ABS
ABS, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is a durable rigid plastic used in some protective cases. It is known for impact resistance, repairability, and dependable performance in many commercial and transport applications.
Specialty Cases Resource Center
Protective Case Glossary
Learn common protective case terms used when comparing shipping cases, rack cases, road cases, waterproof cases, reusable transport cases, custom foam interiors, case materials, hardware, wheels, latches, pressure valves, molded cases, ATA cases, and equipment protection solutions.
This glossary is designed for buyers, purchasing teams, schools, government agencies, AV teams, IT departments, field service groups, and anyone choosing a protective case for valuable equipment.
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A-Z Protective Case Definitions
Browse the complete glossary alphabetically. Each definition is written for buyers comparing protective cases, custom cases, reusable shipping cases, rackmount equipment cases, and transport solutions.
Need help choosing a case?
Many case terms are technical. If you are not sure whether you need a waterproof case, ATA case, rack case, custom foam interior, or reusable shipping case, our team can help match your equipment to the right option.
A
Accessory Case
An accessory case is a smaller protective case or organizer used to carry cables, chargers, batteries, adapters, tools, documents, and other support items that travel with primary equipment.
Air Case
An air case is a lightweight protective case designed to reduce case weight while still providing strong transport protection. These are useful when teams need durable protection without unnecessary bulk.
Anvil Cases
Anvil cases are custom and heavy-duty transport cases commonly used for AV, music, military, industrial, flat screen, utility, and rackmount equipment applications. Specialty Cases offers Anvil categories for flat screen cases, shockmount rack cases, and utility cases.
ATA Case
An ATA case is a heavy-duty transport case built for repeated shipping, touring, staging, or commercial transport. ATA-style cases are commonly used for AV equipment, rackmount systems, trade show gear, musical equipment, and custom industrial applications.
ATA Spec 300
ATA Spec 300 is a common air transport packaging specification often referenced for reusable shipping and transit cases. Buyers often look for ATA-style cases when equipment must withstand repeated handling, shipping, and transport.
Authorized Distributor
An authorized distributor is approved by the manufacturer to sell its products and support customers with legitimate product sourcing, warranty information, and product guidance.
Automatic Pressure Equalization Valve
An automatic pressure equalization valve helps balance internal case pressure caused by altitude, temperature, or air travel so the case is easier to open and safer to transport.
B
Bel-Air Cases
Bel-Air cases are vacuum-formed polyethylene plastic cases available in many sizes and configurations for professional storage, transport, expo, and shipping applications.
Bezel Frame
A bezel frame is a mounting frame used to install panels, electronics, displays, or controls into a protective case lid or base.
Bezel Kit
A bezel kit is an aluminum panel frame system used to mount equipment panels into the base or lid of a protective case.
Butterfly Latch
A butterfly latch is a rotating latch commonly used on road cases and ATA-style cases. It helps secure the lid during transport and repeated handling.
C
Carrying Case
A carrying case is a protective case designed for portable equipment that needs to be moved by hand, shoulder strap, wheels, or compact transport methods.
Case Finder
A case finder is a tool that helps buyers narrow case options by dimensions, equipment size, brand, wheels, or interior style. Specialty Cases offers finder paths such as the Shipping Case Finder and Multiple Laptop Case Finder.
Case Foam
Case foam is interior protective material used to cushion equipment, reduce movement, absorb impact, and create a cleaner fit inside a hard case or shipping case.
Case Sizing
Case sizing is the process of matching equipment dimensions, foam clearance, accessory storage, and handling requirements to the correct case interior and exterior dimensions.
Caster Cup
A caster cup is a recessed or mounted receiving area that helps stacked cases align with caster wheels during storage, staging, or transport.
Caster Wheels
Caster wheels help make heavier cases easier to move. Depending on the case, options may include edge wheels, inline wheels, recessed wheels, removable casters, or heavy-duty swivel casters.
Clamshell Case
A clamshell case opens like a shell with a hinged lid and base. This style is common for laptop cases, instrument cases, carrying cases, and molded protective cases.
Closed-Cell Foam
Closed-cell foam has sealed cells that resist moisture absorption and provide durable cushioning. It is often used for custom foam interiors, equipment protection, and reusable transport cases.
Convoluted Foam / Egg-Crate Foam
Convoluted foam, often called egg-crate foam, has a shaped surface used to cushion equipment and reduce movement inside a case lid or base.
Cooler
A cooler is an insulated container designed to help maintain temperature for food, drinks, samples, or temperature-sensitive items during travel, field work, events, or outdoor use.
Crushproof
Crushproof describes a case designed to resist deformation or damage when exposed to heavy pressure, stacking, or rough handling.
Custom Case
A custom case is built or configured around specific equipment dimensions, protection requirements, foam needs, hardware options, branding, or transport workflows.
Custom Foam
Custom foam is cut, shaped, or designed around specific equipment to improve fit, organization, impact protection, and presentation inside a protective case.
D
Die-Cut Foam
Die-cut foam is foam cut to specific shapes for equipment, accessories, or components. It provides a cleaner and more repeatable fit than generic foam layouts.
Divider Set
A divider set uses padded or adjustable dividers to organize equipment inside a case. Dividers are useful when gear changes frequently or when flexible compartments are needed.
Document Card Holder
A document card holder is an exterior label or document pocket used for shipping labels, identification cards, job information, or asset tracking paperwork.
Drop Protection
Drop protection describes how well a case helps protect contents from accidental drops, handling impacts, loading dock movement, vehicle transport, and field use. The right level of drop protection depends on the equipment weight, fragility, foam interior, case material, and how often the case will be moved.
Dustproof
Dustproof means the case is designed to help keep dust, dirt, sand, and fine particles from entering the interior and reaching the contents.
E
Edge Wheels
Edge wheels are built into or attached near the edge of a case so the case can be tilted and rolled during transport.
EIA Rack
An EIA rack refers to the standard rack format used for many professional electronics, AV systems, IT components, communications equipment, and rackmount hardware.
Ester Foam
Ester foam is a cushioning foam often used for shock absorption, lining, and protective interiors in transport and rack cases.
Ethafoam
Ethafoam is a durable polyethylene foam commonly used for heavy-duty cushioning, shock absorption, and custom protective case interiors.
EVA Case
An EVA case uses Ethylene Vinyl Acetate foam or semi-rigid molded material to provide lightweight structure, padding, and custom protection for equipment.
Expo Case
An expo case is designed for trade show displays, samples, marketing materials, demonstration equipment, and event assets that need to be packed, shipped, stored, and reused.
Exterior Dimensions
Exterior dimensions are the outside measurements of a case. They matter for storage, shipping, vehicle fit, pallet planning, freight, and carry-on limitations.
Eylar
Eylar produces protective cases for outdoor, photography, sporting, camping, and general-use applications where durability and portability matter.
F
Flat Screen Case
A flat screen case protects monitors, LCD screens, LED displays, TVs, trade show screens, and presentation displays during storage, shipping, and repeated transport. See flat screen cases.
Foam Density
Foam density describes how firm or supportive a foam material is. The right density depends on equipment weight, fragility, transport frequency, and shock protection requirements.
Foam Insert
A foam insert is the foam interior placed inside a case to hold, separate, cushion, and protect equipment or accessories.
Forklift Riser
A forklift riser raises a case base to allow forklift access. It is commonly used for larger, heavier, or industrial transport cases.
Front Rail
The front rail is the rack rail at the front of a rack case where rack-mounted equipment is secured for access, control, or installation.
G
Gasket
A gasket is a sealing component placed between case surfaces to help block water, dust, air, or debris from entering the case.
Gator Cases
Gator Cases manufactures protective cases for audio, video, music, rackmount, utility, and general transport applications using molded, wood, sewn, and EVA construction styles.
Gemstar Cases
Gemstar cases are industrial protective cases used for demanding applications where rugged construction, reusable transport, and equipment protection are important.
Government Purchasing
Government purchasing refers to orders placed by federal, state, local, educational, or public sector buyers that may require quotes, purchase orders, W9 forms, 889 compliance documents, or procurement support.
Gun Case
A gun case is a lockable protective case designed for safe storage and transport of firearms, optics, magazines, and related gear.
H
Handle
A case handle is used to lift, carry, pull, or position a protective case. Handle styles may include molded handles, rubber overmolded handles, recessed handles, spring-loaded handles, and telescoping pull handles.
Hasps for Locks
Hasps are slotted hinged metal plates that allow a case to be secured with a padlock, pin, or locking hardware.
Heavy-Duty Case
A heavy-duty case is built for demanding transport, repeated handling, heavy equipment, industrial use, field work, or shipping environments where standard storage cases may not provide enough protection.
I
Impact Resistance
Impact resistance describes a case’s ability to withstand bumps, drops, vibration, stacking pressure, and rough handling. Molded cases, ATA road cases, custom foam interiors, and shock racks can all improve impact protection depending on the application.
In-Line Skate Wheels
In-line skate wheels are smooth-rolling wheels often used on upright pull-style cases for easier movement across floors, sidewalks, and event spaces.
Ingress Protection
Ingress protection refers to how well a case helps prevent dust, dirt, sand, moisture, spray, or water from entering the interior. Buyers often compare ingress protection when choosing waterproof cases, dustproof cases, field cases, and outdoor transport cases.
Injection Molded
Injection molding is a manufacturing process that forms hard plastic cases by injecting molten plastic into a mold. It is commonly used for strong, repeatable protective case designs.
Interior Dimensions
Interior dimensions are the inside measurements of a case. These are critical when matching equipment size, foam clearance, accessory storage, and usable space.
IP Rating
An IP rating describes how well a product resists dust and water intrusion. Buyers often compare IP ratings when choosing waterproof, dustproof, or outdoor-use protective cases.
IP65
IP65 generally indicates strong dust protection and resistance to water jets. It is useful terminology when comparing protective cases for wet, dirty, or outdoor environments.
IP67
IP67 generally indicates dust-tight protection and temporary water immersion resistance under defined conditions. Many waterproof hard cases reference IP67 protection.
IP68
IP68 generally indicates dust-tight protection and water immersion resistance beyond IP67 under manufacturer-defined conditions.
L
Laptop Case
A laptop case protects one or more laptops during storage, deployment, shipping, travel, school use, field work, or enterprise IT rollouts. See laptop and tablet cases.
Laptop Case Finder
The Laptop Case Finder helps buyers match laptop quantity and device size to compatible multiple laptop cases, especially for schools, IT teams, training programs, and deployment projects. Use the Multiple Laptop Case Finder.
Latch
A latch secures the lid or closure of a case. Common styles include trigger latches, twist latches, butterfly latches, keylockable latches, and padlockable latches.
Lid Depth
Lid depth is the usable depth inside the lid portion of a case. It matters for rack cases, foam layouts, lid organizers, cable clearance, and equipment access.
Lid Organizer
A lid organizer adds pockets or compartments inside the case lid for small items such as cables, batteries, tools, pens, documents, and accessories.
Lid Stay
A lid stay helps control how far a case lid opens, improving safety and usability when accessing equipment.
Load Rating
Load rating describes the amount of weight a case, caster, handle, shelf, or component is designed to support. It is important for heavy equipment and rolling cases.
M
Made-to-Order Case
A made-to-order case is built or configured for a specific application, equipment size, quantity, color, hardware option, foam layout, or transport requirement.
Maximum Carry-On Case
A maximum carry-on case is sized for travel while providing protective storage for laptops, tools, cameras, presentation equipment, or compact field gear. Always confirm current airline size rules before travel.
MIL-STD-810
MIL-STD-810 is a military testing standard often referenced for rugged equipment and protective cases designed for demanding environmental or transport conditions.
Military Grade
Military grade generally refers to products built to meet defined military-style performance expectations for strength, reliability, environmental protection, or transport durability.
Mobility Kit
A mobility kit adds rolling functionality to a case and may include casters, mounting plates, pull handles, or other components for easier transport.
Molded-In Hinges
Molded-in hinges are formed as part of the case shell, creating a strong integrated connection between the lid and base.
Monitor Case
A monitor case protects computer monitors, flat screens, presentation displays, and AV screens during storage, shipping, trade shows, and mobile deployment.
Multiple Laptop Case
A multiple laptop case protects and organizes several laptops or Chromebooks in one case for schools, training teams, enterprise rollouts, repair programs, and mobile IT deployments.
N
Nanuk
Nanuk manufactures injection-molded protective cases used by professionals, technicians, photographers, industrial teams, and field users.
NEMA Rating
A NEMA rating describes enclosure protection against environmental conditions such as dust, water, corrosion, or impact. It may be considered when comparing cases or enclosures for industrial use.
O
O-Ring
An O-ring is a circular gasket used to create a watertight or airtight seal between case surfaces.
Open-Cell Foam
Open-cell foam has interconnected cells that feel softer and more breathable. It is often used for cushioning lighter equipment or lining applications.
P
Padlockable Latch
A padlockable latch includes a hasp or lock point so the case can be secured with a padlock during storage, transport, or shipping.
Panel Mount Kit
A panel mount kit allows electronics, controls, displays, or custom panels to be mounted into a case for presentation, operation, or field deployment.
Parker Cases
Parker cases are protective shipping and carrying cases used for equipment storage, transport, and reusable shipping applications.
Pelican Cases
Pelican Cases are professional protective cases used in military, industrial, photography, emergency response, and commercial equipment transport applications. See Pelican Products.
Pick and Pluck Foam
Pick and pluck foam is pre-scored foam that allows users to remove small sections by hand to create a basic custom-fit interior.
Polyethylene Foam
Polyethylene foam is a durable closed-cell foam used for cushioning heavier equipment, custom inserts, reusable transport protection, and industrial case interiors.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene is a lightweight, chemical-resistant plastic used in many hard protective cases. It offers strong durability and dependable performance in demanding transport environments.
Pressure Equalization
Pressure equalization helps balance air pressure inside a sealed case when altitude, temperature, or air travel changes. This feature can make a waterproof case easier to open and helps reduce pressure-related stress on the case seal.
Pressure Relief Valve
A pressure relief valve helps equalize internal case pressure caused by altitude, air travel, or temperature changes, making the case easier to open and safer for transport.
Pro Audio Case
A pro audio case protects microphones, mixers, wireless systems, rack equipment, cables, speakers, lighting gear, and related AV equipment during storage, transport, and event use.
Protector Case
A protector case is a heavy-duty protective case designed for rugged environments where impact, dust, water, and transport protection are important.
Purchase Order Support
Purchase order support helps schools, agencies, government buyers, and business purchasing teams order cases using formal PO documentation, quotes, and procurement workflows.
Purge Valve
A purge valve helps control pressure inside a sealed case. It is often discussed with waterproof cases, air travel, altitude changes, and pressure equalization.
R
Rack Case
A rack case protects and transports rack-mounted electronics, typically in the standard 19-inch rack format used for AV, IT, broadcast, communications, and control equipment. See rack cases.
Rack Depth
Rack depth is the distance from the front rack rail to the rear rack rail. It helps determine whether equipment, cabling, airflow, and service clearance will fit inside the rack case.
Rack Rail
Rack rails are the metal mounting rails inside a rack case where rackmount equipment is secured.
Rack Unit / U
A rack unit, often written as U, measures rack height. One rack unit equals 1.75 inches of vertical rack space.
Rear Rail
The rear rail is the back rack rail in a rack case. It may be used to support deeper rackmount equipment, rear-mounted hardware, or cable management.
Recessed Hardware
Recessed hardware sits into the case surface to reduce snagging and improve protection during transport. Common examples include recessed handles, latches, and wheels.
Removable Rack
A removable rack is a rack frame or rackmount case design that allows equipment to be removed from the outer case shell for access, installation, or deployment.
Reusable Shipping Case
A reusable shipping case is built for repeated shipments instead of single-use packaging. It helps protect valuable equipment while reducing replacement packaging needs over time.
Road Case
A road case is a heavy-duty transport case built for equipment that is frequently moved, shipped, staged, or handled in production, touring, AV, industrial, and field environments.
Roto Molded
Roto molded, or rotationally molded, cases are formed by rotating heated material inside a mold to create durable hollow plastic case shells.
Rubber Overmolded Handles
Rubber overmolded handles add comfort and grip while preserving the strength needed for carrying and handling protective cases.
S
Seahorse Cases
Seahorse Cases are waterproof and crush-resistant protective cases used for professional, industrial, field, and equipment transport applications.
Server Shipping Case
A server shipping case protects servers, switches, networking equipment, and rackmount IT hardware during deployment, relocation, storage, or shipping. See server shipping cases.
Shipping Case
A shipping case is designed to protect equipment during transport by parcel carrier, freight, vehicle, air, or repeated business shipping workflows. See shipping cases.
Shipping Case Finder
The Shipping Case Finder helps buyers enter minimum interior dimensions and filter by brand, wheels, and interior protection to find matching or larger shipping cases. Use the Shipping Case Finder.
Shipping Plate
A shipping plate is an exterior area or attached plate used for labels, shipping documents, asset tags, or identification information.
Shock Absorption
Shock absorption is the ability of a case, foam insert, divider system, or rack suspension system to reduce the force transferred to equipment during drops, vibration, transport, or rough handling.
Shock Mounting
Shock mounting uses cushioning, isolation, or suspension to help protect sensitive equipment from vibration and impact. It is especially important for rackmount electronics, servers, audio equipment, broadcast systems, and other fragile hardware.
Shock Rack
A shock rack is a rack case with shock-absorbing protection around the internal rack frame. It helps protect sensitive rack-mounted electronics from vibration and impact.
Shockproof
Shockproof describes a case or interior system designed to absorb impact, vibration, drops, or handling stress to help protect the contents.
SKB Cases
SKB Cases manufactures injection-molded and roto-molded protective cases for music, military, industrial, sports, AV, and professional equipment transport. See SKB Cases.
Stackable
Stackable cases are designed so multiple cases can be safely stacked for storage, staging, shipping, or transport.
Stacking Caster Cup
A stacking caster cup helps align wheeled cases when they are stacked, improving stability during storage, staging, or transport.
Static Rack
A static rack is a rack case where the rack frame is fixed in place. It is often used when removable rack access is not required.
Stock Case
A stock case is a standard pre-made case available in set dimensions, materials, colors, or configurations. It is often faster to source than a custom case.
Submersible
Submersible means a case is designed to maintain protection when fully submerged under defined conditions.
T
Tablet Case
A tablet case protects iPads, tablets, mobile devices, accessories, and charging equipment during transport, classroom use, field work, deployment, or storage.
Telescoping Handle
A telescoping handle extends from a rolling case so the user can pull the case during transport. It is common on wheeled carrying cases and travel cases.
Transit Case
A transit case is a protective case designed for transportation, storage, and repeated handling of sensitive or valuable equipment.
Trigger Release Latch
A trigger release latch is a secure compression-style latch that sits close to the case surface and opens using a trigger mechanism.
Tripod Case
A tripod case is a protective case designed for tripods, lighting stands, speaker stands, survey equipment, or other long narrow gear.
TSA Lock
A TSA lock is a travel lock designed so authorized airport security personnel can inspect luggage or cases without damaging the lock.
Twist Latches / Butterfly Latches
Twist latches and butterfly latches use a rotating cam-style mechanism to secure the lid of a case during storage or transport.
U
Ultra High Strength Polypropylene Copolymer Resin
This high-performance thermoplastic is used in some professional and military-style protective cases for impact resistance, durability, and environmental protection.
Underwater Kinetics
Underwater Kinetics manufactures protective cases and related products for industrial, military, diving, and professional use.
Usable Interior Space
Usable interior space is the actual space available for equipment after accounting for lid depth, foam, dividers, wheel wells, handles, hardware, and molded interior features.
Utility Case
A utility case is a general-purpose protective case used for tools, kits, electronics, instruments, samples, field gear, or custom equipment layouts. See utility cases.
V
Vacuum Formed Case
A vacuum formed case is made by shaping heated plastic over a mold using vacuum pressure. This process is used for many lightweight and professional transport cases.
Valance
A valance is the mating edge or frame where the lid and base of a case meet. It helps with alignment, closure, and sealing.
Vibration Protection
Vibration protection helps reduce the movement and repeated shock that equipment can experience during vehicle transport, shipping, rolling, staging, or field deployment. Foam interiors, shock racks, and properly fitted cases can help improve vibration protection.
W
Warranty
A warranty is the manufacturer’s written promise covering product quality, defects, repair, replacement, or service within defined terms.
Water-Resistant
Water-resistant means a case can help protect against limited water exposure, such as splashes or light rain, but may not be designed for immersion.
Waterproof
Waterproof means a case is designed to protect contents from water exposure such as rain, splashing, or immersion under defined conditions.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
Waterproof cases are designed for stronger water protection under defined conditions, while water-resistant cases offer more limited protection. Always compare the case rating and intended use before choosing.
Weather-Resistant
Weather-resistant describes a case that can help protect contents from outdoor exposure such as light rain, dust, dirt, humidity, or changing conditions. It is not always the same as waterproof, so buyers should compare the case rating, gasket, latch design, and intended use.
Wheeled Case
A wheeled case includes built-in or attached wheels to make heavier equipment easier to move through offices, schools, warehouses, events, airports, job sites, and loading areas.
Need Help Choosing the Right Case?
Case terminology can be technical, especially when comparing materials, protection ratings, foam interiors, rack sizes, pressure valves, wheels, hardware, shipping requirements, and custom case options. Our team can help you match the right case to your equipment, environment, budget, and purchasing workflow.
