Modular optical disc media storage system

Protective modular holders for CDs and DVDs can be assembled into a storage assembly from which each disc and its accompanying literature can be removed without opening an individual holder. Two outer elements and an inner element form a module which receives two components, such as a pair of discs, or a disc and a booklet. Each side of the inner member cooperates with the corresponding outer element to form a disc receiving opening with openings aligned or at 90° or 180° offsets. The units are connected at the corners to adjacent units with the openings in selected alignments to form a storage assembly. The assembly may be expanded by connecting additional holder units. The outer elements and inner members cooperatively form a slot and label rail for receiving a label when the elements are joined together. The inner holder member surfaces may include a disc cleaner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is broadly concerned with a universal stacking, self-cleaning disc holder with optional CD/DVD booklet assembly. The disc holder is generally a container for storing optical discs such as compact discs (CD), digital video discs (DVD) or the like. More particularly, it is concerned with a stackable modular storage unit for assembly into a composite media holder assembly for organizing and keeping a mixed variety of CDs, DVDs and accompanying printed materials.

CD's are generally used for recorded music or computer software, while DVD'S are generally used for commercial video recordings of performances such as movies, television programs, and home video recordings. Music CD's and DVD's are commonly packaged in a “keep case” in association with a booklet or so-called “liner notes” describing the contents of the disc and information regarding the performers. Game CDs or computer programs are generally packaged with a game or instruction manual and registration card. While paper, cardboard and other forms of packaging may be employed, the most favored form of packaging is the so-called “jewel box”, or clear plastic hinged box. Integral plastic tabs hold the booklet in place against the front face of the box, so that the booklet also serves as an artistic cover, and the CD or DVD is snapped onto a resilient hub or “post” that retains it in place within the box. A rear label or index of the contents of the disc may be held in place against the rear face of the box.

The digital data forming the music, software or audio visual recording is impressed on the underside of the disc in the form of pits, which are read by a laser mechanism in a corresponding player. Because the pits are not well protected against scratching or fouling with dirt and oils from the skin, it is advisable to handle the discs by their edges to avoid touching the data-impressed underside.

Conventional jewel boxes provide less than ideal disc storage. They can be cumbersome to open and their hinges are subject to failure. Extraction of the disc from the central post may require substantial manual dexterity. If the disc is tightly snapped onto the post, it may be necessary to depress the post somewhat while grasping the edges of the disc to obtain release of the disc from the post. This is generally a three fingered operation, requiring depression of the post with one finger while both sides of the disc are grasped between two other fingers of the same hand to insure that the disc is not tipped and scratched by the post or the edges of the box during removal. Newer jewel boxes have attempted to address this problem by using a shorter post. However, this provides a less secure connection between the disc and the post and makes the disc liable to fall out if the box is inadvertently opened.

It is desirable to provide storage for the discs adjacent the point of use, such as a CD player, DVD player or computer. Various types of storage units such as racks, shelves, drawers and wallets have been designed for storing collections of discs. Rack units have slots sized to receive a jewel box containing a disc. However, if the unit is not orientationally stable, a tilt of the rack in the wrong direction will allow some of the jewel boxes to slide out. Shelves and drawers are more stable than racks, but tend to be substantially more expensive. Drawers require additional space since they must be opened to permit browsing of the titles of discs stored inside. In addition, because DVD booklets are taller than CDs and in order to avoid wasted space, racks, shelves and drawers are typically sized to receive only one type of disc. Unless a collection is evenly mixed, it may be necessary to purchase more racks, shelves or drawers for one type of disc than is required.

Wallet or album type holders receive only the disc itself, without the case or accompanying literature. This may be desirable for portability, but such units fail to protect the discs against warping. They also do not provide storage space for the accompanying literature, which may be misplaced if separated from the related disc. These units also require additional space so that they may be fully opened to permit browsing of the titles or to remove a single disc.

Conventional racks, shelves, drawers and wallet storage units provide space for a predetermined number of jewel boxes or discs. When the storage space is filled, another unit must be acquired or the collection culled to fit the available units. And neither these storage units nor jewel boxes provide direct access to the stored discs without first opening a drawer, wallet or jewel box. It is also desirable to provide labels that can be viewed without opening the storage unit and extracting the disc.

Accordingly, there is a need for a storage system for discs that protects against warping, is modular and expandable, that is orientationally stable, that can be configured to provide space for storage of accompanying literature of varying sizes adjacent respective discs, that provides for easy, direct extraction of the stored discs and literature without the need for opening an individual storage unit, and that provides for selective configuration to permit optimal access to the discs and literature from any side of each individual storage unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The modular optical disc media storage system provides modular protective holders for recorded media components such as CDs and DVDs which can be assembled into a stable composite media storage assembly from which each disc and its accompanying literature can be easily and directly removed from the outside without the need for removing and opening the individual holders. Each modular unit includes first and second outer elements interconnected by an inner holder element to form a two-chambered modular holder unit. Each outer element is configured to receive a corresponding recorded media component, such as a compact disc, a video disc, a booklet or card. The outer elements of each modular unit may receive similar or dissimilar media components, such as a pair of discs, or a disc and a booklet. The outer elements may also include a stop that is adjustable to accommodate shorter booklets. The inner element cooperates with the outer elements to receive and support the first media component on its first side and the second media component on its second side. The first side of the inner member and the first outer holder element cooperatively form a first opening for receiving a media component and the second side of the inner holder member, and the second outer holder element cooperatively form a second opening for receiving a media component. These openings may be aligned, or they may be positioned in selected angular offset relation of about 90° or about 180°. The modular holder units are connected at the corners to adjacent units to form a storage assembly which may be expanded by connecting additional holder units. The units may be connected with their openings aligned, or they may be connected so that the openings are positioned in selected offset relation of about 90° or about 180°.

One or both of the outer elements and inner holder member cooperatively forms a slot and a label rail for receiving and retaining a label when the elements are joined together. One or both of the inner holder member surfaces may also be equipped with a cleaner surface for cleaning a disc. The modular disc media holder of the present disclosure provides a greatly improved storage system for CDs, DVDs and their accompanying literature that is both flexible and externally accessible.

Various objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.

The drawings constitute a part of this specification, include some exemplary embodiments of the numerous embodiments possible, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the modular disc holder are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the unit, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the modular holder unit in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Referring now to the drawing figures, the reference numeral1refers to a modular storage or holder assembly for recorded media components, which is depicted inFIGS. 1 through 15in association with various recorded media components2, such as a disc3(FIG. 2), which may be either a CD or DVD or other format of optical media, a generally square CD booklet4(FIGS.4,14), a generally rectangular DVD booklet5(FIGS. 9,13), and other media components or matter content such as a printed inside insert in the form of a booklet, folded promotional leaflet, or card6(FIGS. 2,3). The assembly1is formed by a plurality of keeper or holder units11. While each holder unit11has a generally square overall configuration, the corners12are chopped to form an unequal sided octagon (FIG.1). The units11are joined to each other at the corners12and held together by unit corner connectors13which have a generally triangular configuration when installed and viewed from above (FIGS. 2,15), thus squaring off the holder unit assembly1.

As best shown inFIGS. 1,5,6,7,12, and13, each holder unit11includes a first outer holder element14, a second outer holder element15and an inner holder element or member16.FIGS. 1,2,3,4,7,9,13and14depict an outer holder element14configured to receive a disc3, and an outer holder element15configured to receive a booklet such as a CD booklet4, DVD booklet5, folder (not shown) or card6.FIGS. 5,6and12depict a pair of outer holder elements14configured to receive a disc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it would also be possible to construct a holder unit11using a pair of outer holder elements15configured to receive a booklet4or5or card6.

The inner holder element16is configured to correspond to the first and second outer holder elements14and15as well as to their orientation when they are assembled.FIG. 1depicts an inner element16configured to receive a disc3and printed element4,5, or6from the same side.FIG. 5depicts an inner element16configured to receive a pair of discs3from opposite sides.FIG. 12depicts an inner element16configured to receive a pair of discs3in a 90° offset relation.FIG. 13depicts an inner element16configured to receive a disc3and printed component4,5, or6in 90° offset relation.

The first and second outer holder elements14and15and the inner holder element16are equipped with a series of holes and pegs, as will be later described, arranged quadrilaterally, in a radially symmetrical pattern. This construction enables the elements14,15, and16to be rotated with respect to each other to enable storage of discs and printed media in an aligned, 90° or 180° offset relation. The inner element16must be configured for a particular combination of discs3and printed elements4,5, or6and for a particular set of orientations or directions in which the disc or element is inserted. In contrast, the outer elements14and15are configured according to whether they are to be used with a disc3or a booklet or other printed element4,5, or6and can be assembled in any appropriate orientation determined by the particular configuration of inner element16used.

While the first and second outer holder elements14and15are depicted in the drawing figures as upper or top and lower or bottom units, respectively, if the units11were depicted in a horizontal orientation, the elements14and15would be shown as respective left or right outer elements. It is understood that such terms are to be construed in accordance with the generally vertical or horizontal orientation in which the holder units11are stacked to form the assembly1.

As shown inFIG. 1, the first outer holder element14has an access wall21and an opposite end wall22with a pair of side walls23connected therebetween by a series of corners12. The access wall21is configured to provide easy access to a disc3such as a CD or DVD.

As best shown inFIG. 11, the upper margin of the access wall21is stepped inwardly to form a slot24for receiving a label25(FIG. 12). As shown inFIGS. 1,11and12, the slot24stops short of each corner12, leaving a portion of the wall21, which at one end includes a generally vertical kerf or notch26defining a tab27for threading and retaining the label25(FIGS. 1,7,12). An elongated label rail31(FIG. 11) is sized to form the top portion of the label slot24. The lower surface of the label rail31includes a groove32for receiving the upper margin of the label25(FIGS. 2,6,12). Each end of the rail31is formed into a generally hooked shape having an aperture33(FIGS. 5,11) for joining the label rail31to the label slot24as will be described.

The lower margin of the access wall21includes a detent or slot34(FIG. 5) for receiving a disc3. The detent34stops short of each corner12, leaving a portion of the wall21adjacent each of the two corners12. Each corner12includes a groove or slot35(FIG. 1) that extends along the inner hypotenuse and opens into the respective wall21,22, or23. Where the slot35opens into the access wall21, together with the detent34, it defines a tab or foot portion36of the access wall21.

As shown inFIG. 1, first and second disc support plates41and42extend inwardly from the access wall21to the interior of the element14. The first support plate41is generally elongated and extends substantially into the interior of the holder element14, while the second support plate42is generally shorter. The outer holder element14may be constructed with the first support plate41on the right and the second support plate42on the left when viewed from above as depicted in the drawing figures. It is also foreseen that the position of the plates41and42may be reversed or that they may be of identical construction.

A pair of built up edges or disc rails43and44(FIG. 12) extend inwardly from the feet36along the lateral sides of the plates41and42to cooperatively form a stop for the disc3. The rail44extends inwardly for a distance beyond the shorter second disc support plate42. The disc rails43and44each include apertures45, which are also provided at spaced intervals along the walls21-23of both the first and second outer holder elements14and15in a pattern for receiving a pattern of corresponding pegs as will be described. The inwardly facing surface of each of the illustrated disc support plates41and42includes a cleaning pad46(FIGS. 5,6,12), sized and shaped to conform to the surface of the respective plate. The pads46are constructed of a material such as a napped, microfiber or other fabric having a high coefficient of friction in sliding contact with the surface of a disc3, and are adhered to their respective disc support plates for cleaning discs3as they are inserted into and removed from a holder unit11.

A generally L-shaped floating rear rail51(FIG. 1) is connected to each of the sidewalls23, and is oriented so that the longer leg projects laterally inwardly in a plane with the upper margin of the sidewall23and toward the interior of the holder element14. The rear rails51are positioned near the rear corners12of the holder element, in generally parallel spaced relation to the end wall22. A generally L-shaped front rail support52is interconnected between each of the sidewalls23and the rear surface of the respective disc rails43or44, with the shorter leg contacting the edge stop for supporting the longer leg, which in turn is connected to and in a plane with the upper margin of the sidewall23(as viewed inFIGS. 1 and 11). The front rails52are positioned near the front corners12of the holder element14, in generally spaced relation to the access wall21. In this manner the front and real support rail pairs51and52provide interior support and stiffening to the assembled holder units11.

An approximately T-shaped storage support53is connected to each of the sidewalls23, for holding and storing a pair of corner connectors13when they are not in use. A removable film cover54(FIG. 1) covers the connectors13, holding them in place and preventing them from falling out in case the unit11is inverted. The cover54is generally rectangular in shape, of transparent or translucent synthetic resin construction and is sized to extend across and between the outer surfaces of the front and rear rails51and52.

As best shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the first outer holder element14may be constructed to have storage supports53positioned on one sidewall23and the end wall22where the first and second holder elements14and15are to be assembled with the access walls21in 90° offset relation. In such construction, the end wall22includes a pair of end wall rails55, similar to the rear rails51but extending forwardly from the end wall22. One of the rear rails51is omitted, and the remaining rail is joined to the respective end wall rail55. A generally L-shaped film cover56is provided, having equal legs sized to extend across the outer surface of the rear and end wall rails51and55.

As best shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the content-facing margin of one of the sidewalls23may also be stepped inwardly to form a label slot61for receiving a label25. As shown inFIG. 6, the sidewalls23of both the first and second outer holder elements14and15may be stepped in this manner to form a slot61. When a unit11with such slots61is assembled, the adjacent slots61merge to form a single, much wider slot61that is suitable for receiving a user-inscribed label.

Each end wall22, as well as the sidewalls23, includes apertured, peg-receiving structures45(FIG. 1) as on the disc rails43and44. These apertures are positioned adjacent each of the corners12as well as generally midway along the respective walls22and23.

The second outer holder element15is configured to support a booklet, such as a CD booklet4(FIG. 4), DVD booklet5(FIG. 9) or other printed content member such as a card6(FIGS. 2,3). As best shown inFIGS. 1 and 7, the element15has the same footprint as the first outer holder element14, including an access wall21and end wall22, a pair of side walls23, and chopped corners12with slots35. The content-facing side of the access wall21includes an elongated detent63that forms an entry slot for a printed content member. The detent63stops short of each corner12, leaving a portion of the wall21adjacent each of the two corners12, which, together with the slot35defines a foot36. First (depicted on the left inFIG. 1) and second (depicted on the right inFIG. 1) retainer rails64and65for a booklet4or5, card6or the like, extend inwardly in a plane with the detent63for supporting a booklet or other printed content member. The lateral margin of the shorter first booklet retainer rail64is built up to form a first lip or edge66that functions as a stop, and the lateral margin of the longer second retainer rail65is also built up to form a corresponding second lip or edge stop67in parallel spaced relation to the first edge stop66. The inward end of the longer rail65may also be built up to form an end stop68, for retaining a booklet or card,4,5, or6in place so that it does not slide into the unit11beyond the access wall21and the reach of a user.

The end wall22of the second outer holder element15may also be constructed to include an apertured stop-receiving structure71similar to the peg receiving hole structures45, but of more substantial construction for receiving and supporting a rotatable stop72(FIGS. 7,8). The stop72includes a pivot pin or pintle73connected to a laterally extending wing74, that can be shifted or rotated as shown inFIG. 8between a first, inwardly extended position to a second retracted position adjacent the end wall22. The wing structure74is sized for contact with the top margin of a generally rectangular shaped DVD booklet5when the booklet is inserted into the holder unit11through the access wall21. In this manner, the rotatable stop72serves to prevent insertion of a DVD booklet5too far into the unit11, so that it cannot be grasped and removed by a user. When an especially long booklet5is to be inserted into the unit11, the wing structure74may be rotated back, out of the content-receiving area of the holder element15and into the second retracted position in spaced relation to the end wall22.

A corner storage box81is provided for holding the stop72when it is not in use (FIGS. 7,9,10,13). The box81is generally triangular overall in shape, for nesting against one of the chopped corners12. It has a closed top82(FIG. 10) facing the interior of the unit11and an open bottom for receiving the stop72. The interior surface of the top is equipped with an aperture83for receiving the stop pintle73. The bottom of the box81is open and a film cover84(FIGS. 7,13) is provided for holding the stop72in place within the box81.

The inner holder element or frame member16is sandwiched between and interconnects the first and second outer elements14and15. It shares the same perimeter footprint as the elements14and15. The inner element16has a generally open framework including first and second surfaces or sides85and86. It has an access divider rail91, an end divider rail92, a pair of side divider rails93, and chopped corner divider rails94. The inner element16is of generally lighter construction than the outer elements14and15because the rails91-94are generally thinner and need not form upstanding walls as do the corresponding elements of the inner and outer elements14and15. As shown inFIGS. 4,5,12, and13where the unit11is configured to receive recorded media in a 90° or 180° offset arrangement, the inner element16may be configured to substitute a second access divider rail91for either the end divider rail92or one of the side divider rails93.

As exemplified inFIGS. 12 and 13, the inner element16includes a first support element set or elements95on its first side85and may include a second support element set or elements96on its second side86, each of which is configured particularly to cooperate with the first outer holder element14to receive and support a respective first and second recorded media component2.

The first support elements95include first and second disc support plates101and102extending inwardly from the access rail91toward the end rail92. The first support plate101is generally configured to conform to the elongated shape of the first disc support plate41of the first outer holder element14, and the second support plate102is generally configured to conform to the more rectangular shape of the second disc support plate42of the first element14. If necessary, the inner element16may be flipped over to reverse the positions of plates101and102to conform with the respective plates41and42of the first element14. It is also foreseen that the support plates101and102could be similarly shaped.

Cleaning pads103, similar to pads46, are adhered to one or both side surface85and86and are sized and shaped to conform to the surfaces of the plates101and102. The disc support plates101and102each include a respective outward extension or guard tab104and105with a finger notch106therebetween. The outer perimeter of the tabs104and105define a circle of approximately the same radius as the disc3.

The second support elements96may be configured as shown inFIGS. 5 and 12to include structure identical to the first elements95to cooperate with the second outer holder element15to receive and support a second disc3. In that event, the disc plates101and102would be reversed and the cleaning pads103oriented to face the second side86. The second elements96may also be configured as shown inFIGS. 4,9, and14to include structure configured to cooperate with the booklet retainer rails64and65to receive and support a booklet4or5, card6or the like. In that case, the elements96include a generally planar retainer rail plate111which forms a top plate for the booklet retainer rail65. The reverse surface of the shorter second disc plate102forms a top plate for the shorter second booklet retainer rail65. Where, as shown inFIG. 1, a disc and generally shorter CD booklet4are to be accessed from the same side of the unit11, the reverse surface of both disc plates101and102form top plates for the booklet retainer rails64and65, obviating the need for the retainer rail plate111. But where, as shown inFIG. 9, a disc3and generally longer DVD booklet5are to be accessed from the same side of the unit, the retainer rail plate111may be included. In a holder unit11in which the disc3and booklet4or5are inserted on the same side, as inFIGS. 1 and 7, the rail plate111may be formed as an integral part of or as an extension of the disc support plate101.

The rails91-94, disc plates101and102, and retainer rail plate111of the inner element16are equipped with a plurality of spaced pegs112arranged in a corresponding pattern for reception within the pattern of holes45previously described in the first and second outer elements14and15.

The corner connectors13(FIG. 1) have a generally triangular prismatic overall configuration and are similar to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,188,032 B1, which is incorporated herein by reference. Each connector includes a first or lateral tongue113having a generally T-shaped cross section. The lateral tongue113extends toward the unit11for mating engagement with the corner slots35of the outer elements14and15. Each connector13also includes a second or transverse tongue114that projects from the connector13along an axis generally transverse to the lateral tongue113. The second tongue114is configured with a raised bead along its outer edge. The upper surface of each connector13includes a keyhole slot or groove115, also generally transverse to the lateral tongue113and opposite the second tongue114. The groove115is configured for reception of the second tongue114projecting from an immediately adjacent connector13.

FIG. 15depicts a modified embodiment of a modular holder unit211. This unit211is configured for storing two discs like the unit depicted inFIG. 12, except that it is adapted for storing miniature compact discs or mini CDs, sometimes referred to as “minidiscs”, that is discs having a diameter of about 3⅛″ or 80 mm. The holder211is depicted having the disc entries positioned in 90° offset relation, without booklets. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the unit211may also be configured to hold a disc and a booklet, a pair of booklets in aligned position or in 180° offset relation as previously described. The unit211is similar in construction to the modular holder unit11previously described, having a first outer holder element214, a second outer holder element215and an inner holder element216. The unit211is shown assembled, with corner connectors213installed at each corner as well as in storage on the inner sidewalls of the first outer holder element214and covered with an L-shaped film cover256. The second outer holder element is similar to the first outer holder element214and is configured for supporting a disc (not shown) but is depicted to include a booklet support rail265for holding in place a booklet (not shown) or other printed material.

As shown inFIG. 2, a single modular unit11is constructed by interconnecting the first and second outer elements14and15by engagement of the pegs112of the inner element16within the apertures45of the outer elements14and15. The respective corner slots35are thereby aligned to cooperatively form four double corner slots35slots, each sized for reception of a corner connector first or lateral tongue113. The pegs112and apertures45, corner slots35and lateral tongues113thus cooperate to connect the outer elements14and15to form a modular holder unit11and to hold the unit together. In such a single unit11, when the transverse second tongues114of the four corner connectors13are in dependent relation, they may serve as support feet for the unit. When thus assembled into a modular unit11, the access wall21of the first outer element14and an access rail91of the inner element16cooperatively form a first opening121into a content receiving chamber for receiving a recorded media component2. Similarly, the access wall21of the second outer element15and an access rail91of the inner element16cooperatively form a second opening122for receiving a second recorded media component2into a second content receiving chamber.

In use, a user selects first and second outer elements14and15that will enable storage of a disc and printed matter (FIGS. 1,2,3,4,7,9,13,14), a pair of discs (FIGS. 5,6,12,15) or a pair of printed elements4,5, or6(not shown) as desired. The user next selects an inner element16for connection of the outer and inner elements14and15with first and second openings121and122in alignment (FIGS. 1,2,3,6,7,9), in 90° offset alignment (FIGS. 12,13,14,15) or in 180° offset alignment (FIGS. 4,5). The user orients the preselected outer element14with the preselected inner element16to achieve the desired orientation, aligns the apertures45with the pegs112, and snaps the elements14and16together. The elements14and16may be held together by friction, glue or other means such as by sonic welding.

The user next removes the film cover54from each pair of corner connector storage supports of an outer element14or15and removes four corner connectors13from the supports53. The user aligns the lateral tongues113of a corner connector13with each of the four corner grooves35of the first outer element14, orients the preselected second outer element15to achieve the desired offset, aligns the corner grooves35of the second outer element15with the lateral tongues113and the apertures45with the pegs112, and snaps the second outer element15and the inner element16together. Because the corner unit connectors13are reversible, the longitudinal tongue114may be positioned to project toward the second outer element15or backward from the first outer element14for connection with a second modular unit11.

A second modular unit11may be coupled with the first unit11by aligning the units in a preselected orientation and snapping the longitudinal tongues114into the corresponding keyhole grooves115of the adjacent unit11. It is foreseen that an assembly kit (not shown) may include a pair of closed covers (not shown) having the same overall footprint as the outer holder elements14and15for installation in covering relation over the exposed skeletal ends of the assembly1.

Advantageously, with a limited number of parts, a user can assemble a wide variety of modules11in a variety of orientations. For example, the units11may be connected so that a unit for storing a DVD with a recorded movie is directly connected to a unit containing a CD with the recorded sound track from that movie. Each unit11may be configured to accommodate two different size booklets, as, for example, a CD booklet4and a longer DVD booklet5.

Because each unit11is of generally skeletal, open-ended construction, they are economical in their use of materials and cost-effective to construct. The units11may be stacked vertically or laterally. Each unit11may be selectively configured so that the openings121and122are aligned or offset 90° or 180°, and the units11themselves may be configured in aligned (FIGS. 2,4,9,14) or 90° (FIG. 3) or 180° (not shown) offset relation when they are interconnected. They may also be connected in any combination of the foregoing alignments to form an assembly1having convenient access to a user. Thus, the first opening121may be optimally placed with respect to the second opening122in the unit11as well as the openings121and122in adjacent units to make it easier to grasp and remove the discs3and printed materials4-6contained therein. Each modular unit11as well as the entire container assembly1may be repeatedly broken down and reconfigured by the user to reflect changes in personal preference, in the makeup of the stored collection, or of the location in which the unit is stored. For example, the collection may be stored with all of the CDs3and associated booklets4at one end, and all of the DVDs3and associated booklets5at the other end. Or, the entire collection can be organized alphabetically, without regard to type of disc3. Each disc3may be stored with its associated liner notes4-6, or the discs may be grouped and the notes grouped. The unit openings121and122may be aligned in adjacent relation, or they may be offset 90° or 180° to facilitate removal. And the modular assembly1may be stored in a line, such as on a shelf, or it may be stored vertically, such as against a wall or in a corner. End pieces (not shown) may be provided to enclose the ends or top and bottom of the assembly1.