails  100  and sliding the weight  109  must take place while the base  71  is in the holder  79  so a player does not gain any balance knowledge or advantage over other players. After the base  71  is prepared it must be lifted from the holder  79  and placed on a flat, smooth playing surface. 
     Next, the base  71  must go through the launch process to complete the balance cycle. The launch process involves tipping the base  71  to allow the launcher&#39;s  110  extended metal rod  114  to be placed through the small opening  97  in the top of the vertical extension  91 . Finally, the rod  114  of the launcher  110  is depressed, releasing the apparatus  70 . The base  71  will now wobble, thus go through a balance cycle, and the result will determine the outcome of a step in the chosen game (i.e. whether the apparatus  70  becomes stabilized or topples). Thus, if the balance cycle is successful the base  71  will ultimately settle on the small flat portion  73  on the bottom of the base  71 . The apparatus  70  must not be touched or affected in any way until the balance cycle is obviously successful or unsuccessful. 
     i. First Game 
     First Game Embodiment 
     The first game is designed to illustrate a treasure chest scenario. The first game preferably utilizes the first embodiment of the apparatus  70  and can accommodate up to four players. The first game resembles a scenario where the shipwrecked sailors have a goal of collecting treasure and repairing ships. The apparatus  70  is configured as a ship and the ballast  80  is represented by weighted objects (e.g. coins). In the preferred embodiment, a total of ten dollars in coins is used as the ballast  80  with a specific number of quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies used. It is appreciated that whatever type of weighted objects  80  are used, they are preferably countable, identifiable, and at least partially distinguishable. 
     A coin stack is represented by 5 of the same coins. The coins  80  are placed in the retainer cup  82  of the base  71  selectively. Each player receives the following  106  seven stacks: 3 penny stacks, 2 nickel stacks, 1 dime stack, and 1 quarter stack. Place any stacks not distributed at the beginning of the game in the proper size retainer cup  82  in the base  71 . Each of the seven retainer cups  82  represents a treasure chest. The retainer cups  82  may also be different sizes to accommodate different size objects. The point value of each filled retainer cup  82  is as follows: dime=1, penny=2, nickel=3, and quarter=4. A total of 17 points are possible. The total point value of stacks of coins  80  in the retainer cups  82  at the end of the game will help determine the winner(s) of the game. It is appreciated that in this embodiment, the retainer cups  82  may be placed upon the top surface  74  of the base  71  by the user. The retainer cups  82  may also be placed in specifically sized holes  75  in the base  71 . 
     The vertical extension  91  is extended to a specific point, which may be represented by a mark and the apparatus  70  is placed in the holder  79  with all seven retainer cups  82  aboard. Laminated cards are placed on the playing surface and identification elements (e.g. 2 villager and 2 pillager coins) are placed in a pouch and shook up. During game play, players take turns pulling an identification element from the pouch. The player&#39;s identification element and true identity must be kept secret throughout the game, but players may allude to an identity or try to deceive other players for personal gain. 
     Players roll a die to determine who goes first. During general game play, each turn involves placing at least one stack in the base  71 . A player may place any number of the same denomination stack. For example, a player may place one, two, or all three penny stacks on a single turn. The stacks can be placed in one, two, or all three penny retainer cups  82 . A stack placed in a retainer cups  82  will remain there for the duration of the game. When stack placement results in completely filling one or more of the retainers, the player is allowed to perform a balance cycle. If the balance cycle is unsuccessful the apparatus  70  is placed back in the holder  79 , and play moves clockwise. 
     Players are allowed to perform a balance cycle on each turn in which there is at least one full retainer in the apparatus  70 . If a player encounters an apparatus  70  with completely filled retainer cups  82 , the player must either: (1) add a stack(s) to another retainer(s), and then perform a balance cycle, or (2) add a filled retainer from one of the designated areas that correspond with any of the identification elements, and then perform a balance cycle. 
     A player who balances the apparatus  70  must place all of the completely filled retainer cups  82  in a designated area (which may or may not match the designated area corresponding to their identity determined by the identification element) off of the apparatus  70 . The partially filled retainer cups  82  remain in the apparatus  70 . The designated area a player chooses does not have to match the player&#39;s true identity. The player must only place retainer cups  82  in a designated area per balanced apparatus  70 . Once the retainer cups  82  are placed in a designated area, the apparatus  70  is reset in the holder  79  with the vertical extension  91  set at the designated point and play moves clockwise. 
     The endgame starts when a player has no stacks to load. During the endgame players with no stacks must either: (1) perform a balance cycle, or (2) load one retainer cup  82  from a designated area onto the apparatus  70  and perform a balance cycle on their turn. The last apparatus  70  is denoted by loading the final stack aboard the apparatus  70 . After the last apparatus  70  has been balanced and the final retainer cups  82  full of coins are dispersed, all players must declare on paper and conceal who they believe to be the one other player with the same true identity. The written declaration of identity will remain secret until all players are prepared to reveal their identification elements and written declarations. 
     The identity with the most points in the designated area is allowed the first opportunity to win by revealing the written declarations. If both players correctly identify the other, then they share the win. If only one is correct, then the single correct player is the sole winner. If neither is correct, then the players with the fewest points in their treasure cove are allowed a chance to win. If both correctly identify the other, then they share the win. If only one is correct, then that player is the sole winner. If neither is correct, then there is a four way tie and all players share the win. In games with two or three players, the players must declare in writing who the other player is with the same identity, or if there was no other player with the same identity. 
     Generally, odds favor players with more objects in the designated area that matches their identity. Players will desire to remain unknown by the other players. Deception and deliberate object placement are at odds in the game. Players can play one identity and change to the other at the end, or play a deceptive identity to the end and hope it works out. A detailed description of winning probabilities and the myriad of outcomes is not necessary to play strategically. One very helpful strategy of play is to document each player&#39;s moves and track tendencies throughout the game. Written accounts of play could be exhaustive, so shorthand codes are used to track play. Each player may use the following  106  approach to learn a shorthand code and perhaps eventually keep track mentally. 
     Each turn can be graded as to its intent and severity. The intent will be either pillager (P), villager (V). The severity will be based on the point value of the retainers. If a player steals a penny retainer from the villager&#39;s designated area, successfully balances the apparatus  70 , and places the retainer in the pillager&#39;s designated area the intent would be decidedly pillager in nature. We will grade this as P4, using P for the pillager intent and 2 for the number of points stolen from the villager cove added to 2 points given to the pillager cove. If the same player later fills stacks in a nickel retainer, balances the apparatus  70 , and places the retainer in the pillager cove we could grade this as P3 and add it to P4 for a total of P7 for that player. Similar intents add together. The same player then balances the last apparatus  70  that contains 13 retainer points and places them in the villager cove (i.e. designated area). This can be scored as V13 and combined with the P7 we get a result of V6. Opposite intents subtract, so we have V13-P7, or 13−7=6. The intent is confusing, but deception is part of the game. We can probably declare this player is a villager (i.e. identity), but all other player&#39;s actions must be considered to give a more accurate verdict. Each player can keep a notepad and cover their work, or players may all agree on one player recording the point movement during the game. All players can then refer to the recording for decisions. 
     ii. Second Game 
     First Embodiment 
     The second game also preferably utilizes the first embodiment of the apparatus  70 . The second game is generally designed for 2-4 players. The game begins with the same retainer cups  82  as the first game and the vertical extension  91  set to the appropriate designated height. The object of the game is to score as much money or get as many objects as possible and leave the apparatus  70  balanced in the end. For this game, the base  71  preferably includes spots for seven retainer cups  82  which may be filled with coins  80  atop the base or within the base  71 . 
     Players roll the die to determine who goes first. Play then moves clockwise. A player must choose one of two basic operations during a turn. A first option is to roll the die and steal the full coin retainer cup  82  corresponding to the number on the die. If the coin retainer cup  82  corresponding to the number on the die is empty, the player may not take any coins and the turn is over. The second option is to place any number of objects and the object retainer(s) back in the base  71  and perform a balance cycle. The turn is over if the balance cycle is unsuccessful. 
     The first robber to balance the base  71  is allowed to “keep” all of the coins he stole by applying the amount toward his score. Once scored, the coins go back into the game base  71  for the next round. The other robber(s) receive no score for the round and must replace any stolen coins. The first robber to a specified amount (e.g. ten dollars) wins. 
     iii. Third Game 
     First Embodiment 
     The third game also preferably utilizes the first embodiment of the apparatus  70 . The third game is a two player strategy game in which players begin with a plurality of stacks of coins  80 , and in the preferred embodiment two stacks of five quarters, two stacks of six dimes, four stacks of five nickels, and six stacks of five pennies. The stacks may not be divided into smaller stacks. The sails  100  are set at the lowest level and will be raised according to the rules. 
     Players flip a coin to determine who goes first. A player must place at least one or two stacks on each turn. The denominations of the stacks are not required to match. The stack(s) must go in any proper size retainers(s) cups  82  on or in the base  71 , and either or both of a player&#39;s placements must match the prior player&#39;s placement if possible. 
     The two conditions that make a matching placement impossible are: 1) a player doesn&#39;t have the matching coins, or 2) the cup is full. If a player finds it impossible to match one or both placements of the prior player, the player may still place up to two stacks in the game base  71 . The following player adheres to the same placement rule. This establishes a follow-the-leader style of game play in which the leader can change because a player may decide at any time to place only one stack, even if the prior player has placed two. The single stack must abide by the placement rule. 
     When placement results in completely filling a retainer cup  82 , the player may perform a balance cycle. Players may perform a balance cycle on each turn in which there is at least one full retainer cup  82  in the game base  71 . Players must still place at least one or two stacks on each turn. If a player has stacks that only match filled retainer cups  82 , the player must perform a balance cycle without placement. 
     A player must empty all of the retainer cups  82  and keep all of the coin stacks if the balance cycle is successful. The winning player then replaces the empty retainer cups  82 , raises the mast one notch, and resumes play by starting the next round. The game ends when one player has all of the coin stacks. 
     iv. Fourth Game 
     Second Embodiment 
     The fourth game utilizes the second embodiment of the apparatus  70 . The fourth game is set in an outer space scenario. The fourth game is a two player skill and strategy game in which the object of the game is to move coins  80  from the load side to the pay side by balancing the load. The player with the most pay at the end of the game collects pay and wins the game. 
     Two players begin with five quarters, ten dimes, twenty nickels, and twenty-five pennies on the load side of a game board, base  71 , or other place. The game begins with the apparatus  70  placed in the holder  79  and the wings  106  at a first level. Next, the players flip a coin to see who goes first. 
     On each turn, a player must place a number of coins  109  in one wing  106  container  108  equal or greater than the numbered level at which the wings  106  are located. For example, on level one a player must place at least one coin  109  in a wing cup  108 . On level five, at least five coins  109  must be placed in the wing cup  108  on each turn in which coins are placed. A player may only place coins in a single cup per turn. After placing coins  109 , the player may perform a balance cycle. If the balance cycle is successful, the player may keep the entire payload as pay, and start the next round at the next lower wing level. 
     If both players&#39; balance cycles are unsuccessful, then the wings  106  are moved down one level. Two consecutive unsuccessful balance cycles at one level results in lowering the wings  106  one level. The players now have a choice of placing at least the minimum number of coins  109  corresponding to the wing level or attempting a balance cycle. 
     The first player to run out of load coins may take all of the opponents load coins and use them as his own. The rules of coin placement must be followed and players continue to take turns with balancing cycles until all coins are removed from both loading areas and the wing  106  cups. If a player chooses, he may take coins from his pay and load them on his turn. 
     v. Fifth Game 
     Third Embodiment 
     The fifth game utilizes a third embodiment of the apparatus  70  and preferably is a tournament type game. The fifth game generally includes one die, one tandem launcher  110 ′, four apparatuses  70 , four holders  79 , and sixteen assorted rigging pieces. Each player chooses an apparatus  70  and places it in a holder  79 . The rigging will be chosen according to the rules of play. The sail  100  may be formed in various sizes, shapes and configurations. 
     During game play, the players initially roll the dies to determine who goes first and then turns go clockwise. Each player takes turns choosing one piece of rigging until all are chosen. When each player has finished choosing rigging the tournament begins. 
     The tournament follows a plurality of matches. Each match is won by the best three out of five wobbles with the apparatus  70 . One wobble includes placing at least four pieces of rigging on the base  71  in any orientation and simultaneously releasing the base  71  with the launcher  110 . Once launching has started, the base  71  cannot be touched until rested. 
     The goal of each wobble is determined by rolling the die. If the die shows a one, two, or three then the goal of the wobble is to be the first to balance. If the die shows a four, five, or six then the goal of the wobble is to be the last to balance. The base&#39;s  71  rigging may be adjusted before each wobble and designed to balance slowly or quickly depending on the goal of the wobble. If neither of the bases  71  balance, then the wobble is repeated. 
     During two player matches, any number of matches including the best three of five wobbles wins. The players may reorganize the rigging after each wobble, and the winner of the match may choose to trade one piece of rigging with the loser. 
     Each player picks a number as part of the process of choosing the rigging. If all the players win one match in a three player tournament, then the tournament is replayed. The winner will have won two matches, second place will have won one and lost one, and third place will have lost two matches. The winner of each match may choose to trade one piece of rigging with the losing player. 
     Two matches may be played simultaneously. A score sheet should be employed to keep track of the winners of each match. The player who wins the most matches wins the tournament. In the event of three players from the four player tournament have each won two matches, the three players must then enter a three player tournament as described previously. When moving from a four player into a three player tournament, all of the numbered flags are set in the center and players roll the die to determine the order in which to pick a new number. Again, the winner of each match may choose to trade one piece of rigging with the losing player. 
     To launch two apparatuses  70  at the same time, place the top of each vertical extension  91  in contact with the launcher  110 ′. After any final adjustments are made, one player will push the launch trigger  115 ′ down and quickly remove the launcher  110 ′ from the play area so the apparatuses  70  do not come into contact with the launcher  110 ′. 
     vi. Sixth Game 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     The sixth game utilizes a fourth embodiment of the apparatus  70  and is utilized to time a player&#39;s turn. The time elapsed from initiation to cessation of wobbling is very repeatable at a given setting. The setting may be altered to allow variation in the time of a player&#39;s turn. This allows for a multitude of options when designing games which involve a time span allotted to players. 
     Players can adjust the timer by sliding the circular clamp  93  higher or lower. This changes the moment of inertia, resulting in longer or shorter wobbling times. For example, removing the circle clamp  93  and tipping the apparatus  70  approximately 70 degrees from vertical and releasing gives a wobbling time of approximately 30 seconds. With the clamp  93  positioned at a lower marked setting, the apparatus  70  give approximately 45 seconds of play time. With the clamp  93  at a top marked setting, the apparatus  70  gives approximately 60 seconds of play time. 
     What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is intended to be defined by the following claims (and their equivalents) in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.