Abstract:
A device for developing hand-eye coordination of the type having a drum ( 90 ) with a furrow ( 92 ) meandering around drum ( 90 ) with drum pin ( 94 A and  94 B) mated to slot ( 120 A and  120 B) of hoop ( 116 ). Marble ( 10 ) is negotiated over furrow ( 92 ) by turning drum pin ( 94 A and  94 B) with each hand while simultaneously using drum pin ( 94 A and  94 B) to roll hoop ( 116 ) to complete the length of furrow ( 92 ).

Description:
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable 
     SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention relates to games of skill to balance a ball through a course with pitfalls requiring dexterity and hand-eye coordination to maneuver a ball to complete the course. 
     2. Prior Art 
     There are various devices that have been developed for the purpose of amusement that require players to acquire a skill in order to become proficient at playing the game. Specifically, games that require a player to balance a ball through a course maze with pitfalls that make the game challenging and interesting. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 435,790 Boils (1890) introduces a toy that shows a cylindrical tube with a spiral groove lengthwise with a ball. Bolls teaches that his device is to be held with two hands at each end of the cylinder. This is so a person can manipulate the slope to cause the ball to run down hill. The spiral requires a person to turn the cylinder while pitching to keep the ball in the groove. Bolls teaches that his device has an imaginary axis with an infinite amount of positions for a person to pitch and roll the cylinder. Bolls does not teach or suggest that his device be modified to constrain the roll of the cylinder&#39;s imaginary axis by utilizing an axle nor does he suggest that his device utilize a compound axis hardware system to control the pitch and roll at the same time with parameters. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,150,761 Hartman (1915) introduces a ball with a spiral groove on the outside and a marble that fits inside the groove. The object of this device is to roll the ball in the groove by controlling the pitch of the cylindrical pin causing the marble to run down hill. Hartman teaches that his device has an imaginary axis with an infinite number of positions. Hartman does not teach or suggest that his device constrain the imaginary axis utilizing hardware to control the parameters. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,500,869 Hinson (1923) shows a triangular bar with a continuous groove traversing the length on the outside with a transparent material covering the groove so as to trap small differing color balls inside the groove as it turns on its axis. Hinson shows that at each end of the triangular bar are pins that allow a person to spin the unit to cause the small balls to run down the groove. Hinson teaches that the object of her device is amusement through participation as a person spins the device the color balls move alone the groove. Hinson teaches that little skill is required to operate her device. Hinson does not teach or suggest that a compound axis hardware system is required or necessary to operate her device. Since multiple balls are in the groove at the same time and the transparent cover keeps them in the groove, balance is not required to move the balls along the groove. 
     The prior art heretofore known demonstrates many examples of amusement devices that attempt to enhance balancing skill through entertainment. Nevertheless, all of the devices known suffer from a number of disadvantages:
         (a) Infinite imaginary axis without constraints does not allow for hand-eye coordination skills utilizing both hands in a resting tandem position. Infinite imaginary axis has the disadvantage of infinite variables without parameters. This makes learning difficult and less uniform amongst different players.   (b) Without constrained two axis hardware system the maze or coarse that a marble follows is necessarily simple and predictable. This leads to boredom of the toy after limited play.   (c) Lack of supporting structure causes stress and fatigue for players resulting in frustration. Without supporting structure a player must utilizing their whole body during manipulation. Players need to stand or sway their body with the device as it moves.       

     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
     Several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
         (a) To provide a non planar surface or cylindrical toy with a compound two axis hardware system that allows precise movement within constrained parameters. Constrained parameters set forth the rules of the game for players to accomplish.   (b) To provide a cylindrical toy with an exciting intricate course groove with lots of turns of varying degrees of difficulty to keep players motivated and fulfilled during play. Having an irregular maze with differing curves of complexity allows players to reach milestones throughout the maze. Each new curve represents a new challenge a player must overcome. This allows differing players to show off their skill and competence. This exciting irregular maze enhances competition and entertainment for spectators.   (c) To provide a cylindrical toy with supporting structure that allows a player to relax and let the game rest on a surface with the toy movement supported on a bearing hardware system. This allows a player to spin the cylindrical toy on the bearings effortlessly reducing friction and ease of movement. Supporting structure allows precise control with minimal physical effort yet a high degree of mental challenge.       

     Further objects and advantages are to provide a cylindrical toy with interchangeable spindles so as to keep the game challenging and interesting as each new maze is mastered, to provide different levels of overall course skill requirements to accommodate players of ages ranging for six to 99, to provide a cylindrical toy that is aesthetically pleasing to look at and display as an ornament when not in use, to provide a cylindrical toy that is a unique pleasuring experience. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the present invention an amusement toy comprises a cylindrical body with a tangent irregular groove meandering the length and circumference of the cylindrical body, with a reduced integral portion or reduced cylindrical portion at each end, a bearing surface mated to each end of the reduced cylindrical portions to control the roll of the cylindrical body, and a semi annular surface to control the pitch of the cylindrical body. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       Figures 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded perspective view of pin box  66   
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a modified embodiment arbor box  86  with arbor  68   
         FIG. 4  shows an exploded perspective view of teeter box  64   
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of teeter box  64  and pin box  66  with cross section 
         FIG. 6  shows a top view of the first embodiment with cross section line  7 - 7   
         FIG. 7  shows a front view cross section of the first embodiment 
         FIG. 8  shows a front view of the first embodiment with plane F and cross section line  9 - 9   
         FIG. 9  shows a right view cross section of the first embodiment with plane F 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of teeter pin  84 A with spin lock  82   
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of knob  16 A with exposed cross section 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of knob  16 A assembled to cross section elements 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment with exploded elements 
         FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of additional embodiment with exploded elements 
         FIG. 16  show a perspective view of additional embodiment with tri bar  96   
         FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of additional embodiment with exploded elements 
         FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of additional embodiment with hoop  116   
       
         
           
                 
               
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
               
             
                 
                     
                 
                 
                   DRAWINGS - Reference Numerals 
                 
                 
                     
                 
               
               
                 
                     
                 
               
            
             
                 
                     
                     
                    A  
                   Marble Clearance  
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    B 
                   Marble Clearance 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    C 
                   Spindle Gap 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    D  
                   Teeter Gap 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    E  
                   Teeter Gap 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    F  
                   Plane 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    10 
                   Marble 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    12 
                   Spindle 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    14 
                   Groove 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    16A 
                   Knob 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    16B 
                   Knob 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    18A 
                   Spindle Cap 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    18B  
                   Spindle Cap 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    20A  
                   Runner 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    20B  
                   Runner 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    22  
                   Assembly Screw  
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    24A 
                   Retainer Bolt  
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    24B 
                   Retainer Bolt  
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    26A 
                   Teeter Flange  
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    26B 
                   Teeter Flange 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    28A 
                   Hanger Bolt 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    28B 
                   Hanger Bolt 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    30 
                   Marble Return 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    32A 
                   Teeter Plate 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    32B  
                   Teeter Plate 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    34A  
                   Spanner 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    34B  
                   Spanner 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    36A  
                   Spindle Counter Bore 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    36B  
                   Spindle Counter Bore 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    38A  
                   Spindle Bearing 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    38B  
                   Spindle Bearing 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    40A  
                   Teeter Bearing 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    40B 
                   Teeter Bearing 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    42  
                   Pilot Hole 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    44A 
                   Bolt Hole 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    44B 
                   Bolt Hole 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    46A 
                   Rabbet Slope 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    46B 
                   Rabbet Slope 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    48A 
                   Knob Counter Bore  
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    48B 
                   Knob Counter Bore 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    50  
                   Pin 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    52  
                   Spline 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    54A 
                   Integral Knob 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    54B  
                   Integral Knob 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    56A  
                   Yoke 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    56B  
                   Yoke 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    58  
                   Rocker 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    60A 
                   Knob Shoulder 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    60B 
                   Knob Shoulder 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    62A 
                   Pin Shoulder 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    62B  
                   Pin Shoulder 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    64  
                   Teeter Box 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    66  
                   Pin Box 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    68  
                   Arbor 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    70A 
                   Arbor Shoulder 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    70B 
                   Arbor Shoulder 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    72A 
                   Dial 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    72B 
                   Dial 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    74A  
                   Slot 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    74B  
                   Slot 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    76A  
                   Bearing Slot 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    768  
                   Bearing Slot 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    78A 
                   Arbor Cap 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    78B 
                   Arbor Cap 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    80  
                   Fluting 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    82 
                   Spin Lock 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    84A 
                   Teeter Pin 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    84B  
                   Teeter Pin 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    86  
                   Arbor Box 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    88 
                   Pin Relief 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    90 
                   Drum 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    92  
                   Furrow 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    94A 
                   Drum Pin 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    94B  
                   Drum Pin 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    96  
                   Tri Bar 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    98A 
                   Slot 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                    98B  
                   Slot 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   100A  
                   Bearing Slot 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   100B 
                   Bearing Slot 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   102A 
                   Drum Break 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   102B  
                   Drum Break 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   104 
                   Bearing 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   106 
                   Retainer Pin 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   108  
                   Retainer Counter Sink 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   110  
                   Planar Base 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   112  
                   Dowel Pin 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   114  
                   Dowel Hole 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   116  
                   Hoop 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   118A  
                   Bearing Slot 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   118B 
                   Bearing Slot 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   120A 
                   Slot 
                     
                 
                 
                     
                     
                   120B  
                   Slot 
                 
                 
                     
                     
                 
               
            
           
         
       
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12 —First Embodiment 
     The first embodiment of the marble game of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . It is shown that the first embodiment has two major assemblies teeter box  64  and pin box  66 . The major assemblies contain subassembly parts that are preferably held together using assembly screw  22  in sufficient quantities to maintain structural integrity of the major assemblies during normal use. It should be noted that other methods to fasten teeter box  64  and pin box  66  may be used such as: glue, friction joints, nails, string, wire, and tape, Assembly of pin box  66  shown in  FIG. 2  shows the various elements necessary to complete the unit (one assembly screw  22  depicted for simplicity). To begin, assembly knob  16 A and hanger bolt  28 A are screwed together. Knob  16 A includes knob counter bore  48 A that has a smooth bore that is smaller in diameter than the outside diameter of hanger bolt  28 A. This will allow hanger bolt  28 A to cut into the material of knob counter bore  48 A to form a tight interference fit so as to prevent hanger bolt  28 A from slipping or becoming loose during rotation of spindle  12  during play. Hanger bolt  28 A is driven into knob counter bore  48 A until it butts up against the bottom of knob counter bore  48 A as shown in  FIG. 11 . Since hanger bolt  28 A has threads at both ends preventing traditional wrenches or screwdrivers from applying torque to hanger bolt  28 A to facilitate assembly, an individual with ordinary skill or owner will start hanger bolt  28 A into knob counter bore  48 A with their hand and then insert the unit through spindle bearing  38 A. Once hanger bolt  28 A is inserted through spindle bearing  38 A, an owner will mate knob shoulder  60 A to spindle bearing  38 A and proceed to insert the exposed tip of hanger bolt  28 A into spindle counter bore  36 A. An owner will now apply hand pressure by holding knob  16 A and spindle  12  and begin turning each in opposite directions to tighten hanger bolt  28 A into both elements. Knob counter bore  48 A and spindle counter bore  36 A each have a depth that is sufficient in length so as the combine lengths of both counter bores will be less than the length of hanger bolt  28 A in a sufficient value so that when hanger bolt  28 A is fully tightened, spindle gap C ( FIG. 12 ) will be sufficient to allow spindle  12  to rotate inside pin box  66  without any perceptible side to side shift of linear movement when pin box  66  is rocked or tilted back and forth during play. This procedure will lock spindle cap  18 A concentrically between knob  16 A and spindle  12 . The diameter of knob shoulder  60 A is smaller in diameter than spindle bearing  38 A. The same procedure is applied to knob  16 B, spindle cap  18 B, and hanger bolt  28 B driven into knob counter bore  48 B and spindle counter bore  36 B through spindle bearing  38 B to complete the assembly of spindle  12 . To finish assembly of pin box  66 , runner  20 A and runner  20 B are attached to spindle cap  18 A and spindle cap  18 B by driving assembly screw(s)  22  utilizing a screwdriver through pilot hole (s)  42 . Pilot hole  42  allows precise alignment of the parts without any need to measure. 
     Looking at  FIG. 4 , teeter box  64  forms the base of the first embodiment and is assembled as follows. Teeter plate  32 B is connected to spanner  34 A and spanner  34 B with assembly screw (s)  22 . Marble return  30  is mated to rabbet slope  46 B to allow proper alignment angle of marble return  30 . Teeter plate  32 A with rabbet slope  46 A is mated to the exposed portion of marble return  30 . Assembly screw (s)  22  are driven through the exposed pilot hole (s)  42  on teeter plate  32 A into the exposed pilot hole (s)  42  on spanner  34 A and spanner  34 B to lock all parts in place. 
     Moving on,  FIG. 5  shows a cut away section of pin box  66  and teeter box  64  before final assembly of the first embodiment. Teeter pin  84 A and teeter pin  84 B are inserted into teeter bearing  40 A and teeter bearing  40 B. The diameter of teeter bearing  40 A and  40 B respectively are larger in diameter than teeter pin  84 A and  848  respectively with a sufficient tolerance to allow free rotation without concentric vibration or wobble. Retainer bolt  24 A and retainer bolt  2413  are screwed into bolt hole  44 A and bolt hole  44 B. The diameter of bolt hole  44 A and bolt hole  44 B are smaller in diameter than retainer bolt  24 A and retainer bolt  24 B with a sufficient tolerance so that the threads of the bolts will cut into the material of the bolt holes. This will allow retainer bolt  24 A and  24 B respectively to remain in place during positioning. Pin box  66  can now be lowered into teeter box  64  by grasping spindle  12  with one hand. Pin box  66  is lowered and positioned into teeter box  64  so that teeter pin  84 A and  84 B line up with retainer bolt  24 A and  24 B respectively. With one hand grasping spindle  12 , the other hand can thread retainer bolt  24 A and  2413  into teeter pin  84 A and  8413  respectively. To prevent the teeter pins from spinning while tightening the bolts with a screwdriver, teeter pin  84 A and  84 B have at least one spin lock  82  ( FIG. 10 ) on teeter flange  26 A and  268  respectively. Spin lock  82  will bite into the material of teeter plate  32 A and  32 B respectively when retainer bolts  24 A and  24 B are secured and will prevent the teeter pins from spinning and become loose during play. Teeter flange  26 A and  26 B form teeter gap D and teeter gap E as shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 9 . Teeter flange  26 A and  26 B precisely center pin box  66  between teeter plate  32 A and teeter place  32 B. This allows pin box  66  to tilt back and forth without interference. Looking at  FIG. 8  pin box  66  may be precisely balanced and if necessary a counter weight may be added to either end of pin box  66  so that is will rest level. The axis of spindle  12  is centered through the axis of teeter bearing  26 A and teeter bearing  26 B as well as retainer bolt  24 A and retainer bolt  24 B as shown by plane F ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ). 
     The materials and methods used to manufacture the parts for this invention can vary from any suitable rigid materials such as: wood species, plastic formulations, metals, metal alloys, and glass formulations. The various parts can be milled using cutting tools or molding techniques or casting techniques. The irregular curve geometry or meandering groove  14  can be milled tangent around the surface of spindle  12  concentric to the axis of spindle  12  by controlling the roll rate of spindle  12  and the linear movement rate of a milling machine or router that runs parallel to the axis of spindle  12  with its cutting bit or router bit perpendicular to the axis of spindle  12  by precisely combining or isolating the movement rates of both variables. Engineering techniques can be employed to reduce weight and increase strength of parts. 
     Looking at  FIG. 12  marble  10  is resting on top of groove  14 . As can be seen where marble  10  rest, groove  14  is concave. The depth and width of groove  14  is a determining factor in the amount of skill a player must possess or acquire to play the toy. Thus, greater depth and wider grooves decrease skill necessary to play the toy. Additionally, the radii values of the meandering curves of groove  14  also determine the skill necessary to play the toy. 
     DETAILED OPERATION 
     FIGS.  1 ,  6 ,  7 , and  9 —First Embodiment 
     To play the game, the first embodiment in  FIG. 1  is set on top of a surface. It is preferred that the surface be a level planar surface such as a table. It is preferred that the player be seated in a chair and be as relaxed and as comfortable as possible during play. To begin play ( FIG. 7 ), marble  10  is removed from marble return  30  and placed on top of spindle  12  at groove  14  with pin box  66  tilted to one side so marble  10  can rest in groove  14  and rest tangent to spindle cap  18 A. If necessary spindle  12  is rotated so that the starting point of groove  14  is approximately top dead center so marble  10  does not roll off groove  14  prematurely ( FIG. 6 ). A player is to grasp knob  16 A and knob  16 B in each hand. Knob  16 A and knob  16 B function as dials to control the roll of spindle  12  and act as handles to change the pitch of pin box  66 . To negotiate the curves of groove  14 , a player must combine the roll and pitch precisely to keep marble  10  on groove  14 . When control is lost, marble  10  will fall of spindle  12  and pass between either marble clearance A or marble clearance B ( FIGS. 6 and 9 ). As seen in  FIG. 7 , once marble  10  falls of spindle  12  it will land on marble return  30  and roll towards the lowest side for consistent landing stop of marble  10  for easy retrieval by players for the next round of play. By tilting pin box  66  to one side a player can reach into the area of teeter box  64  to grab marble  10 . 
     FIGS.  3 ,  13 , and  14 —Alternate Embodiments 
     An alternate embodiment to replace pin box  66  is shown in  FIG. 3  as arbor box  86 . This embodiment reduces the number of parts to complete a working unit. Specifically, spindle  12  (first embodiment) has been replaced by arbor  68  and spindle cap  18 A and  18 B have been replaced by arbor cap  78 A and  78 B. Arbor  68  is an integral unit with no moving parts. Arbor shoulder  70 A and  70 B protrudes from each end of arbor  68 . The length of the arbor shoulder  70 A is greater than the width of slot  74 A of a sufficient value as to allow arbor  68  to spin freely inside arbor box  86  without any perceptible side to side shift of linear movement during play. The same parameters apply to arbor shoulder  70 B and slot  74 B. Dial  72 A and dial  72 B are sufficient in diameter so that the average hand size of a population can grasp them comfortably. Arbor  68  is larger in diameter than the width of slot  74 A and  74 B so as to lock arbor  68  inside arbor box  86  preventing derailing of arbor  68  during play. Bearing slot  76 A and bearing slot  76 B are semi annular to provide an efficient surface for mating to arbor shoulders  70 A and  70 B respectively. Bearing slots  76 A and  768  are larger in diameter than arbor shoulders  70 A and  70 B in sufficient tolerance to allow rotation without concentric vibration or wobble. Runner  20 A and runner  20 B are connected to arbor cap  78 A and arbor cap  78 B utilizing assembly screw (s)  22  to form arbor box  86 . Arbor box  86  is assembled to teeter box  64  in the same manner as pin box  66  with the exception that arbor  68  is mated to bearing slots  76 A and  7613  after assembly. 
     The materials and methods used to manufacture the parts for this invention can vary from any suitable rigid materials such as: wood species, plastic formulations, metals, metal alloys, and glass formulations. The various parts can be milled using cutting tools or molding techniques or casting techniques. The irregular curve geometry or meandering fluting  80  can be milled tangent around the surface of arbor  68  concentric to the axis of arbor  68  by controlling the roll rate of arbor  68  and the linear movement rate of a milling machine or router that runs parallel to the axis of arbor  68  with its cutting bit or router bit perpendicular to the axis of arbor  68  by precisely combining or isolating the movement rates of both variables. Engineering techniques can be employed to reduce weight and increase strength of parts. 
     Looking at  FIGS. 13 and 14  show an alternate embodiment where teeter box  64  has been replaces with rocker  58  and spindle  12  is replaced with pin  50 . Pin  50  is an integral unit with no moving parts similar to arbor  68 . Integral knob  54 A and  54 B are sufficient in diameter so that the average hand size of a population can grasp them comfortably. Pin shoulder  62 A and  62 B are smaller in diameter than the width of rocker  58  so that yoke  56 A and  56 B can be centered widthwise into the top of rocker  58 . Yoke  56 A and  56 B have an annular bottom portion that will mate efficiently to the diameter of pin shoulder  62 A and  62 B. The diameter of yoke  56 A and  56 B has a greater value than the diameter of pin shoulder  62 A and  62 B with sufficient tolerance to allow free spinning of pin  50  while turning integral knob  54 A and  54 B during play without excess vibration or wobble concentrically. At the top of rocker  58  is pin relief  88  that allows for clearance of pin  50  to spin freely during play. Spline  52  is similar to groove  14 . 
     The materials and methods used to manufacture the parts for this invention can vary from any suitable rigid materials such as: wood species, plastic formulations, metals, metal alloys, and glass formulations. The various parts can be milled using cutting tools or molding techniques or casting techniques. The irregular curve geometry or meandering spline  52  can be milled tangent around the surface of pin  50  concentric to the axis of pin  50  by controlling the roll rate of pin  50  and the linear movement rate of a milling machine or router that runs parallel to the axis of pin  50  with its cutting bit or router bit perpendicular to the axis of pin  50  by precisely combining or isolating the movement rates of both variables. Engineering techniques can be employed to reduce weight and increase strength of parts. 
     FIGS.  3 ,  13 , and  14 —Alternate Embodiments 
     To play the game using arbor box  86  instead of pin box  66  is exactly the same as described in the first embodiment with the exception that arbor  68  is not permanently fixed to arbor box  86 . This requires a player to set arbor  68  into slots  74 A and  74 B before play. 
     To play the alternate embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14  requires a player to hold rocker  58  upright on a planar surface and insert pin  50  into yoke  56 A and  56 B before play. After rocker  58  and pin  50  are combined a player will use one hand to hold the assembly and grasp marble  10  with their free hand. Marble  10  is placed at the starting point of spline  52 . Once marble  10  is released a player needs to immediately begin to play the game by combining the roll of pin  50  with the rocking motion of rocker  58  to negotiate the curves of spline  52 . A player will grasp integral knobs  54 A and  54 B to rotate pin  50  and roll rocker  58  on a planar surface. It is not necessary to have a marble catch to recover the marble when a player loses control, but additional modifications can be designed to include a marble catcher. For example, the planar surface could have speed bumps made by rolling cotton cloth lain on the planar surface (not shown) to stop marble  10  from rolling off the planar surface. 
     FIGS.  15 ,  16 ,  17 , and  18 —Additional Embodiments 
     Looking at  FIGS. 15 and 16  shows an additional embodiment. Planar base  110  is a single part with dowel hole  114  that is centered lengthwise to planar base  110 . Planar base  110  has a flat bottom portion to mate to a flat planar surface such as a table during play. Planar surface or tri bar  96  is a single part with at least two terminal ends or drum break  102 A and  102 B that are perpendicular to the length of tri bar  96 . Drum break  102 A and  102 B have a defined open portion or slot  98 A and  9813  that have a round bottom portion or bearing slot  100 A and  100 B that mate to a reduced integral cylindrical portion or drum pin  94 A and  94 B that are centered to the concentric axis of drum  90 . The diameter of drum pin  94 A and  94 B is smaller than the diameter of bearing slot  100 A and  100 B with a sufficient tolerance value so that drum  90  will spin freely without concentric wobble and vibration during play. The length of drum  90  minus the combined lengths of drum pin  94 A and  94 B is less than the inside linear distance measuring between the inside planes of drum break  102 A and  102 B with a sufficient tolerance value so that drum  90  will have an imperceptible side to side shift during play without restricting rotation of drum  90 . Tri bar  96  has concentric hole or bearing  104  with a flared tapered end that mates to a increased integral portion or retainer counter sink  108  of retainer pin  106 . Bearing  104  is centered lengthwise and height wise of tri bar  96 . Tri bar  96  is connected to planar base  110  through retainer pin  106 . Dowel  112  has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of concentric hole or dowel hole  114  with a sufficient value to allow the proper bonding of adhesive or larger diameter for friction interference press fit to lock tri bar  96  to planar base  110 . Tri bar  96  is connected to planar base  110  so that tri bar  96  can teeter on the surface of bearing  104 . Retainer counter sink  108  locks tri bar  96  to planar base  110  with positive interference or wedge. Furrow  92  meanders around the surface of drum  90 . 
     The materials and methods used to manufacture the parts for this invention can vary from any suitable rigid materials such as: wood species, plastic formulations, metals, metal alloys, and glass formulations. The various parts can be milled using cutting tools or molding techniques or casting techniques. The irregular curve geometry or meandering furrow  92  can be milled tangent around the surface of drum  90  concentric to the axis of drum  90  by controlling the roll rate of drum  90  and the linear movement rate of a milling machine or router that runs parallel to the axis of drum  90  with its cutting bit or router bit perpendicular to the axis of drum  90  by precisely combining or isolating the movement rates of both variables. Engineering techniques can be employed to reduce weight and increase strength of parts. 
     Moving on to  FIGS. 17 and 18  shows an additional embodiment with a semi annular surface or hoop  116  with at least two terminal ends with a defined open portion or slot  120 A and  120 B with a defined annular bottom portion or bearing slot  118 A and  118 B. Drum pin  94 A and  94 B mate to slot  120 A and  120 B and rest in bearing slot  118 A and  118 B as indicated by arrow in  FIG. 17 . The diameter of drum pin  94 A and  94 B is smaller than the diameter of bearing slot  118 A and  118 B with a sufficient tolerance value so that drum  90  will spin freely without concentric wobble and vibration during play. The length of drum  90  is less than the inside space between the terminal ends of hoop  116  with a sufficient tolerance value so that drum  90  will have an imperceptible side to side shift during play without restricting rotation of drum  90 . 
     FIGS.  15 ,  16 ,  17 , and  18 —Additional Embodiments 
     To play the additional embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16  requires a player to place planar base  110  on a planar surface and insert drum pin  94 A and  94 B into slot  98 A and  98 B before play. After tri bar  96  and drum  90  are combined a player will use one hand to hold the assembly and grasp marble  10  with their free hand. Marble  10  is placed at the starting point of furrow  92 . Once marble  10  is released a player needs to immediately begin to play the game by combining the roll of drum  90  with the teeter motion of tri bar  96  to negotiate the curves of furrow  92 . A player will gasp drum pin  94 A and  94 B to rotate drum  90  and teeter tri bar  96  concentrically on retainer pin  106 . It is not necessary to have a marble catch to recover the marble when a player loses control, but additional modifications can be designed to include a marble catcher. For example, the planar surface could have speed bumps made by a rolled cotton cloth lain on the planar surface (not shown) to stop marble  10  from rolling off the planar surface. 
     To play the additional embodiment shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18  requires a player to hold hoop  116  upright on a planar surface and insert drum pin  94 A and  94 B into slot  120 A and  120 B before play. After hoop  116  and drum  90  are combined a player will use one hand to hold the assembly and grasp marble  10  with their free hand. Marble  10  is placed at the starting point of furrow  92 . Once marble  10  is released a player needs to immediately begin to play the game by combining the roll of drum  90  with the rocking motion of hoop  116  to negotiate the curves of furrow  92 . A player will grasp drum pin  94 A and  94 B to rotate drum  90  and roll hoop  116  on a planar surface. It is not necessary to have a marble catch to recover the marble when a player loses control, but additional modifications can be designed to include a marble catcher. For example, the planar surface could have speed bumps made by rolling cotton cloth lain on the planar surface (not shown) to stop marble  10  from rolling off the planar surface.
         It permits flexibility of suppliers relied upon to manufacture the produce, ensures that competitive pricing is available, and provides insurance against shortages and price increases, and provides flexibility in materials used to manufacture.   It permits accelerated market acceptance through product originality, provides hours of entertainment by its unique aesthetic looks, and increase sales attraction by consumer&#39;s curiosity to the novelty of something new and fun to play.   It permits fulfillment to a wide range of individuals that may have physical handicaps or impediments to hand-eye coordination such as stroke victims, reduces stress tension by providing satisfying entertaining experiences that improves one&#39;s health and outlook on life, and offers a wonderful pastime for acquiring and applying manual dexterity skills.       

     Although the description above contains much specificity, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, spindle  12  could be other shapes beside a cylindrical such as triangular or spherical, drum pin  94 A and  94 B can be other shapes such as octagon, bearing slots  100 A and  100 B that receive drum pin  94 A and  94 B can be other shapes besides annular such as flat or angular, retainer pin  106  can have a flange instead of a wedge counter sink to lock tri bar  96  to planar base  110 , groove  14  can have a flat defined planar bottom portion, a stand could be added so individuals could play standing up in a store setting, transparent plastic could be used and illuminated with artificial light so as to play the game in low light level, electronic sound effects could be added when the marble falls into the catcher, to include a numbering system on the playing surface that indexes each curve with a number or letter to remind players how far through the maze they have achieved, and the base could include a rotational device to spin the embodiment around parallel to the planar surface so as to face different players sitting around a table setting.