Wallet style compact disc storage unit

Claim 1

A storage unit for storing and displaying a plurality of flat discrete objects, comprising: an outer shell including a first shell member and a second shell member joined by a shell hinge such that the first and second shell members partially rotate about the shell hinge intermediate an open display position and a closed storage position, the first and second shell members defining an enclosed interior volume therebetween; and an even plurality of plates situated within said outer shell for supporting the discrete objects thereon, each said plate having at least two opposed generally straight edges and having a discrete thickness, and including front side which faces away from the shell hinge and includes support means for supporting the discrete objects, a rear side, and four peripheral edges, including a leading edge positioned toward the first shell member, a trailing edge positioned toward the second shell member and a pair of opposing side edges, said plates including an equal plurality of first plates and second plates, including an end first plate situated adjacent to the first shell member, an end second plate situated adjacent to the second shell member, and an equal plurality of intermediate first plates and intermediate second plates alternately positioned between the end first plate and the end second plate; wherein each intermediate second plate is connected at its leading edge, by a front hinge, to the trailing edge of an adjacent one of the first plates, the front hinge having its fulcrum situated adjacent to the front faces of the juxtaposed plates, and is further is connected at its trailing edge, by a rear hinge, to the leading edge of an adjacent one of the first plates, with the hinge fulcrum for the rear hinge being situated adjacent to the rear faces of the juxtaposed plates.