Bobbin storage clamp

Abstract

An apparatus for securing and clamping thread to a bobbin is disclosed. The invention provides for a bobbin storage clamp having two clamp ends separated by a minimal distance but not in direct contact. The bobbin clamp includes two ears for separating the clamp ends when opposite lateral force is applied to the ears. The bobbin clamp and two ears comprise a single piece construction using minimal materials to create a cost efficient, lightweight, and easy to construct bobbin storage clamp.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for clamping a bobbin:
 a circular clamp having two front clamp ends;   wherein the two front clamp ends are separated by a space between 5 and 15 degrees;   two symmetrical ears attached to a rear portion of the circular clamp;   wherein the symmetrical ears providing an opening force to the clamp ends when a lateral pressure is applied to the symmetrical ears.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the symmetrical ears comprise no more than 25 to 40 percent of the material required to manufacture the entire apparatus. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the circular clamp and symmetrical ears comprise from a single fabricated semi-flexible plastic. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the circular clamp and symmetrical ears comprise a single fabricated semi-flexible plastic. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus for clamping a bobbin:
 a circular clamp having two front clamp ends;   wherein the two front clamp ends are not in contact with each other are separated by a space between 1 to 5 millimeters;   two ears attached to a rear portion of the circular clamp;   wherein the ears providing an opening force to the clamp ends when a lateral pressure is applied to the symmetrical ears.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the symmetrical ears comprise no more than 25 to 40 percent of the material required to manufacture the entire apparatus. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the circular clamp and symmetrical ears comprise from a single fabricated semi-flexible plastic. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the circular clamp and symmetrical ears comprise from a single fabricated semi-flexible plastic. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for clamping a bobbin:
 a circular clamp having two front clamp ends;   wherein the two front clamp ends are separated by a space between 5 and 15 degrees and the width of the clamp ends are approximately 1 to 3 millimeters;   two symmetrical ears attached to a rear portion of the circular clamp;   wherein the symmetrical ears providing an opening force to the clamp ends when a lateral pressure is applied to the symmetrical ears.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the overall length of the apparatus is less than the overall length of the bobbin. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the height of circular clamp is approximately 50 to 75 percent of the height of the bobbin.