Bumper

Bobbins are one of the most iconic obsticles in the games. First appearing in Spring Yard Zone from Sonic's first game Sonic the Hedgehog (But can appear early as it is a common obsticle in the Special Stage). The bobbins work simularly to bumpers in which when Sonic comes into contact with them, he will be ricochet of them. Bobbins cal be of a nuisence as Sonic (or playing character) can be stuck bouncing among bobbins, however they can be used to advantage to propell the hero for further distance.

Incidentally, simply bouncing off a bobbin is worth 10 points.

Symolism
The yellow (sometimes white) five-pointed star on a blue circle among a red background or annulus (Usually star overlapping the blue circle) is a common symbol in the series. In Sonic the Hedgehog 2 The symbol of a star in a red annulus is the main feature of Star Post's replacing the lamppost that were the previous check-points in Sonic the Hedgehog. Also the Badnik Crawl has shields fashioned like bobbins that protect them, functioning just like the real thing.

Eversince springs have been rendered in 3D games they have been red, supporting the star-in-blue-circle design on them where Sonic jumps from. Also since Sonic Adventure, large red balloons with the star-in-blue-circle symbol are on certain stages, once popped you get a bonus item as well as useful to gliding or flying characters who need a bit of lift.