Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage and transportation rack for stacking and transporting generally flat components, comprising a framework mechanism; a plurality of support columns attached to the framework mechanism, the support columns including bearing slots; and a plurality of support arm assemblies pivotally disposed in selected ones of the bearing slots of the support columns. The support arm assemblies are positionable between a rest position and an extended position so that when a support arm assembly is in the extended position, the support arm assembly supports at least a portion of the flat component.

Abstract: A rack (1) for stacking and transporting flat components comprises a base (2), support columns (3) extending generally vertically from the base (2), and shelves (5) mounted in the support columns (3) for pivotal movement about horizontal axes and arranged closely one above the other. Each shelf (5) includes a support part (5), for receiving a flat component (15), disposed on one side of the pivot axis (7), and a counterweight (9) and a control arm (8) disposed on the other side of the pivot axis. In use, when a component (14) is placed on the support part (6) of a shelf (5), the latter is moved from an inclined receiving position into a horizontal supporting position, and during such movement the control arm of the shelf cooperates with the control arm of the shelf (5) immediately above to move the upper shelf from a vertical position in which the shelf is retracted between the support columns (3) to the inclined receiving position.