Thread storage apparatus with top and bottom connectors

Abstract

A thread storage apparatus includes a core around which thread is wound for storage. The core extends along an axial direction from a top end to a bottom end. The apparatus includes a top connector on the top end of the core, and a bottom connector on the bottom end of the core. The thread storage apparatus may be selectively attached to a first adjacent thread storage apparatus along the axial direction by connecting the top connector to a connector on the first adjacent thread storage apparatus. Similarly, the thread storage apparatus may be selectively attached to a second adjacent thread storage apparatus along the axial direction by connecting the bottom connector to a connector on the second adjacent thread storage apparatus. An assembly is formed by attaching several thread storage apparatuses in series. Adaptors are used to change between different characteristics of adjacent thread storage apparatuses in the assembly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.