Abstract:
A storage system comprises multiple units with combined features for storing, transporting and accessing planar media. The system comprises a container (library unit), modules, and a transport case. The module has expandable linked pockets for separating and protecting planar media elements. The modules allow a library of the planar media to be partitioned and stored into identifiable units. The container has particular features for guiding modules into parallel locations and retaining the modules in a substantially upright and closed position. Each container is configured to accept a plurality of the modules for storage. Removed modules may be fanned open in an accordian fashion exposing stored media for access. The modules are adapted to operate stand alone and adapted for inserting into and coupling to the covers of the transport case such that opening the transport case in-turn fans open the module allowing access for media retrieval or storage.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application is related to the commonly owned copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/524,608, “Storage System for Storing, Accessing and Transporting Planar Media,” filed Nov. 24, 2003, and claims the benefit of its earlier filing date under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention relates in general to systems for storing, retrieving, and transporting planar media comprising paper documents, business cards, credit cards, compact disks (CDs) and digital versatile disks (DVDs).  
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION  
       [0003]     “Planar media” means media for storing information on a two dimensional plane surface in a human or machine readable form, wherein the dimension of the plane surface is substantially larger than a thickness dimension of the media, such as CDs, DVDs, sheets of printed material, and plastic cards having magnetic strips. For example, compact disks (CDs) are a popular planar media for storing audio information in machine readable form. Likewise digital versatile disks (DVDs) are a popular planar media for storing audio and video information in machine readable form. Typewriter or notebook paper may be used to record written or printed letters to store and convey information in human or in some cases machine readable form. Since individuals may accumulate large amounts of these planar media elements, devices have been developed to store the planar media and to provide means for indexing and accessing the planar media. For paper planar media or documents, file folders, hanging files, note books, etc. have been developed to aid in storing, finding, and accessing paper documents. Likewise, units have been developed for storing individual CDs and DVDs, for example, the “jewel” case that is used to store and to distribute CDs. Jewel cases are units that have a hinged side and a side that latches so that stored CDs may be protected while allowing the case to be opened for access. Jewel cases are difficult to open and take up considerable space when used to store a single CD. Special units have been developed to store large numbers of CDs in jewel cases. Units have also been developed to store large numbers of individual CDs in slots, sleeves, etc. Portable units have also be developed wherein an individual can place a series of CDs, taken from their library of CDs, into the portable unit to transport them safely for use at location remote form their library. While there is a proliferation of storage units for individual there has been no systems approach for organizing, transporting and storing CDs and DVDs. Likewise there has been no systems approach for storing the general class of planar media including other elements such as paper, credit cards, business cards, recipe cards, etc.  
         [0004]     There is, therefore, a need for a system for storing, accessing and transporting planar media wherein the system has features for permanent storage, temporary transport, and features for secure transport of the planar media while retaining the functions of easy location, access, and storage.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     A module for storing planar media contains a plurality of series linked pockets. The pockets are arranged so that when one pocket is separated from the other the linking pulls the next pocket causing the pockets to fan open allowing access to the openings of the pockets for media access and storage. In one embodiment, material is Z-folded forming folded and non-folded edges. The pockets are formed by coupling adjacent the non-folded edges together to within a distance “X” from the center line halfway between the folded edges to form the sides of the linked pockets so that each pocket has a common planar side with each adjacent pocket. In this embodiment, the linked pockets are separable but do not expand when the pockets are separated. The linked pockets have bilateral pocket openings which may be used for single sided or bilateral storage. The same feature that forms the bilateral (separable and non-expanding) pockets causes the pockets to be linked.  
         [0006]     In another embodiment, material is again Z-folded forming folded and non-folded edges. The pockets are formed by coupling adjacent of the non-folded edges together to the center line halfway between the folded edges to form the sides of the linked pockets so that each pocket has a common planar side with each adjacent pocket. In this embodiment, the linked pockets are separable but do not expand when the pockets are separated. Additionally, slots are added extending orthogonal from each joined non-folded side towards the other joined non-folded side halfway between the folded sides. In this embodiment, the pockets so formed are separable and expand when the pockets are separated. Again, the linked pockets have bilateral pocket openings which may be used for singled sided or bilateral storage. The same feature that forms the bilateral (separable and expanding) pockets causes the pockets to be linked  
         [0007]     In either case, the two end pockets have their outside planar surface coupled to an inside surface of the stiff planer side of the module. The module thus has two stiff planar sections that may be rectangular or circular in shape with bottom, top, and two side edges. The two stiff planar sections may be hingedly coupled along the bottom edges forming a hinged side (bottom) of the module. The hinge may be realized with a fixed hinge, a hinge/latch, or a flap that covers pocket openings on one side while be flexible enough to act as a hinge. When the two top edges (opposing the bottom edges) are moved away from each other, the hinging action of the bottom side causes the module to fan open the linked pockets such that their pocket openings are accessible for storing and retrieving planar media. When the two top edges are moved towards each other, the linked pockets stack (with or without stored planar media) together such that the module attains a minimum thickness. The module has features that allow at least two of the side edges of the stiff planar sections to couple for temporarily holding the module in a closed position. In one embodiment, the module has a cap that fits over the top edges of the module when closed and secures to a portion of at least one of the stiff planar sections. This allows the module to be used for short term transport of the media while preventing planar media from inadvertently sliding from the pocket opening. In another embodiment, the outside surfaces of the stiff planar sections have attachment features that allow them to be temporarily attached to the inside surfaces of a transport case. The transport case is of a clam shell design with at least two of its edges hingedly coupled. The module fits inside of the transport case so that the attachment features couple to the inside surfaces of the shell of the transport case. The transport case has latching features that allow the clam shell to be held closed protecting the planar media in the module. When the transport case is opened, the clam shell (which is attached to the module) opens the module so that the linked pockets are fanned open for planar media access. The system has a container (library unit) for long term storage and access of the modules and thus the planar media stored in the modules. For rectangular modules, the container has a substantially rectangular cross-section having two sides sections, a back section, a bottom section, a top section and a front section that is hingedly coupled to the bottom section to allow access. The front section operates as a door and may also have a latching feature for retaining the door in the closed position. When the door is opened, modules stored in the container may be removed and fanned open to access stored planar media. Other embodiments of the present invention may use a module and linked pockets with a substantially circular profile to fit circular planar media such as CDs and DVDs. In this embodiment, the container may also have a cylindrical cross-section.  
         [0008]     The bottom of each the modules has a guiding feature. The bottom of the container has a corresponding mating feature that allows the modules to be guided into the container to insure that placement of the modules in a desired position in the container is repeatable. The mating features in the container define identifiable locations for module placement. The container additionally has retaining features along the back section that couples to a module placed in one of the identifiable locations. The retaining features hold a so coupled module in a substantially vertical and upright position and keeps the stiff planar sections of the module from hinging open. Thus the container alone may keep a single stored module in an upright, closed position when inserted and retained. In one embodiment, the stiff planar sections of the module are hingedly coupled with a living hinge and the bottom of the module is configured in the shape of a “V” having sloped portions and a flat bottom portion at the tip of the “V” for placing the living hinge and providing a flat surface for the bottom of the module. In this embodiment, the bottom of the container has a corresponding “V” shaped slot extending from the front side to the back side of the container. In this manner, the modules may be stacked parallel and upright in the container with no additional space between modules required to retain the modules in a vertical position. The combination of the V shaped slot and the corresponding V shaped bottom of the modules allow one or all of the modules to be placed in an identifiable location, retained in an upright position, and held closed for storage without requiring a latch on the modules.  
         [0009]     In one embodiment, the container also has storage features that allow the individual V shaped slots to be identified with a label which has one side visible when the door is opened and another side when the door is closed. The door has a window that allows a portion of the stored modules to be viewed when the door is closed. Likewise, the modules have label features that allow individual modules to be labeled for identification. In this manner, a module may be labeled the same as a mating slot for organization of groups of stored planar media. The modules stack in the container with little or no space between modules. To facilitate module removal from the container, the modules may have an addition finger hold feature that allows a module to be grasped from the front when it is stored between adjacent modules for easy removal from the container.  
         [0010]     Embodiments of the present invention may store a variety of planar media including CDs, DVDs, notebook paper, typewritten paper, business cards, index cards, legal papers, etc. The container has features that allow multiple containers to be stacked for increased storage. Since the door is hingedly coupled to the bottom section the door opens away from the modules and no additional space is needed above the container and the modules are clearly exposed for access.  
         [0011]     In another embodiment, the modules have guiding features on the side edges of the stiff planar section that allow the modules to be guided into mating features in the container that has a top section that opens. In this embodiment the container may be placed in a drawer that is best accessed from the top. The modules may then be guided into the container in this embodiment with the guiding features and the pocket openings face upwards such that stored planar media will not slip from the pocket when accessing and storing the modules in the container. Since the features are on the side edges of the modules, they do not interfere with the pocket openings in any way when storing and accessing planar media. In this embodiment, the features that allow a module to be grasped for removal from the container are placed on the top edges of the module. Once the module is partially extracted, the stiff planar sides may be grasped further for removing the module from the container. The container mating features for guiding the module also hold the module in a closed position a stored module with no adjacent modules will not fan open keeping the modules upright and closed. In other embodiments, the container has a handle that is recessed allowing the container to be easily transported.  
         [0012]     In yet another embodiment, the modules may have features that allow them to hang from parallel rails placed in a top loading container like a drawer. In this embodiment, the modules may be free open allowing the linked pockets to expand and separate for medial access much like a Pendaflex® hanging files. However, this embodiment of the present invention allows a module to have multiple pockets for organizing planar media. For example, a module may have 12 pockets, one for each month, where the module stores a year&#39;s worth of receipts. Multiple modules covering multiple years may be placed in a single container (drawer). Likewise, the modules may be closed, latched and placed in a long term storage unit for safe keeping.  
         [0013]     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0015]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate one embodiment of the present invention with front access to modules stored in the container;  
         [0016]      FIGS. 2A, 2B  and  2 C illustrates another embodiment of the present invention with front access to modules stored in the container;  
         [0017]      FIGS. 3A, 3B  and  3 C illustrate one embodiment of the present invention with top access to modules stored in the container;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  illustrates a module for storing planar media according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  illustrates another module for storing planar media using the bi-lateral features of linked pockets with two flaps for securing the bi-lateral pocket openings that are retained to the same stiff planar side of a module;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  illustrates another module for storing planar media using the bi-lateral features of linked pockets with two flaps for securing the bi-lateral pocket openings that are retained to opposing stiff planar sides of a module;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7A  illustrates the module of  FIG. 5  with both flaps secured to the same stiff planar side of the module;  
         [0022]      FIG. 7B  with one flap acting as a hinge when secured to the stiff planar module side and the other flap released allowing one set of bi-lateral pockets to be fanned open for planar media access;  
         [0023]      FIG. 8A  illustrates how a module for bi-lateral storage of planar paper media is inserted into a particular transport unit;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8B  illustrates the module of  FIG. 8A  opened in one direction while retained in the particular transport unit;  
         [0025]      FIG. 8C  illustrates the module of  FIG. 8A  opened in the opposite direction while retained in the particular transport unit;  
         [0026]      FIG. 9A  illustrates the module of  FIG. 2A  adapted so its sides coupled being inserted into a mating transport unit;  
         [0027]      FIG. 9B  illustrates the module of  9 A partially secured in the mating transport unit of  FIG. 9A ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 9C  illustrates the module fully attached into the mating transport unit of  FIG. 9A  and fanned open by opening the covers of the transport unit allowing planar media to be stored or accessed;  
         [0029]      FIG. 10  illustrates a module for storing planar media with a lid that fits over and secures the module for transport;  
         [0030]      FIG. 11  illustrates the system aspects of embodiments of the present invention with a container and a module in various stages of removal, fanning open for access to stored planar media, and returning the module to the container for storage.  
         [0031]      FIG. 12  illustrates the system aspects of embodiments of the present invention with a container and a module in various stages of removal, placement in a transport unit, fanning open for access to stored planar media, removal of the module from the transport case, and returning the module to the container for storage.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0032]     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known mechanisms may be shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail. For the most part, details concerning materials, processes and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art.  
         [0033]     “Planar media” means media for storing information on a two dimensional plane surface in a human or machine readable form, wherein the dimension of the plane surface is substantially larger than a thickness dimension of the media, such as CDs, DVDs, sheets of printed material, and plastic cards having magnetic strips.  
         [0034]     Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views.  
         [0035]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a container  100  and a module  107  for storing, accessing and transporting planar media according to embodiments of the present invention. Container  100  has sides  104 , top  103  and a door  101  for securing stored modules. The bottom of container  100  has exemplary features  109  and  110  for guiding module  107  when it is inserted for storage. One of the features  108 , along the back of container  100 , engage module  107  holding it closed and in an upright position. Module  107  has a plurality of linked pockets  113  for storing planar media. Module  107  also has a feature  111  that is used to identify module  107  as well as providing a finger hold from sliding module  107  forward and out of container  100  for access. Top  103  has features  105  that engage mating features on the bottom of another container (not shown) for stacking of containers  100 . Door  101  has a latch part  102  that engages mating latch part  110  for securing door  101  closed. Door  101  also has a transparent section  112  that allows feature  111  of stored modules (e.g., module  107 ) to be viewed when the door  101  is closed. Door  101  also has a feature  120  that identifies which module (e.g., module  107 ) that a user desires stored in a particular location.  
         [0036]      FIG. 1B  is an edge view of module  107 . Linked pockets  113  are encased with stiffened cover sides  121  and  122  such that the module has a known thickness with or without stored media. This allows module  107  to have the same size whether it is full or empty of planar media. Feature  111  is shown with the optional label “A.” Feature  111  allows a user to put any desired label, space allowing, on module  107  for identification. In one embodiment, feature  111  is a piece coupled to stiffened cover side  122  and extending to stiffened cover side  121 . An additional element (not shown) may be added to side  121  such that a user can cause feature  111  to couple to and retain side  121  preventing module  107  from opening. Module  107  has feature  114  (“V” shaped) that allows module  107  to mate with detail  109  and  110  of features to guide module  107  into container  100 . In one embodiment, module  107  has a “living” hinge  115  that allows stiffened cover sides  121  and  122  to rotate about living hinge when module  107  is opened. Feature  108  of container  100  is shown engaged with module  107 . Feature  108  prevents module  107  from opening when inserted in container  100  by preventing the hinge from moving upwards as the cover sides  121  and  122  try to rotate around hinge  115 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 2C  illustrates another container  200  according to embodiments of the present invention. Container  200  has sides  201 , top  203  and bottom section  210  with exemplary feature  240  for guiding modules into container  200 . Container  200  has four modules  204 - 207  inserted for storage. Module  204  has exemplary feature  209  used for identification of module  204 . Container  200  also has features  208  in the back for coupling to and retaining modules (e.g., modules  204 - 207 ) upright and closed when inserted.  
         [0038]     Exemplary module  230  with linked pockets  213  is shown in  FIG. 2A  with an arrow indicating that module  230  is to be directed to one of the features (e.g., feature  240 ) for guiding it into container  200 . The features  211  of module  230  fit in slot feature  240 . Since features  208  engage and secure inserted modules, the stiffened cover sides (e.g.,  214 ) act to separate one module from another. No additional retaining walls are needed in container  200 . A hinge  235  allows module  230  to be fanned open exposing stored media.  
         [0039]      FIG. 2B  illustrates module  230  fanned open by rotating stiffened cover sides  214  around a living hinge  235 . (Other hinging methods may be used and still be within the scope of the present invention). When exemplary module  230  is fanned open, the linked pockets acquire a regular pattern as each pocket is attached to the next adjacent pocket and a planar surface of the two end pockets are coupled to stiffened cover sides  214  and  244 . Various portions of linked pockets  213  are labeled as  213  in  FIG. 2B  to distinguish the linked pockets from stored planar media. Planar media elements  215 - 226  are shown stored in a corresponding linked pocket. Various linked pockets may be used in embodiments of the present invention. Linked pockets are sometimes called accordion pockets indicating their similarity to the portions of the accordion instrument. Some linked or accordion pockets expand and separate when fanned open (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,082) and some accordion pockets separate but do not expand appreciably (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,992). Other linked pockets may be designed and still be within the scope of the present invention. Feature  212 , used to label module  230 , is shown as it moves with cover side  244  as module  230  is fanned open. Planar media  215 - 226  are retrieved by moving them in a radial direction relative to the arc formed by the edges of the pockets  213  in illustration of  FIG. 2B . Because of this, feature  212  does not interfere with storing or accessing planar media from module  230 . Living hinge  235  is shown pivoted in an upward direction when module  230  is fully fanned open in  FIG. 2B . When a closed module (e.g., module  230 ) is inserted in a container (e.g.,  200 ) according to embodiments of the present invention, features  208  fit over and press downward against living hinge  215 . Since the hinge  215  cannot pivot upward, module  230  cannot open and is held in a closed, upright position when inserted in container  200  even if module has no latching element of the edges laterally opposing hinge  235 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 3C  illustrates another container  300  according to embodiments of the present invention. Modules  305 - 308  are shown in various stages of insertion in container  300 . Container  300  has sides  302 , a back  301 , and a bottom  303 . In this embodiment, container  300  is much like a file drawer. Each module  305 - 308  would be guided into a slot in container  300 . Exemplary linked or accordion pockets  314  and  315  are only identified for modules  305  and  307 , respectively.  
         [0041]     In  FIG. 3A , exemplary module  330  is shown with linked pockets  333  and one of its stiffened cover sides  304 . Module  330  has bottom feature  309  for conforming to mating features  303  in the bottom section. In another embodiment, container  300  has slots in back  301  and front  350  for guiding an individual module into container  300 . In this embodiment, the modules (e.g., module  330 ) is like a file folder used for planar media.  
         [0042]      FIG. 3B  illustrates module  330  fanned open for accessing stored planar media. Portions of the linked pockets are identified as  333  in  FIG. 3B . Planar media elements  311 - 322  are shown stored in individual linked pockets  321 . Modules (e.g.,  330 ) according to embodiments of the present invention may fan open 180° with sides  310  and  340  resting on a surface or living hinge  331  may be designed to limit module  330  from fanning open beyond an angle less than 180°. Other hinge types may be used for hinge  331  and are considered within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0043]      FIG. 4  illustrates a module  400  according to embodiments of the present invention where a series of linked pockets  401  are sandwiched between stiffened cover sides  402  and  404 . Since some linked pocket designs allow bi-lateral access to pockets (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,992 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,082) module  400  may be used to store planar media bilaterally.  
         [0044]      FIG. 5  illustrates a module  500  according to embodiments of the present invention with a series of linked pockets  501  between stiffened cover sides  506  and  507 . In this embodiment, retaining flaps  505  and  502  are attached to stiffened cover side  506 . Flaps  505  and  502  may be then folded over and attached to stiffened cover side  507  with retaining elements  504  and  503 . In this manner, any stored planar media in linked pockets  501  may be secured.  
         [0045]      FIG. 6  illustrates a module  600  according to embodiments of the present invention with a series of linked pockets  601  between stiffened cover sides  606  and  607 . In this embodiment retaining flaps  602  and  605  are attached to stiffened cover sides  606  and  607  respectively. Flaps  605  and  602  may be then folded over in opposing directions and attached to stiffened cover sides  606  and  607  with retaining elements  604  and  603  (not shown). In this manner, any stored planar media in linked pockets  601  may be secured within module  600 .  
         [0046]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a module  700  both opened and closed.  FIG. 7A  illustrates module  700  in a closed orientation. Linked pockets  710  are coupled to stiffened cover sides  701  and  702 . Flaps  703  and  704  are used to secure stored planer media  711 - 722 . Flap  703  has a feature  706  that allows flap  703  to be secured to element  708  over one opening in linked pockets  710 . Likewise flap  704  has feature  707  that allows flap  704  to be secured to element  709 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 7B  illustrates module  700  fanned open when flap  703  is released from feature  708 . Since flap  704  is flexible it acts as a hinge allowing linked pockets  710  to fan open. In a like manner, flap  703  may be secured and flap  704  opened allowing bi-lateral access to linked pockets  710 . In this illustration, planar media  712 - 722  are each shown in individual linked pockets.  
         [0048]      FIG. 8A  illustrates a transport unit  800  and a corresponding module  850  adapted for insertion into transport unit  800 . In this embodiment transport unit  800  is similar to a notebook that has sides  810  and  811  coupled with hinge  813 . Transport module  800  may have a note pad  812  as well as a sleeve  809  normally used for storing papers. Transport unit  800  is modified with an attachment element  808  for coupling to a mating element  807  on module  850 . Module  850  has linked pockets  840  attached to stiffened cover sides  801  and  802 . Mating element  807  and flap  803  are attached inside the first pocket of linked pockets  840 . In this manner, stiffened cover side  802  may be inserted into sleeve  809  as shown by the arrow  860 . When this is done attachment element  808  may be brought into contact with mating element  807  (for example these could be Velcro pads). Module  850  is retained in transport unit  800  in this manner, but may be removed for storing in a container (e.g., container  200 ). Flap  804  is attached to the outside of stiffened cover side  802 . Flaps  803  and  804  may be folded over openings  814  and  815  in linked pockets  840  respectively. Flaps  803  and  804  are coupled to stiffened cover side  801  with elements  805  and  806  respectively.  
         [0049]      FIG. 8B  illustrates module  850  opened by releasing element  806  from stiffened cover side  801 . This allows linked pockets  840  to be fanned open in one direction and exemplary planar media  831  and  830  to be accessed. Flap  803  attached with element  805  acts as a hinge in this situation.  
         [0050]      FIG. 8C  illustrates module  850  opened by releasing element  805  from stiffened cover side  801 . This allows linked pockets  840  to be fanned open in the opposite direction and exemplary planar media  820 - 822  to be accessed. Flap  804  is attached with element  806  and acts as a hinge in this situation.  
         [0051]      FIG. 9A  illustrates the exemplary module  230  illustrated in  FIG. 2  to be inserted into a transport unit  950  according to embodiments of the present invention. Module  230  has linked pockets  213  coupled to stiffened cover sides  214  and  244 . Stiffened cover sides  214  and  244  are coupled at one end with feature  214  and hinge  215 . Feature  212  is used to identify module  230 . Attachment elements  901  and  902  are coupled to mating elements  906  and  905  on stiffened cover sides  214  and  244 , respectively. Transport unit  950  is a clam shell design with cover sections  903  and  904  (which are shown transparent) coupled at one end with hinge  909  and at the other end with latch elements  907  and  908 . When latch elements  907  and  908  are opened, cover sections  903  and  904  pivot about hinge  909  to open. Cover section  903  has a mating element  906  for attachment element  901  and cover section  904  has mating element  905  for attachment element  902 . These attachment and mating elements may be Velcro® elements or magnetic elements. Attachment elements  901  and  902  and mating elements  905  and  906  are meant to couple in such a way that they are secure but may be separated allowing module  230  to be removed from transport unit  950 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 9B  illustrates transport unit  950  with module  230  inserted and coupled with attachment element  902  and mating element  905 . Attachment element  902  and mating element  906  are in position to complete the action of receiving and attaching to module  230 . When cover section  903  is rotated closed, attachment element  901  will couple to mating element  906 . If latch elements  907  and  908  are engaged, transport unit  950  is ready to use with module  230  to transport stored planar media  920 - 930  (see  FIG. 9C ).  
         [0053]      FIG. 9C  illustrates transport unit  950  fanned open by rotating cover sections  903  and  904  about hinge  909 . Since the stiffened cover sides  214  and  244  are coupled to cover sections  903  and  904 , as transport unit  950  is opened module  230  likewise fans open spreading linked pockets  213  and exposing stored planar media  920 - 930 . Living hinge  235  is shown pivoting above hinge  909 .  
         [0054]      FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of the present invention with a cap  1001  for fitting over the opening  1002  (shown dotted) of module  230 . Module  230  has stiffened cover sides  214  and  244  coupled at one end with feature  211  and hinge  235 . Linked pockets  213  are shown in this view. Cap  1001  has features (not shown) for coupling to one or both of the stiffened cover sides  214  and  244  such that it is removable but secure preventing planar media from inadvertent extraction from linked pockets  213 . In this manner, modules may be removed from a container (e.g.  100  or  200 ), secured with a cap  1001  and transported without stored planar media being inadvertently extracted from linked pockets  213 .  
         [0055]      FIG. 11  illustrates the system aspects of the present invention. Planar media (not labeled) are stored in modules (e.g., module  230 ). The modules are indexed and stored in a container  200  with features that allow the modules to be aligned and guided into slots and corresponding features that hold individual modules upright and closed. A module  230  may be removed in step  1101  using feature  212  (See  FIG. 2 ). Then in step  1102  module  230  is fanned open so that the linked or accordion pockets separate exposing planar media stored in individual pockets. In  1103 , when the linked pockets are fanned open, planar media may be added or removed from the linked pockets. When the user is finished accessing planar media, then in step  1104  module  230  is closed and returned to container  200  for long term storage.  
         [0056]      FIG. 12  further illustrates the system aspect of the present invention. Container  200  stores multiple modules (e.g., module  230 ). In step  1201 , module  230  is removed from container  200 . In step  1202 , module  230  is inserted into transport unit  950 . In step  1203 , the stiffened cover sides of module  230  are attached to the cover sections of transport unit  950 . In step  1204 , the cover sections of transport unit  950  are rotated apart while fanning open module  230  separating the linked pockets  213  of module  230  exposing store planar media. In step  1205 , module  230  is removed from transport unit  950  and in step  1206  module  230  is returned to container  200  for long term storage.  
         [0057]     The above detailed description describes a system for storing, accessing, and transporting planar media. Each embodiment employs a module with linked pockets that may be fanned open to access planar medial from one side or bi-laterally (from pockets formed in both sides). The modules have features that may be used to identify individual modules, used to aid in extracting a module from a container, or used to couple to the adjacent side for holding the module closed. A transport unit is uniquely adapted to receive one of the modules with linked pockets and coupled to its stiffened cover sides such that when the transport unit is opened it correspondingly fans open a stored module exposing stored planar media. The modules may then be removed from a transport unit an placed back in a container (e.g.,  100 ) with features for guiding a module to a desired location for coupling to features that hold an inserted module in an upright and closed position. Users may label and identify individual modules with selected media. These modules may then be transported without removing stored media. The synergism of the modules and the transport units allow the transport units to fan open the modules for media access. Likewise the modules are designed to fan open when removed from a container for easy identification and access of stored media. Any planar media, CDs, DVDs, credit cards, paper, business cards, etc. may be used with embodiments of the present invention. The modules may be made in sizes that fit the media to be stored. In one embodiment of the present invention, the container, module and the transport units are designed for a circular media like CDs and DVDs. The indexing of the modules and the containers allow a used to label modules and store CDs alphabetically by title, artist or type of content. In another embodiment, the planar media may be typewriter paper and the linked pockets are sized to hold the paper. In this embodiment, the modules are similar to file folders except each module acts like a expanding file for storing single or multiple pieces of paper in each linked pocket. The modules (expanding file folders) may be stored in a drawer much like Pendaflex® files. The transport unit in this case may be a folding notebook adapted to receive and retain a file folder module. The file folder modules may be flaps that fold over the file openings for securing stored media. When secured with flaps, the file folder modules may be transported as such or placed into a transport unit for further security and convenience.  
         [0058]     The present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.