Receptacle for storing audio-visual media cases

Abstract

A receptacle for storing an article, and usable with a similar receptacle for forming a storage unit, including a base defining a top surface and a bottom surface, a substantially elongated rib extending substantially outwardly from the top surface and a substantially elongated groove provided on the bottom surface. The groove is configured and sized to releasably engage a rib of the similar receptacle. The groove is further oriented at an acute angle with respect to the rib.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to receptacles for storing audio-visual media cases. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a receptacle that can engage another similar receptacle at an acute angle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Receptacles in the form of modular trays for storing audio-visual media cases come in a variety of forms. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,191,983 issued on Mar. 9, 1993 describes modular trays that can be directly stacked on top of each other. U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,122 issued on May 21, 1996 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,948 issued on Feb. 10, 1998 describe modular trays that can be directly stacked on top of each other or connected to each other side-by-side.

[0003] However, the prior art receptacles can be attached to each other in only a limited number of ways. Accordingly, a storage unit formed by a plurality of such receptacles can only have a limited number of shapes, while a user of such receptacles may desire to assemble storage units having more complex shapes for aesthetic or other reasons.

[0004] Against this background, there exists a need in the industry to provide a novel receptacle for storing audio-visual cases.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved receptacle that can engage a further receptacle at an acute angle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In a first broad aspect, the invention provides a receptacle for storing an article, and usable with a similar receptacle for forming a storage unit, including a base defining a top surface and a bottom surface, a substantially elongated rib extending substantially outwardly from the top surface and a substantially elongated groove provided on the bottom surface. The groove is configured and sized to releasably engage a rib of the similar receptacle. The groove is further oriented at an acute angle with respect to the rib.

[0007] In another broad aspect, the invention provides a storage unit including first and second receptacles. The first receptacle includes a first base defining a first top surface and a first bottom surface and a substantially elongated rib extending substantially outwardly from the first top surface. The second receptacle includes a second base defining a second top surface and a second bottom surface, the second base being substantially identical to the first base. The second receptacle further includes a substantially elongated groove provided on the bottom surface. The groove releasably engages the rib to connect the second receptacle to the first receptacle. The rib and the groove are oriented such that when the first and second receptacles are connected, the first base is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the second base.

[0008] In yet another broad aspect, the invention provides a receptacle for storing an article, the receptacle being usable with a similar receptacle for forming a storage unit. The receptacle includes a base defining a top surface and a bottom surface, a substantially elongated male means provided on the top surface and a substantially elongated female means provided on the bottom surface. The male means is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the female means. The male means and the female means are configured and sized such that the receptacle and the similar receptacle are interlocked upon the insertion of the male means of the receptacle into a female means of the similar receptacle.

[0009] In yet another broad aspect, the invention provides a receptacle for storing an article, the receptacle being usable with a similar receptacle for forming a storage unit. The receptacle includes a base defining a top surface and a bottom surface, a storage bay defined at least in part by the base and configured and sized for receiving the article, a substantially elongated rib extending substantially outwardly from the top surface and a substantially elongated groove provided on the bottom surface. The groove is configured and sized to releasably engage a rib of the similar receptacle. The groove is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the rib.

[0010] In yet another broad aspect, the invention provides a receptacle for storing an article, the receptacle being usable with a similar receptacle for forming a storage unit. The receptacle includes a storage bay configured and sized to store the article, a bottom portion located below the storage bay and a top portion located above the storage bay. The bottom and top portions are configured and sized such that the bottom portion of the receptacle can releasably engage a top portion of the similar receptacle in at least five discrete coplanar orientations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In the appended drawings:

[0012] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a receptacle;

[0013] FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 1A;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a storage unit including the receptacle of FIG. 1A;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another storage unit including the receptacle of FIG. 1A;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pivot module included in the storage units of FIGS. 2 and 3;

[0017] FIG. 5A is a bottom plan view of two receptacles interlocked with an offset in one direction;

[0018] FIG. 5B is a bottom plan view of two receptacles interlocked with an offset in two directions;

[0019] FIG. 5C is a bottom plan view of two receptacles interlocked with aligned centers and oriented at an acute angle with respect to each other;

[0020] FIG. 5D is a bottom plan view of two receptacles interlocked with offset centers and oriented at an acute angle with respect to each other;

[0021] FIG. 5E is a bottom plan view of three receptacles interlocked; and

[0022] FIG. 5F is a bottom plan view of three receptacles interlocked with an offset.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a receptacle 2 for storing an article. The receptacle 2 includes a base 4 defining a top surface 6 and a bottom surface 8. The receptacle 2 further includes a storage bay 9, which will be described in more details hereinbelow. Two springs 11 and 13 are provided in the storage bay 9. A plurality of substantially elongated ribs, hereinbelow referred to collectively by the reference numeral 10, extend substantially outwardly from the top surface 6 and a plurality of substantially elongated grooves, hereinbelow referred to collectively by the reference numeral 12 are provided on the bottom surface 8. A groove, for example groove 129 is configured and sized to releasably engage a rib, for example rib 101, of another receptacle 2, the groove 129 being oriented at an acute angle with respect to the rib 101. In a specific example of implementation, the groove 129 is configured and sized to releasably interlock with the rib 101. The reader skilled in the art will appreciate that although the receptacle 2 includes a plurality of grooves 12 and a plurality of ribs 10, an embodiment including a single groove and a single rib is within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims recited hereinbelow.

[0024] In the specific embodiment illustrated on FIGS. 1A and 1B, some of the grooves 12, such as groove 123, are configured and sized to releasably engage the ribs 10 of another receptacle, while some other grooves 12, such as groove 124, are configured and sized to releasably engage simultaneously a rib 10 of a first other receptacle and a rib 10 of a second other said receptacle. The engagement of ribs and grooves to one or more other receptacles will be described in further details herein below.

[0025] In other words, receptacle 2 includes the base 4, male means in the form of ribs 10 and female means in the form of grooves 12, the male and female means being configured and sized such that two receptacles 2 can be interlocked upon the insertion the male means of a first receptacle 2 into the female means of the second receptacle 2. One male means is oriented at an acute angle with respect to one female means.

[0026] Grooves 12 and ribs 10 may assume diverse configurations to allow receptacles to be connected in a variety of orientations. For example, in receptacle 2, groove 123 is parallel to rib 101, while groove 124 is perpendicular to rib 101. Consequently, groove 123 is perpendicular to groove 124. In addition, groove 12, is oriented at an acute angle with respect to grooves 123 and 124. In receptacle 2, the acute angle is 45 degrees, but other angles are possible without detracting from the claimed invention. Finally, two grooves, for example grooves 123 and 125 can be parallel.

[0027] In summary, the receptacle 2 for storing an article includes a storage bay 9 configured and sized to store the article, a bottom portion located below the storage bay and a top portion located above the storage bay. The bottom portion includes the grooves 12 and the top portion includes the ribs 10. The bottom and top portions are configured and sized such that the bottom portion of a first receptacle can releasably engage the top portion of a second receptacle in at least five discrete coplanar orientations.

[0028] As can be seen from FIG. 1B, the grooves 12 define a plurality of substantially straight channels, each channel including at least two collinear grooves 12. For example, grooves 124, 125, 126,and 127 are collinear and therefore define a channel 141.

[0029] The grooves 12 define channels that can be parallel but non-collinear, perpendicular or oriented at an acute angle with respect to each other. For example, a channel including grooves 121, 128, 1210, 1211, 1212 and 1213, channel 142 is at an acute angle, here 45 degrees, with respect to the channel 141. In addition, channels 141 and 142 intersect at the location designated by the reference numeral 16. The channels define an interconnected network of channels.

[0030] The network of channels may include a first sub-network of channels arranged in a grid configuration. For example, all the channels of receptacle 2 which are either parallel or perpendicular to the rib 101 constitute such a first sub-network of channels. In addition, the network of channels may include a second sub-network of channels arranged in a grid configuration. In the receptacle 2, all channels which are angled at 45 degrees with respect to rib 101 constitute an example of such a second sub-network of channels. In receptacle 2, while not an essential characteristic, the first and second sub-networks of channels are angled with respect to each other at an angle of 45 degrees and have coincident centers at the location identified by the reference numeral 16.

[0031] The network of channels is defined by a plurality of substantially polygonal projections, referred-to collectively by the reference numeral 18, projecting outwardly from the bottom surface 8. The projections 18 can take, among other shapes, the form of a substantially triangular projection 181 or of a substantially square projection 182. Although not shown in the drawings, substantially rectangular projections of projections having other shapes can also be provided on the bottom surface 8.

[0032] In receptacle 2, the projections 18 each include a plurality of straight walls connected by a plurality of arcs. For example, projection 181 includes three straight walls 201, 202 and 203 as well as three arcs 221, 222 and 223. The plurality of straight walls and arcs define a hollow. Optionally, a projection, such as projection 182, includes at least one reinforcing member 241 extending through a hollow.

[0033] Turning now to FIG. 1A, the ribs 10 of receptacle 2 define a first side wall 261, a second side wall 262 and a back wall 263 connected to the first and second side walls 261 and 262. The base 4, the first side wall 261, the second side wall 262 and the back wall 263 can define a storage bay.

[0034] Optionally, as shown on FIG. 1A, ribs 10 of receptacle 2 further define first and second front sub-walls 264 and 265 respectively connected to the first and second side walls 261 and 262. The first and second front sub-walls 264 and 265 define a front opening 28. Also, receptacle 2 includes optional first and second interior walls 266 and 267 projecting from the base 4. The first and second interior walls 266 and 267 are substantially parallel to respectively the first and second walls 261 and 262. Also, the first and second interior walls 266 and 267 are connected respectively to the first and second front sub-walls 264 and 265 and to the first and second side walls 261 and 262. When, the first and second interior walls 266 and 267 are present they define the storage bay 9 for storing the article, along with the back wall 263 and the base 4. IN receptacle 2, the storage bay 9 is configured and sized to accept either a Compact Disc (CD) case or a Digital Video Disk (DVD) case.

[0035] The first and second side walls 261 and 262, the back wall 263 and the first and second front sub-walls 264 and 265 all have a common projection height outward of base 4, hereinafter referred to as a first projection height. In addition, the first and second interior walls 266 and 267 have a common projection height outward of base 4, hereinafter referred to as a second projection height. In a specific example of implementation, the first and second projection heights differ by an amount equivalent to a depth of the grooves 12, the second projection height being smaller than the first projection height.

[0036] The receptacle 2 further includes a protuberance 30 projecting outwardly from the base 4 into the opening 28. The protuberance projects from the base 4 at a third height, the third height being smaller than the first and second heights.

[0037] In receptacle 2, the base 4 takes the form of a substantially plane and square plate, although other forms of the base, such as a rectangular plane base, among others, are within the scope of the claimed invention. Also, springs 11 and 13 each take the form of a resilient member connected to the back wall 263. The springs 11 and 13 each have a substantially uniform cross-section in a plane parallel to the base 4. Below each spring 11 and 13, the base 4 includes first and second narrow openings 32 and 34 substantially shaped as the cross-sections of the first and second springs 11 and 13 and located therebelow.

[0038] The receptacle 2 is integrally molded with a polymer. Therefore, the openings 32 and 34 can allow springs 11 and 13 to be detached from the base 4 during the molding process.

[0039] When an article is inserted in storage bay 9 through the front opening 28, springs 11 and 13 are depressed. Past a certain insertion point, the article abuts on the protuberance 30 and is maintained in position through cooperation between the springs 11 and 13 and the protuberance 30. When a user desires access to the article, he can remove the article from the receptacle 2 by lifting slightly the article above the protuberance 30, thereby allowing the springs 11 and 13 to push at least partially the article outside of the storage bay 9.

[0040] Two or more receptacles 2 are interlocked to form a storage unit. Examples of two storage units 36 and 38 are presented respectively on FIGS. 2 and 3. Storage units 36 and 38 each include a plurality of receptacles 2, a pivot module 40 and a top module 42

[0041] As shown on FIG. 4, the pivot module includes an upper part 48 and a lower part 50. The upper part 48 is rotatably connected to the lower part 50. Such connections being well known in the art, they will not be described in further details herein below.

[0042] The lower portion 50 is provided with elongated grooves 12 configured and sized similarly to the grooves 12 of the receptacle 2. Also, the upper portion 48 is provided with elongated ribs 10 configured and sized similarly to the ribs 10 of receptacle 2. Therefore, the pivot module 40 can be locked to receptacles 2 in a way very similar to the way receptacles 2 are interlocked.

[0043] The top module 42 includes a substantially flat portion provided with a plurality of grooves 12 adapted to interlock at least one rib 10 of a receptacle 2. The grooves 12 are provided on a bottom surface of the top module 42 and are identical to grooves 12 of the receptacle 2. In addition, the top module 42 includes a substantially hemispheric portion 44 provided with a plurality of indentations 46 configured and sized to receive an article such as the article 47 stored in a receptacle 2.

[0044] In storage units 36 and 38, the grooves 12 and ribs 10 of receptacles 2, pivot module 40 and top module 42are configured and sized to such that some of the grooves 12 can releasably interlock with one of the ribs 10 of another receptacle 2 or pivot module 40. In addition, some of the grooves 12 of all these modules and receptacles can releasably interlock simultaneously with two ribs 10 of respectively two receptacles 2. Ribs and grooves interlock through friction.

[0045] As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, receptacles 2, top modules 40 and pivot modules 42 can interlock in a variety of different ways. While these different ways relate to receptacles 2, top modules 40 and pivot modules 42, the following discussion will concentrate on the interlocking of receptacles 2 for clarity reasons.

[0046] Receptacles 2 can interlock with many relative offsets and angular positions. FIG. 5A shows a bottom plan view of a receptacle 50 interlocked with a receptacle 52, both identical to receptacle 2. Some of the grooves 12 of receptacle 50 engage the rib 102 of receptacle 52 such that receptacles 50 and 52 are similarly oriented and offset in a single direction. In other words, the bases 4 of receptacles 50 and 52 are aligned on two edges an offset on two other edges. Similarly, FIG. 5B shows a bottom plan view of receptacles 50 and 52 interlocked such that some of the grooves 12 of receptacle 50 engage the ribs 101 and 103 of receptacle 52 such that receptacles 50 and 52 are similarly oriented and offset in a two directions. In other words, the bases 4 of receptacles 50 and 52 have no aligned edges. In addition, although not shown in details in the drawings, receptacles 50 and 52 can be similarly oriented and aligned with no offset.

[0047] FIGS. 5C and 5D illustrate how receptacles 50 and 52 can be interlocked at an acute angle with respect to each other, either with no offset, or with an offset. In addition receptacles 50 and 52 could be interlocked at a 90 or 180 degrees angles, with or without offset (not shown in details in the drawings).

[0048] FIGS. 5E and 5F illustrate three interlocked receptacles 50, 52 and 54. Groove 12 of receptacle 50 interlock simultaneously with rib 10,1 of receptacle 52 and rib 10,2 of receptacle 54. On FIG. 5E, there is no offset of combined receptacles 52 and 54 with respect to receptacle 50, while there is such an offset on FIG. 5F.

[0049] Many alternative embodiments of the present invention are possible. For example, front sub-walls 264 and 265 need not be present. Also, the springs 11 and 13 can take alternative forms.

[0050] Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of preferred embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1- A receptacle for storing an article, said receptacle being usable with a similar receptacle for forming a storage unit, said receptacle comprising: a. a base defining a top surface and a bottom surface; b. a substantially elongated rib extending substantially outwardly from said top surface; and c. a substantially elongated groove provided on said bottom surface; wherein i. said groove is configured and sized to releasably engage a rib of said similar receptacle; and ii. said groove is oriented at an acute angle with respect to said rib.

2- A receptacle as defined in claim 1, comprising a plurality of substantially elongated grooves provided on said bottom surface, each groove from said plurality of grooves being configured and sized to releasably engage the rib of said similar receptacle.

3- A receptacle as defined in claim 2, said similar receptacle being a first similar receptacle, said receptacle being further usable with a second similar receptacle for forming a storage unit, wherein said plurality of grooves further includes a plurality of substantially elongated grooves a. provided on said bottom surface; and b. configured and sized to releasably engage simultaneously the rib of said first similar receptacle and a rib of a said second similar receptacle.

4- A receptacle as defined in claim 3, comprising a plurality of substantially elongated ribs extending substantially outwardly from said top surface.

5- A receptacle as defined in claim 4, wherein at least one groove from said plurality of grooves is substantially perpendicular to at least one rib from said plurality of ribs.

6- A receptacle as defined in claim 4, wherein at least one groove from said plurality of grooves is substantially parallel to at least one rib from said plurality of ribs.

7- A receptacle as defined in claim 4, wherein at least two grooves from said plurality of grooves are mutually substantially collinear.

8- A receptacle as defined in claim 4, wherein at least two grooves from said plurality of grooves are mutually substantially parallel and substantially non-collinear.

9- A receptacle as defined in claim 4, wherein at least two grooves from said plurality of grooves are mutually substantially perpendicular.

10- A receptacle as defined in claim 4, wherein at least two grooves from said plurality grooves of are oriented at an acute angle with respect to each other.

11- A receptacle as defined in claim 4, wherein said plurality of grooves defines a plurality of substantially straight channels, each channel including at least two substantially collinear grooves.

12- A receptacle as defined in claim 11, wherein said plurality of channels includes two mutually substantially perpendicular channels.

13- A receptacle as defined in claim 11, wherein said plurality of channels includes two substantially parallel and substantially non-collinear channels.

14- A receptacle as defined in claim 11, wherein said plurality channels includes at least two channels oriented at an acute angle with respect to each other.

15- A receptacle as defined in claim 14, wherein said two channels oriented at an acute angle with respect to each other are angled at 45 degrees with respect to each other.

16- A receptacle as defined in claim 11, wherein at least two channels from said plurality of channels intersect.

17- A receptacle as defined in claim 16, wherein said plurality of channels defines an interconnected network of channels.

18- A receptacle as defined in claim 17, wherein said network of channels includes a first sub-network of channels substantially arranged in a grid configuration.

19- A receptacle as defined in claim 18, wherein said network of channels includes a second sub-network of channels substantially arranged in a grid configuration, said second sub-network of channels being substantially angled with respect to said first sub-network of channels.

20- A receptacles as defined in claim 19, wherein said first and second sub-networks of channels each have a center, the centers of said first and second sub-networks of channels being substantially coincident.

21- A receptacle as defined in claim 20, wherein said network of channels is defined by a plurality of substantially polygonal projections projecting substantially outwardly from said bottom surface.

22- A receptacle as defined in claim 21, wherein said plurality of substantially polygonal projections includes at least one substantially triangular projection.

23- A receptacle as defined in claim 21, wherein said plurality of substantially polygonal projections includes at least one substantially square projection.

24- A receptacle as defined in claim 21, wherein said plurality of substantially polygonal projections includes at least one substantially rectangular projection.

25- A receptacle as defined in claim 21, wherein at least one substantially polygonal projection from said plurality of substantially polygonal projections includes a plurality of straight walls connected by a plurality of arcs.

26- A receptacle as defined in claim 25, wherein, said plurality of straight walls and said plurality of arcs define a hollow.

27- A receptacle as defined in claim 26, wherein said at least one substantially polygonal projection includes at least one reinforcing member extending through said hollow.

28- A receptacle as defined in claim 4, wherein said plurality of ribs defines a first side wall, a second side wall and a back wall connected to said first and second side walls.

29- A receptacle as defined in claim 28, wherein said base, said first side wall, said second side wall and said back wall define a storage bay for storing the article.

30- A receptacle as defined in claim 28, wherein said plurality of ribs further defines first and second front sub-walls respectively connected to said first and second side walls, said first and second sub-walls defining a front opening.

31- A receptacle as defined in claim 30, further comprising first and second interior walls, said first and second interior walls including projections from said base at least in part substantially parallel to respectively said first and second walls, wherein said first and second interior walls, said back wall and said base define a storage bay for storing the article.

32- A receptacle as defined in claim 31, wherein said storage bay is configured and sized to accept a Compact Disc (CD) case.

33- A receptacle as defined in claim 31, wherein said storage bay is configured and sized to accept a Digital Video Disk (DVD) case.

34- A receptacle as defined in claim 31, wherein: a. said first and second side walls, said back wall and said first and second front sub-walls each have a projection height outward of said base, the projection heights of said first and second side walls, said back wall and said first and second front sub-walls being substantially identical and equal to a first projection height; and b. said first and second interior walls each have a projection height outward of said base, the projection heights of said first and second interior walls being substantially identical and equal to a second projection height.

35- A receptacle as defined in claim 34, wherein said second projection height is smaller than said first projection height.

36- A receptacle as defined in claim 35, wherein said first and second interior walls are connected respectively to said first and second front sub-walls.

37- A receptacle as defined in claim 36, wherein said first and second interior walls are further connected respectively to said first and second side walls.

38- A receptacle as defined in claim 37, further comprising a first spring provided inside said storage bay.

39- A receptacle as defined in claim 38, wherein said first spring includes a first resilient member connected to said back wall.

40- A receptacle as defined in claim 39, further comprising a second spring provided inside said storage bay, said second spring including a second resilient member connected to said back wall.

41- A receptacle as defined in claim 40, further including a protuberance projecting substantially outwardly from said base in said opening.

42- A receptacle as defined in claim 41, wherein said protuberance projects at a third height outward of said base, the third height being smaller than the first and second heights

43- A receptacle as defined in claim 42, wherein said base includes a substantially plane plate.

44- A receptacle as defined in claim 43, wherein said substantially plane plate is substantially square.

45- A receptacle as defined in claim 44, wherein: a. said first and second resilient members each have a substantially uniform cross-section in a plane substantially parallel to said substantially plane plate; and b. said substantially plane plate includes first and second narrow openings respectively substantially shaped as the cross-sections of said first and second resilient members and located therebelow.

46- A receptacle as defined in claim 1, wherein said receptacle is integrally molded.

47- A receptacle as defined in claim 1, wherein said receptacle includes a polymer.

48- A receptacle as defined in claim 47, wherein said receptacle consists in a one-piece molded polymer object.

49- A receptacle for storing an article as defined in claim 1, wherein said groove is configured and sized to releasably interlock with the rib of said similar receptacle.

50- A receptacle for storing an article as defined in claim 49, wherein said groove is configures and sized to releasable interlock with the rib of said similar receptacle through friction.

51- A storage unit comprising a first and a second receptacle, wherein: a. said first receptacle includes: i. a first base defining a first top surface and a first bottom surface; and ii. a substantially elongated rib extending substantially outwardly from said first top surface; b. said second receptacle includes: i. a second base defining a second top surface and a second bottom surface, said second base being substantially identical to said first base; and ii. a substantially elongated groove provided on said bottom surface; and c. said groove releasably engages said rib to connect said second receptacle to said first receptacle, said rib and said groove being oriented such that when said first and second receptacles are connected, said first base is oriented at an acute angle with respect to said second base.

52- A storage unit as defined in 51, comprising a plurality of substantially identical receptacles, said first and second receptacles being part of said plurality of receptacles, each receptacle from said plurality of receptacles including: a. a base defining a first top surface and a first bottom surface and having a center; b. a plurality of substantially elongated ribs extending substantially outwardly from said first top surface; c. a plurality of substantially elongated grooves provided on said bottom surface; d. a storage bay configured and sized to receive an article; wherein e. each groove from said plurality of grooves is configured and sized to either: i. releasably interlock at least one rib of another said receptacle from said plurality of receptacles; or ii. releasably interlock simultaneously at least one said rib of a first other said receptacle from said plurality of receptacles and at least one said rib of a second other said receptacle from said plurality of receptacles.

53- A storage unit as defined in claim 52, wherein two receptacles from said plurality of receptacles are interlocked such that said bases of said two receptacles are substantially similarly oriented and aligned.

54- A storage unit as defined in claim 52, wherein two receptacles from said plurality of receptacles are interlocked such that said bases of said two receptacles are substantially similarly oriented and offset.

55- A storage unit as defined in claim 52, wherein two receptacles from said plurality of receptacles are interlocked such that said bases of said two receptacles are oriented substantially perpendicularly to each other and substantially aligned.

56- A storage unit as defined in claim 52, wherein two receptacles from said plurality of receptacles are interlocked such that said bases of said two receptacles are oriented substantially perpendicularly to each other and offset.

57- A storage unit as defined in claim 52, wherein two receptacles from said plurality of receptacles are interlocked such that said bases of said two receptacles are oriented with an acute angle between each other with substantially aligned base centers.

58- A storage unit as defined in claim 52, wherein two receptacles from said plurality of receptacles are interlocked such that said bases of said two receptacles are oriented with an acute angle between each other with offset base centers.

59- A storage unit as defined in claim 52, wherein three receptacles from said plurality of receptacles are interlocked such that a first specific receptacle from said plurality of receptacles interlocks through a given said groove simultaneously with a second and a third said receptacle.

60- A storage unit as defined in claim 52, further comprising a pivot module including an upper part and a lower part; a. said upper part being rotatably connected to said lower portion; b. said lower part being provided with a substantially elongated groove configured and sized to either: i. releasably interlock at least one rib of one said receptacle from said plurality of receptacles; or ii. releasably interlock simultaneously at least one said rib of a first said receptacle from said plurality of receptacles and at least one said rib of a second said receptacle from said plurality of receptacles.

61- A storage unit as defined in claim 60, wherein said upper part is provided with a substantially elongated rib configured and sized to releasably interlock with at least one said groove of one said receptacle from said plurality of receptacles.

62- A storage unit as defined in claim 52, further comprising a top module including: a. a substantially flat portion provided with a groove adapted to interlock at least one rib of one said receptacle from said plurality of receptacles; and b. a substantially hemispheric portion provided with a plurality of indentations configured and sized to receive the article.

63- A storage unit as defined in claim 62, wherein the article is a Compact Disc (CD) case.

64- A storage unit as defined in claim 62, wherein the article is a Digital Video Disc (DVD) case.

65- A receptacle for storing an article, said receptacle being usable with a similar receptacle for forming a storage unit, said receptacle comprising: a. a base defining a top surface and a bottom surface; b. a substantially elongated male means provided on said top surface; and c. a substantially elongated female means provided on said bottom surface, said male means being oriented at an acute angle with respect to said female means; wherein d. said male means and said female means are configured and sized such that said receptacle and said similar receptacle are interlocked upon the insertion of said male means of said receptacle into a female means of said similar receptacle.

66- A receptacle as defined in claim 65, comprising a plurality of substantially elongated female means provided on said bottom surface, each female means from said plurality of female means being configured and sized to releasably interlock the male means of said similar receptacle.

67- A receptacle as defined in claim 66, said similar receptacle being a first similar receptacle, said receptacle being further usable with a second similar receptacle for forming a storage unit, wherein said plurality of female means further includes a plurality of substantially elongated female means a. provided on said bottom surface; and b. configured and sized to releasably interlock simultaneously the male means of said first similar receptacle and a male means of said second similar receptacle.

68- A receptacle as defined in claim 67, comprising a plurality of substantially elongated male means: a. provided on said top surface; and b. configured and sized to releasably interlock a female means of said first similar receptacle.

69- A receptacle for storing an article, said receptacle being usable with a similar receptacle for forming a storage unit, said receptacle comprising: a. a base defining a top surface and a bottom surface; b. a storage bay defined at least in part by said base and configured and sized for receiving the article; c. a substantially elongated rib extending substantially outwardly from said top surface; and d. a substantially elongated groove provided on said bottom surface; wherein i. said groove is configured and sized to releasably engage the rib of said similar receptacle; and ii. said groove is oriented at an acute angle with respect to said rib.

70- A receptacle for storing an article, said receptacle being usable with a similar receptacle for forming a storage unit, said receptacle comprising: a. a storage bay configured and sized to store the article; b. a bottom portion located below said storage bay; and c. a top portion located above said storage bay; wherein d. said bottom and top portions are configured and sized such that said bottom portion of said receptacle can releasably engage the top portion of said similar receptacle in at least five discrete coplanar orientations.