A table gaming apparatus

Abstract

A table football game includes player supports consisting of a frame comprising opposed planar transparent surfaces either side of a slot into which may be inserted a card depicting a player. The fra

Description

Field The present invention relates to play table for use in table sport games and more particularly, but not exclusively the invention relates to a table football play table and player supports therefor. Background of the invention Table football is a popular game played in a variety of venues such as arcades, pubs, cafes, youth centres and such like. Typically, a table is provided with edges defining a rectangular playing surface. There are two teams of figurines which face one another in play. A set of handles is provided along edge of the two longer sides of the table. Each set of handles is used by a player of each team. Handles actuate rods on which the figurines are supported. The rods extend laterally across the table and are able to move axially and rotationally with respect to the table. The rods are located at each end in bearings on either side of the table. The rods typically have one or more figurines or models fitted thereto. The figurines may be made from wood, synthetic plastics or metal. These figurines are in fixed location with respect to the rods and so rotate with rotation of the handles. The figurines include a foot portion which is at an elevation and appropriate height to contact a ball on the table to effect for example a kicking movement of the ball when contact is made. To distinguish one team of players from another typically players on each side are of a different colour, (usually red and blue) and all players from one team face a goal of an opponent’s team. An aim of the invention is to provide a means such that the personalisation or customisation of the team can be varied in a simple and guick manner. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a play table including one or more player supports, the player supports are attachable to rods in a fixed relationship, wherein the rods are rotatable and slidable with respect to the play table by way of handles, at least one player support includes a base adapted to contact a ball in play and a means to attach or fit a personalised item to the player support. The invention thus provides a means to personalise the figurines and so provide additional entertainment. In some embodiments the personalised item comprises a fabric item, a cloak, an icon or a card. Preferably the means to attach a personalised item comprises a holder having at least one slot adapted to receive a card therein. Optionally a slot is defined between two adjacent surfaces with a gap therebetween. A gripping device, such as one or more raised bumps or pips may be provided in order to retain the card in the event of spinning of a rod. Alternatively, a cap or closure means is provided which prevents a card form falling from the holder when inverted. In some embodiments the player support forms at least a portion the body of a player character and the player support includes a foot portion, or other item such as a stick, attached to, or formed integrally with, its base. The foot portion may be formed from a thicker material or a different material, such as steel or high impact plastics material, as this part of the player support impacts the ball and so is subjected to higher impact forces. Preferably the surfaces of the player support are substantially planar and at least one of the surfaces is formed from a transparent material. This enables a player to be able to see the player character from the front and when both surfaces are transparent from the rear as well. The player support and sized to receive conventional sports playing or trading cards of the type for example that are available from Panini (hftps; / / w}^ or Topps https; / / yk.topps..com). These sports playing, or trading, cards may be double sided with a player’s face on a front side of a card and a players shirt and / or name and / or number on a reverse or rear side of the card. In another embodiment the player support may have at least one transparent surface, at least a portion of said at least surface has a piece removed therefrom; or a cut-out portion formed therein, through which a player’s torso or face may appear. Optionally at least one of the transparent surfaces includes a one-way window portion which is transparent when viewed from one side. Such an embodiment may be used with cards which are viewable from one side and translucent when viewed from an opposite side. An example of such technology is referred to as a one-way vison window or ‘one-way printed graphics’ and enables a player to see only their opponents players, whilst effectively viewing through their own players. This may enhance play or improve a player’s immersive play experience. In some embodiments the player support includes a means to receive a rod and a means to lock the player support on the rod in a specific orientation. In some embodiments the means to attach a personalised item to a player support also includes a stud, a clip or a hook-and-eye attachment means such as VELCRO (RTM) connecting system. Alternatively, cards may be in the form of flexible stickers with an adhesive backing. These are ideally removable by peeling to enable replacement. It is also appreciated that the invention extends to items of a kit whereby a personalised item is adapted to be attached to and / or received in the player support, in the play table according to any preceding claim, and the personalised item has at least one of: a printed image of a player character, a printed name of a player character or printed number corresponding to a position on a field or pitch. Preferably the personalised item is in the form of a synthetic plastics or paper card with printing on at least one of its faces. In some embodiments a player character’s face appears on one side of the card and a player character’s name appears on a reverse side of the card. In some embodiments the player character is a football or soccer player. Alternatively, the player character is a handball or hockey player. The invention will be described by way of example and with reference to the following Figures in which: Brief Description of Drawings Figures 1a, 1b and 1c show views of an example of a prior art figurine used in conventional football tables; Figures 2a to 2h show different views of one embodiment of the invention in which a player support receives a personalised item, such as a printed card, the player support comprises a card holder having at least one slot adapted to receive a card therein; Figure 3 is an overall view of an example of a rod supporting three player supports in the form of card holders of the type shown in Figures 2a to 2h; Figure 4 is an overall diagrammatic view of one example of a play table including card player supports for opposing teams of player and support means attached to ends of rotatable and slidable rods, to enable them to be movable with respect to the play table by way of handles; Figure 5 is an overall view of a player support which has a slot to receive a card, the player support also has an integrally moulded foot to contact a ball and lateral connections that receive separate parts of the rotatable and slidable rods; Figures 6a and 6b show an alternative embodiment of the player support connected to a rotatable and slidable rod which has a cut out portion from its shaft onto which the player support with card holder is connected, the player support also has an integrally moulded foot to contact a ball during play; Figures 7a and 7b show another embodiment of the player support connected to a rotatable and slidable rod which comprising two rods extending outwards from a rigid frame which is dimensioned to receive a transparent insert to form the card holder, the rigid frame also has an integrally moulded foot to contact a ball during play; Figures 8a and 8b show another embodiment of the player support connected to a rotatable and slidable rod comprising two rods extending outwards from a rigid frame, and the frame has a solid back panel to provide additional strength, the rigid frame also has an integrally moulded foot to contact a ball during play; Figures 9a and 9b show another embodiment of the player support connected to a rotatable and slidable rod comprising two rods extending outwards from a rigid solid plate which is planar and receives an adhesive sticker, the plate also has an integrally moulded foot to contact a ball during play; Figures 10a to 10d show a further alternative embodiment of the player support comprising a rigid back plate with a connector on a first face of the backplate which is adapted to connect to a figurine with an integrally moulded foot to contact a ball during play and on the opposite face of the rigid back plate a slot is shaped and dimensioned to form the card holder which receives the personalised item, such as a printed card; Figures 11a to 11 d show a further alternative embodiment of the player support comprising a rigid back plate with a connector on a first face of the backplate which is adapted to connect to a figurine with an integrally moulded foot to contact a ball during play and on the opposite face of the rigid back plate a planar surface receives an adhesive sticker; Figures 12a to 12d show a further alternative embodiment of a player support comprising a rigid support plate with a connector in the form of a clip, comprising resiliently deformable moulded openings which attach the player support to the rotatable and slidable rod, the clip includes an integrally moulded foot to contact a ball during play; Figures 13a to 13f show a further alternative embodiment of a player support comprising a rigid support plate with a mechanical connector in the form of a hinged closing grip which attaches the player support to the rotatable and slidable rod, the clip includes an integrally moulded foot to contact a ball during play; Figures 14a and 14b show in detail an alternative embodiment of a hinged closing grip and shows how a friction fold in the clip receives the personalised item, such as a printed card; Figures 15a, 15b and 15c show front and side views respectively of a further alternative embodiment of a player support comprising a rigid transparent support body with a thicker central body region which is shaped and dimensioned to receive two personalised items, such as printed cards, so that each displays different front and rear images; Figures 16a and 16b show a further alternative embodiment of a soccer player support with a side kicker, comprising a rigid support plate capable of receiving alternative player views with an extended foot to enable overall view of mechanical connector in the form of a hinged closing grip which attaches the player support to the rotatable and slidable rod, the clip includes an integrally moulded foot to contact a ball during play; Figures 17a and 17b show a further alternative embodiment of an ice hockey player support comprising a rigid support plate with a mechanical connector in the form of a hinged closing grip which attaches the player support for slidably receiving a printed card, to the rotatable and slidable rod, the clip includes an integrally moulded foot to contact a ball during play; Figures 18a and 18b show a further alternative embodiment of an ice hockey player support comprising a rigid support plate to which a mechanical connector is attached, in the form of a hinged closing grip which attaches the player support to the rotatable and slidable rod, the clip includes an integrally moulded foot to contact a ball during play; Figures 19a and 19b show a further alternative embodiment of an ice hockey player support comprising a rigid support plate onto which a with a mechanical connector in the form of a hinged closing grip which attaches the player support to the rotatable and slidable rod, the clip includes an integrally moulded foot to contact a ball during play; Figure 20a and 20b show a further alternative embodiment in which existing or slightly smaller bespoke figurines are personalised using a two-part printed case which fits over the body of the existing figurine and the two parts attach one to another; Figure 21a, 21 b, 21c and 21 d show a further alternative embodiment in which a cloak is adapted to be used to enrobe and personalise an existing football player figurine; and Figures 22a to 22d show view of further alternative embodiment in which the personalised item is removable from a support backing. Description of Preferred Embodiment of the Invention Figures 1a and 1b shows an example of prior art figurine 1 used in conventional football tables. The Figures show a side and front view respectively. A kicking or foot portion 2 is typically formed integrally when the figurine 1 is moulded. The figurine 1 includes a means such a circular slot 3 to allow a rod 12 of a handle 14 (shown in Figure 4) to pass though or be attached to each side of the figurine 1. Figures 2a to 2h show different views of one embodiment of the invention in which a player support 20 receives a personalised item, such as a printed card 22. The player support 20 comprises a card holder 23 having at least one slot 23a adapted to receive a card 22 therein. Figure 2b shows a card holder 23 with a transparent front and rear face which is typically formed from a synthetic plastics material. The transparent front face may include a lenticular (not shown) in order to improve a viewing angle of the card 22 when located therein or provide an illusion of motion when the rod is slid or rotated. Figures 2a to 2f show an example of a player support which is a card holder 23 with an open front viewing pane which may include a cut-out portion 24 on a rear side to allow access for slidably removing a printed card. Figures 2g and 2h are plan views of the respective different types of player support 20. In Figure 2e the rear panel of the body portion shows a rear planar surface which has a cut out region 11 which allows a card to be removed after insertion, by application if a finger and then sliding the finger vertically. Figures 2a, 2b and 2c show front views of the player support 20 with the printed card 22 fully inserted. Figures 2d, 2e and 2f are reverse views. Cut-out 11 in Figure 2e corresponds to cut-out 24 in Figure 2f. The Figures 2a to 2f depict how a card is inserted, slid into and received in received in the player support. Figure 3 is an overall view of an example of a rod 12 whose ends 13a and 13d are received and located in holes in a play table, as shown for example in Figure 4. Figure 3 shows a handle rod arrangement with a series of three players or figurines 3 each as described above, are attached to a rod-handle arrangement 12. As can be seen the rod may comprise four portions 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d including two intermediate portions. The rod 12 support three player supports 23 in the form of the card holders of the type shown for example in Figures 2a to 2h. On either side of the player supports 23 there are lugs 8 and 9 which are firmly attached to a body portion of each player support 20. The player supports 20 are attached to the rods 13a and 13d in a fixed relationship such that the rods 13a and 13d are rotatable and slidable with respect to the play table 40 by way of the handles 14. The player supports include a base or foot portion 26 adapted to contact a ball (not shown) in play. Lugs 8 and 9 include shaped apertures for attachment of rods 13a and 13b of a rod-handle arrangement, so as to enable a user or gamer to be able to displace player supports 20. Referring now to Figure 5 there is shown an overall view of a player support 20 which has a slot to receive a card. The player support also has an integrally moulded foot 26 to contact a ball and lateral connections that receive separate parts of rotatable and slidable rods. Figures 6a and 6b show an alternative embodiment of the player support 20 connected to a rotatable and slidable rod which has a cut out portion from its shaft onto which the player support with card holder is connected. A lug 8 with a central bore is provided for the rod 13b of a rod handle arrangement to engage therewith. A recess 5 may be provided in the lugs to receive a ball of a spring and ball plunger. The lugs 8 and 9 may be moulded integrally with the player support or for example formed separately, as a metal plate which is subsequently bonded or welded to the player support 20. It should be noted that rather than having two lugs 8 and 9 formed around a player support, a hollow rod or cylindrical rod 17 with a cut-out section 18 removed (as shown in Figure 6a and 6b) may be provided as a rigid support which extends across the body of the player support. An advantage with the cut-out section 18 shown in Figure 6a and 6b is that it allows a user to slide a card from a support easily thereby enabling one card to be exchanged with another. Figures 7a and 7b show another embodiment of the player support 20 connected to a rotatable and slidable rod 17a which comprising two rods 17a and 17b extending outwards from a rigid frame 16 of the payer support 20. The rigid frame 16 is dimensioned to receive a hollow player support , which is transparent, so that the printed card in the card holder can be viewed from both sides. The rigid frame 16 also has an integrally moulded foot 26 to contact a ball during play. Figures 8a and 8b show another embodiment of the player support 20 connected to a rotatable and slidable rod comprising two rods 17a and 17b extending outwards from the rigid frame 16. The rigid frame 16 has a solid back panel 16a to provide additional strength. Card holders may have a transparent overlay which retains a card within a frame, or this may be omitted to allow a card to slot in and be retained and held in place by a border portion of the frame. This ensures cards are viewable from both sides. A modified solid shaft or rod may also be constructed to connect to sides of a frame, as shown in Figures 7a and 7b, and 8a and 8b. Optionally a hollow rod may extend around a rear portion or through the middle of the body of the player support 20. Means, such as welds or lugs, are provided to fix the body or frame of the player support 20 to the rod 17a to prevent any relative movement. Importantly the rigid frame defines a slot or recess which is planar in form and which is vertically arranged for example substantially parallel with a vertical axis of the player support 20. The slot into which a card is slid may be formed by the space between two planar surfaces, such as a back planar surface and a front planar surface. The receptacle provides means for an individual card 22 to be inserted into it, thus the end user can select a card for insertion at any time. The card 22 may show the name, number, face of any player for example the famous player Mo Salah, and or the shirt of a team. Thus, cards may be individualised and could all be a member of a particular team or members of different teams. In preferred embodiments the main portion of the rigid frame, for example the surfaces front and rear surfaces are formed of transparent material plastics material so that the card 22 is visible though the front and / or back. At the base of the body a foot 26 is formed a foot 10 which is adapted to contact the ball in play and so would thus be at a suitable height relative to the table and thus relative to the laterally extending rods. Figures 17a and 17b show a further alternative embodiment of a soccer player support comprising a rigid support plate with a mechanical connector in the form of a hinged closing grip which attaches the player support to the rotatable and slidable rod. If the player is a hockey player, for example as shown in the area of the base of the player support, which is adapted to contact a ball in play, may be modified to appear as if it a hockey stick (or lacrosse stick) and this may be printed on the play the area of the base or formed as a separate unique feature in order to resemble a hockey stick or lacrosse stick. Figures 18a and 18b show a further alternative embodiment of an ice hockey player support comprising a rigid support plate on which an adhesive sticker is affixed. The rigid support plate is fixed to a mechanical connector in the form of a hinged closing grip is connected. The player support has a rotatable and slidable rod connected thereto. Figures 9a and 9b show another embodiment of the player support connected to a rotatable and slidable rod comprising two rods 13a and 13b extending outwards from a rigid solid plate 27 which is planar and receives a removable adhesive sticker 28. When the rigid solid plate is transparent an option may be to attach an adhesive player support which is printed on both sides so that the personalised item is viewable from the front and the rear sides. As mentioned, the figurines may alternatively include a hollow cylinder therethrough such that a single rod can be slid through a number of players as in existing games tables so allowing modified rods and / or the player supports to be retrofitted to existing games tables. In such examples the view of the inserted card may be somewhat obscured. Thus, in a further embodiment shown in Figures 9a and 9b, a solid support plates is provided which may receive an adhesive sticker showing a players face on the front side and a second sticker, showing a player form behind on the reverse side. In an alternative embodiment a slot is provided into which a personalised card, printed on one side, is slid. A suitable cap or closure means (not shown) may be fitted to the top of the slot to retain the card therein. The term card should be understood as any personalised fixation unit which can be added to the player / figurine and may be card, plastics, fabric, an icon or an adhesive sticker and can be any form or shape though preferably planar. Figures 10a to 10d show a further alternative embodiment of the player support comprising a rigid front plate 40 with a connector 42 on a first face 43 of the back plate 40. The connector 42 is adapted to connect to figurine 44 with an integrally moulded foot to contact a ball during play. On the opposite face of the rigid back plate 40 a frame 45 is shaped and dimensioned to form the card holder which receives printed card 49. Figures 11a to 11 d show a further alternative embodiment of the player support 50 comprising a rigid front plate 52 with a connector 53 on a first face of the back plate 52 which is adapted to connect to figurine 55 with an integrally moulded foot 26. On a front face of the rigid back plate 52 there is a planar surface receives an adhesive sticker 56. Figures 12a to 12d show a further alternative embodiment of a player support 61 comprising a rigid support plate 60 with a connector in the form of a clip 62 which is formed from a resiliently deformable material, such as nylon or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) to provide moulded openings which attach the player support 61 to the rotatable and slidable rod 13. Clip 62 includes an integrally moulded foot on which the player support 61 rests with the printed card 22 held therein as well as forming a foot 26 which contacts a ball during play. Figures 13a to 13d show a further alternative embodiment of a player support 70 comprising a rigid support plate 71 with a mechanical connector 72 in the form of a hinged closing grip device 74 which attaches the player support 70, with the printed card 22, to the rotatable and slidable rod 13. Again, the clip includes an integrally moulded foot 26 to contact a ball during play. Figures 14a and 14b show in detail hinged closing grip 74 has an aperture extending therethrough for receiving a rod (not shown). A slot or friction fold 77 slidably receives personalised item, such as printed card 22. Optionally apertures are threaded so that rods, with threaded end portions (not shown), are received therein. Optionally grub screws may be fitted to prevent inadvertent unscrewing of a rod or detachment of a player support during play. Figures 15a, 15b and 15c show front, side and rear views respectively of a further alternative embodiment of a player support 80 comprising a rigid transparent support body 82 with a thicker central body region 83 which is shaped and dimensioned to receive two personalised items 84a and 84b, such as printed cards, so that one of personalised item 84a is displayed through the front of the transparent support body 82 and the second personalised item 84b is displayed through the rear of transparent support body 82. Figures 16a and 16b and 17a and 17b show further alternative embodiments of a soccer player support with a side kicker. Rigid support plate 92 is capable of receiving a printed card 22 (Figure 16a) and has an extended foot portion 90 which acts as a side kicker. Figure 17a receives a removable adhesive sticker on its rigid support plate 92. Figures 18a and 18b show a further alternative embodiment of an ice hockey player support comprising a rigid support plate 100 onto which a mechanical connector 101 defines a portion of a hockey stick and attaches the player support 100 to the rotatable and slidable rod 104. A printed card is slidably received in a card retainer portion, Figures 19a and 19b show a further alternative embodiment of an ice hockey player support which receives a removable adhesive sticker 105 on its rigid support plate 100. An alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 20a and 20b in which conventional figurines 160 have a means to attach to, or connect with, the personalised item which is in the form of two printed covers or shells 18a and 18b. These two covers or shells 18a and 18b attach one to another by way of clips (not shown) or directly to the figurine 160 and each has a printed outer case which fits over the torso of the figurine to display the personalised item. An alternative way of personalising players is shown in Figures 21a to 21 d in which a cloak 25 is adapted to be used to enrobe and personalise an existing football player figurine 160. Cloak 25 is flexible and is incorporated as a printed item in a support panel 159 which may be formed from card or fabric, as shown in Figure 21a. When detached from the panel 159 the cloak 25 is received over the head 17a of the figurine 160 and is adapted to surround a torso portion 17b. Suitable connectors, as explained above, ensure the cloak 25 is securely fastened around or attached to the figurine 160, as shown in Figures 21c and 21 d. This embodiment shown in Figures 21c and 21 d enables conventional figurines, which are optionally fitted with a means to attach to or connect with the personalised item, to display a set of players of a particular team with added realism as the personalised items may be supplied as shirt or jersey. The cloak may be printed on a fabric material on which may be provided a picture, number of an individual player on the outside and / or the logo colour of a team. The figurine, shown in Figure 21 d, is appropriately formed with a head and shoulder 17a region formed with a widened upper body or torso portion 17b, which is wider than the neck or head over which the cloak is fitted. The cloak is shown unwrapped above the figurine in Figure 21c and is preferably tapered that is it has variable width. On the side of the cloak is provided attachment means such as VELCRO (RTM), studs, buttons or anything which allows fixation to the other corresponding fixation portion on the opposite flank. Figures 22a to 22d show views of a further alternative embodiment in which the personalised item 171 is detachable from a support backing 170. The personalised item 171 is optionally in the form of a printed head and torso with appropriate team colours, player name and / or player number. When detached from the card 170 the personalised item 171 may be slidably received into a suitable recess (not shown) on the support plate 172. The support plate 172 may be opaque or transparent. As mentioned above when the support plate 172 is opaque the personalised item 171 may consist of separate front and rear printed card or parts, wherein each card or part has an adhesive layer and is stuck (temporarily) to each face of the support plate 172. Alternatively, the support plate 172 comprises a transparent panel. In such embodiments, where there is at least one transparent face, the personalised item 171 may be printed on both sides. In a yet further alternative embodiment, the support plate 172 may be formed from an opaque rigid material with separate transparent front and transparent rear faces each defining front and rear pockets for receiving respective front and rear personalised items 171 which are slid therein. Alternatively, the figurines may be provided with attachments means such a stud or VELCRO (RTM) to attach a personalised item such as personalised card, icon, shirt or cover, or card holder for insertion of cards as in the embodiments depicted. The card / icon or just a personalised piece of material such as a rectangular piece of material is provided which attaches to the figurine via an attachment means. Reference shows one example which has card / icon and reciprocal attachment means for example VELCRO (RTM) on the card / icon for attachment to the figurine. The icon / card fabric again this may have a personised picture number logo or colour of a team. In such an example and attachment means may comprise an add on unit comprising adhesive layer with protective film which is removed prior to sticking it on the figurine, and adhesive side with adhesive layer with a film to protect it thereon before application. On the other side of the adhesive layer is component. This may be a personalised item such as card / icon or even a card holder. Alternatively, it may comprise further fixation means for example studsA / ELCRO (RTM) so that it forms a unit. A personalised item may include an attachments means such as a stud, clip, VELCRO (RTM) portion or other connector means. It is appreciated that variation may be made to the aforementioned embodiments, without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims. For example, a sensing device may be included which detects a goal or point being scored which triggers an audible cheer or roar from a loudspeaker. Alternatively, or in addition, a digital display updates each time a goal or point is scored and displays the scores of each team. It is also appreciated that where the personalised item is a card, on which a player’s face is printed, the card does not have to be rectangular but may in fact have a profiled or contoured perimeter. For example, the personalised item may be fabricated to appear as a player’s face and torso and, optionally a series of perforations may be provided to enable a user to detach the personalised item from a conventional rectangular card for attachment to the player support (figurine).

Claims

1. A play table including one or more player supports, the player supports are attachable to rods in a fixed relationship, wherein the rods are rotatable and slidable with respect to the play table by way of handles, at least one player support includes a base adapted to contact a ball in play and a means to attach or fit a personalised item to the player support.

2. A play table as claimed in claim 1 wherein the personalised item comprises a fabric item, a cloak, an icon, a card with an adhesive sticker or a card.

3. A play table as claimed in either claim 2 wherein the means to attach a personalised item comprises a holder having at least one slot adapted to receive a card therein.

4. A play table as claimed in claim 3 wherein the slot is defined between two adjacent surfaces with a gap therebetween.

5. A play table as claimed in either claim 3 or 4 wherein the player support forms at least a portion the body of a player character and the player support includes a foot portion, or other item such as a stick, attached to, or formed integrally with, its base.

6. A play table as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein surfaces of the player support are substantially planar.

7. A play table as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6 wherein at least one of the surfaces is formed from a transparent material.

8. A play table as claimed in claim 7 wherein at least one of the transparent surfaces includes at least one cut-out portion.

9. A play table as claimed in either claim 7 or 8 wherein at least one of the transparent surfaces includes a one-way window portion which is transparent when viewed from one side.

10. A play table as claimed in any of claims 3 to 9 wherein the player support includes a means to receive a rod and a means to lock the player support on the rod.

11. A play table as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the means to attach a personalised item to a player support comprises a stud, a clip, and adhesive layer on a sticker or a hook-and-eye attachment means, such as VELCRO (RTM).

12. A personalised item is adapted to be attached to and / or received in the player support, in the play table according to any preceding claim, and the personalised item has at least one of: a printed image of a player character, a printed name of a player character or printed number corresponding to a position on a field or pitch.

13. A personalised item as claimed in claim 12 is in the form of a synthetic plastics or paper card with printing on at least one of its faces.

14. A personalised item as claimed in claim 13 wherein a player character’s face appears on one side of the card and a player character’s name appears on a reverse side of the card.

15. A personalised item as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the player character is a soccer or football player.

16. A personalised item as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the player character is a hockey player.

17. A personalised item as claimed in any of claims 13 to 17 wherein the card is between 25 mm wide and 65 mm in high and less than 3 mm thick.s

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