A protective case is a type of covering that is designed to protect an item from damage. The term 'protective case' can refer to a variety of different types of coverings, such as a SHEATH or sheathing. A SHEATH is a close-fitting covering that is made of a material such as leather, plastic, or fabric, and is used to protect an object from damage. Sheathing is a type of protective covering that is made of multiple layers of material, such as metal, wood, or plastic, and is used to protect an object from the elements.