A mechanism for an extension leaf of an extension table. The mechanism comprises a frame defining a first formation configured for engagement by an end of a first axle of the extension leaf and second formation configured for engagement by an end of a second axle of the extension leaf. The first formation mounts the end of the first axle for rotation about a first axis that is parallel to a hinge axis of the extension leaf, and constrains the first axle against translation in a plane perpendicular to the first axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the first formation is simply an aperture in the frame. The second formation defines an elongate path along the frame, supports the end of the second axle for rotation about a second axis, and guides the second axle along the elongate path from end to end during reconfiguration of the extension leaf between its extended configuration and its collapsed configuration as shown. A force transfer component is hingedly connected to the frame about a third axis and defines an abutment surface extending across the elongate path for engagement by the end of the second axle during the movement of the second axle toward end of the elongate path. Rotation of the lever arm in a first direction about the third axis causes the abutment surface to move toward end of the path and rotation of the lever arm in an opposite, second direction about the third axis causes the abutment surface to move toward end of the path. A damper is connected to the force transfer component to damp force applied to it when it is engaged by the end of the second axle during the movement of the second axle toward end of the elongate path.

An extension table (2) comprises a plurality of extension rails (4, 6) along the table (2) for adjusting a dimension of the table (2), wherein an extension rail (4) of the plurality of extension rails (4, 6) comprises, laterally disposed relative to each other, a middle part (4b); a first outer part (4a) connected to a first section (10) of the table (2) and slidable relative to the middle part (4b), a second outer part (4c) connected to a second section (12) of the table (2) and slidable relative to the middle part (4b), wherein the middle part (4b), the first outer part (4a), and the second outer part (4c) of the extension rail (4) each comprises an identically designed profile (106).

An extension table (2) comprises a plurality of extension rails (4, 6) along the table (2) for adjusting a dimension of the table (2), wherein an extension rail (4) of the plurality of extension rails (4, 6) comprises, laterally disposed relative to each other, a middle part (4b); a first outer part (4a) connected to a first section (10) of the table (2) and slidable relative to the middle part (4b), a second outer part (4c) connected to a second section (12) of the table (2) and slidable relative to the middle part (4b), wherein the middle part (4b), the first outer part (4a), and the second outer part (4c) of the extension rail (4) each comprises an identically designed profile (106).

A modular tabletop apparatus, typically used for workpiece storage and handling during robotic manipulation and feeding to a machine, is disclosed. Modules of the apparatus comprise detection interfaces disposed at locations corresponding to module edge locations and arranged in a periodic grid. Alignment of facing detection interfaces along common edges of pairs of adjacent modules permits module controllers to detect neighboring modules, and a main controller to compute the overall size and shape of the tabletop formed by the modules. Connecting arrangements are also disclosed. The connecting arrangements may be placed at the same grid locations as the detection interfaces, advantageously permitting alignment of detection interfaces for any interconnection configuration of modules. Modules may comprise plates with a grid of positioning indentations. The period of the positioning grid can be an integer multiple or integer fraction of that of the interface/connection grid.

A modular tabletop apparatus, typically used for workpiece storage and handling during robotic manipulation and feeding to a machine, is disclosed. Modules of the apparatus comprise detection interfaces disposed at locations corresponding to module edge locations and arranged in a periodic grid. Alignment of facing detection interfaces along common edges of pairs of adjacent modules permits module controllers to detect neighboring modules, and a main controller to compute the overall size and shape of the tabletop formed by the modules. Connecting arrangements are also disclosed. The connecting arrangements may be placed at the same grid locations as the detection interfaces, advantageously permitting alignment of detection interfaces for any interconnection configuration of modules. Modules may comprise plates with a grid of positioning indentations. The period of the positioning grid can be an integer multiple or integer fraction of that of the interface/connection grid.