Sheath assembly mechanism

Abstract

A cover 20 has a cover body 24 having a front plate 30 and a back plate 28 spaced apart from the front plate. The front plate and the back plate define a cavity 26 within the cover body. The cavity is accessible from the outside through an opening formed between the front plate and the back plate. Snap fasteners 44 are positioned around the front and back sides of the back plate. The snap fasteners each include a male component 62 and a female component 64. The male and female components of each fastener are mounted on opposite sides of the back plate. The male component includes a projection 90 extending away from the cover body. The female component defines a recess 112 complementary to the projection.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62,857,902, filed on June 6, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of sheaths, and more particularly to the field of sheaths suitable for storing knives or other tools. Summary of the invention

[0004] At least one embodiment relates to a sheath. The sheath has a sheath body having a front plate and a rear plate spaced apart from the front plate. The front plate and the rear plate define a cavity within the sheath body. The cavity is accessible from the outside through an opening formed between the front plate and the rear plate. A snap fastener is positioned around the rear plate of the sheath body. The snap fasteners each include a male component and a female component. The male component and the female component are mounted on opposite sides of the rear plate. The male component includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the sheath body. The female component defines a recess complementary to the protrusion.

[0005] Another embodiment is directed to a sheath. The sheath has a sheath body having a front plate and a rear plate spaced from the front plate and extending along a longitudinal axis. The front plate and the rear plate define a cavity that is accessible from the outside through an opening formed between the front plate and the rear plate. A flange is integrally formed with the rear plate of the sheath body and extends outwardly away from each side of the cavity. The flange supports a snap fastener extending outwardly away from each side of the flange. The flange further defines an elongated recess, each having a major axis extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0006] Another embodiment relates to a sheath assembly. The sheath assembly includes a first sheath and a second sheath. The first sheath has a first sheath body defining a first cavity. The first sheath body also has a first flange extending outward from a portion of the first cavity. A first group of snap fasteners extends outward from each side of the first flange. The second sheath has a second sheath body defining a second cavity. The second sheath body has a second flange extending outward along a portion of the second cavity. The second group of snap fasteners extends outward from each side of the second flange. The first group of snap fasteners includes a first group of male parts and a first group of female parts. The first group of male parts each has a protrusion extending outward toward the second flange away from the first flange. The second group of snap fasteners includes a second group of male parts and a second group of female parts. The second group of female parts each defines a recess that selectively receives the protrusion of the first group of male parts to connect the first sheath body to the second sheath body.

[0007] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way.Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or methods described herein will become apparent from the detailed description set forth herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The present invention will be more fully understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a knife received within a sheath according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0010] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A perspective view of a knife partially removed from a sheath;

[0011] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A front perspective view of the sheath shown alone;

[0012] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A front view of the sheath;

[0013] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A rear view of the sheath;

[0014] Figure 3 is along Figure 2B Line 3-3 in the Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a sheath;

[0015] Figure 4 is along Figure 2B Line 4-4 in the Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of a sheath;

[0016] Figure 5 is along Figure 2B Line 5-5 in the Figure 2A A perspective cross-sectional view of a sheath;

[0017] Fig. 6A yes Figure 2A A front view of a snap fastener of the sheath;

[0018] Figure 6B is along Fig. 6A Line 6B-6B in the Fig. 6A A cross-sectional view of a snap fastener;

[0019] Fig. 7A yes Fig. 6A A front view of the male component of the snap fastener;

[0020] Figure 7Bis along Fig. 7A Line 7B-7B in the Fig. 7A A cross-sectional view of a male component;

[0021] Fig. 8A yes Fig. 6A a rear view of the female component of the snap fastener;

[0022] Figure 8B is along Fig. 8A Line 7B-7B in the Fig. 8A A cross-sectional view of a female part;

[0023] Figures 9A-9C is a front view of sheaths of different sizes having a universal connection mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Fig. 10A Is Figures 9A-9C An exploded view of the sheath assembly formed by each of the different sizes of sheaths; and

[0025] Fig. 10B yes Figures 9A-9C A perspective view of each of the jackets connected together in a stacked jacket assembly.

[0026] Detailed description

[0027] Before turning to the drawings that describe in detail certain exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0028] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, a modular sheath and sheath assembly are shown. The modular sheaths can each be used to form a stacked sheath assembly and each include a sheath body forming an elongated cavity having an opening formed at one end for receiving and storing a knife or tool. Each sheath includes a universal connection mechanism that can be used to create a customizable sheath assembly having different numbers and / or sizes of sheaths. Each sheath within the assembly is removably connected together so that the type of sheaths within the assembly, the order of the sheaths, and the number of sheaths can be easily adjusted to form a personalized sheath assembly.

[0029] The universal connection mechanism on each sheath comprises snap fasteners positioned around the flange in an array. The snap fasteners each comprise a male part and a female part that are complementary to each other and positioned on the opposite sides of the flange. The male part of each snap fastener extends forward away from the sheath body and is configured to form an interference fit (interference fit) with the female part of other snap fasteners on other sheaths, containers or tools. The male part and the female part are coaxially mounted to each other using, for example, rivets extending through the flange. The relative male part and female part of the snap fastener allow a single sheath to be removably connected to an additional sheath or tool on each side of the front and rear sides of the sheath body. The flange may further comprise a second connection mechanism in the form of an extended recess positioned between the snap fasteners.

[0030] refer to Figure 1A and 1B , the sheath 20 receives and stores a knife 22 or other tool having an edge, blade 25, or working surface that is advantageously protected during storage and transport. The sheath 20 includes a sheath body 24 that defines and surrounds a cavity 26 within the sheath 20. The cavity 26 is configured to removably receive and store a knife 22, a hand saw, a multi-tool, or other tool type.

[0031] Additional references Figure 2A-5, the structure of the sheath body 24 is further defined. The sheath body 24 has a continuous frame molded or otherwise formed into a shape having a rear plate 28 and a raised front plate 30 spaced apart from the rear plate 28. The space between the raised front plate 30 and the rear plate 28 defines a cavity 26. The front plate 30 and the rear plate 28 are connected to each other (e.g., integrally connected) and extend away from each other at a base 32 of the cavity 26 that can be formed on or near one end 34 of the sheath body 24. The front plate 30 and the rear plate 28 each extend away from the base 32 along a longitudinal axis XX that is substantially parallel to each other (e.g., within about 15 degrees). In some embodiments, the front plate 30 and the rear plate 28 extend away from the base 32 at a slightly acute angle (e.g., between 1 degree and 15 degrees). The acute angle between the front plate 30 and the rear plate 28 forms a tapered cavity 26 that widens as it extends away from the base 32. At or near the second end 38 of the guard body 24, an opening 36 is formed between the front plate 30 and the rear plate 28 at a location opposite the base 32. The opening 36 forms an external entrance to the cavity 26 so that the blade 25 or working surface of the tool can be pushed into and secured within the cavity 26. An integral biasing element (e.g., a stopper 37 formed on or otherwise connected to a cantilevered arm 39) can be formed within the cavity to secure the blade 25 or working surface within the cavity 26 once it has entered or passed through the opening 36. The cavity 26 can be sized so that a portion of the handle 23 of the knife 22 or tool protrudes upwardly beyond the guard 20 and remains accessible even when the knife 22 or tool is received and secured within the cavity 26.

[0032] The sheath body 24 supports a connection mechanism 40 configured to interface with other sheaths, tools, or belts. The connection mechanism 40 generally includes a flange 42 formed in the back plate 28 of the sheath body 24, a snap fastener 44 supported and connected by the flange 42, and an extended recess 46 formed in the flange 42. The flange 42 is integrally formed with the back plate 28 and extends outward away from each side of the cavity 26 and the front plate 30. The flange 42 is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis XX (e.g., within machining or molding tolerances). In some embodiments, the flange 42 has a flat rear mounting surface 48 and a flat front mounting surface 50 formed on the opposite side of the back plate 28. The flat mounting surfaces 48, 50 extend parallel to each other and support the snap fastener 44, as explained in detail below. The front plate 30 can form an acute angle relative to the flat mounting surfaces 48, 50 so that the width of the cavity increases away from the base 32.

[0033] The arms 52 extend outwardly and rearwardly away from each side of the flange 42. The arms 52 may include angled portions 54, 56 extending toward upper and lower ends 58, 60 away from each other from the flange 42 and extending to a bridge member 61 spanning between the two angled portions 54, 56. The bridge member 61 extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis XX and may have an almost constant thickness along its entire length. The arms 52 and flange 42 together define an extended recess 46 formed in each side of the back plate 28, the bridge member 61 defining the outermost portion of each extended recess 46. For example, the extended recess 46 can be used as a belt loop that allows the shield body 24 to be supported on or near a person's waist. The extended recesses 46 each have a main axis YY extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis XX.

[0034] The flange 42 receives and supports snap fasteners 44. The snap fasteners 44 are spaced apart from one another around the flange 42 and are configured to both extend into and receive another snap (e.g., snap fasteners 244, 344, connected to the second sheath 220 or the third sheath 320, as shown in FIG. Figures 10A-10B ). In some embodiments, the snap fasteners 44 are positioned on the flange 42 in a rectangular array. The snap fasteners 44 can be secured to each of the upper and lower ends 58, 60 of the flange 42, above and below each angled portion 54, 56 of the arm, and above and below each extended recess 46. In some embodiments, the spacing between the bottom snap fastener pair 44A and the top snap fastener pair 44B can be different. For example, the bottom snap fastener pair 44A can be positioned closer together than the top snap fastener pair 44B, which can help ensure that any additional sheaths or tools connected to the snap fasteners 44 are properly aligned (e.g., the additional sheaths or tools are positioned right-side up, not upside down).

[0035] Each snap fastener 44 includes a male component 62 and a female component 64 mounted on opposite sides of the flange 42. The male component 62 and the female component 64 can be connected to each other using, for example, a rivet 66 extending through a hole 68 formed through the flange 42. The rivet 66 forms an interference fit with each of the male component 62 and the female component 64 to securely connect each component 62, 64 together to form a respective snap fastener 44 assembly. In some embodiments, bosses 70, 72 are formed in the flat mounting surfaces 48, 50 of the respective flanges 42 to help position and fix each component 62, 64 in place on the flange 42. For example, the first boss 70 can extend away from the flat rear mounting surface 48. The first boss 70 has a generally cylindrical outer wall 74 that surrounds and defines a hole 76. The hole 76 can receive and form a clearance that fits a portion of the female component 64, and can be used to help position and fix the female component 64 to the flange 42. The second boss 72 can extend away from the flat front mounting surface 50. The second boss 72 can include one or more concentric cylindrical walls 78, 80 that extend outwardly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX away from the flat front mounting surface 50. The inner cylindrical wall 78 can surround and define a second hole 82 that can help position and secure the male component 62 to the flange 42. In some embodiments, the cylindrical outer wall 74 and the cylindrical walls 78, 80 are concentric with each other.

[0036] Additional references Figures 6A-8B , describes the structure of each snap fastener 44. As previously described, each snap fastener 44 includes a male part 62 and a female part 64 positioned opposite to the male part 62 and connected to the male part 62 using a rivet 66. The male part 62 has a generally annular shape extending around a central axis ZZ. The body 84 of the male part 62 has a raised edge 86 extending around the periphery of the male part 62 and around a base 88, which extends inwardly away from the edge 86 toward the central axis ZZ. A protrusion 90 centered along the central axis ZZ extends vertically away from the base 88, upwardly exceeding the raised edge 86. The protrusion 90 can have a generally cylindrical outer shape. In some embodiments, a rim 92 is formed at one end of the protrusion 90. The rim 92 extends radially outward from the generally cylindrical outer shape of the protrusion 90, and can be elastically bent relative to the rest of the protrusion 90 to help assist the connection process, as described below.

[0037] A boss 94 may be formed on the body 84 opposite the protrusion 90 and about the central axis ZZ. The boss 94 extends away from the base 88 and about a passage 96 formed through the base 88. The passage 96 leads to a hole 98 formed in the protrusion 90. The hole 98 is defined by a diameter greater than the passage 96, resulting in a counterbored hole formed through the body 84. The difference in diameter between the passage 96 and the hole 98 forms a seat 100 that can be used to receive and secure a head 102 of the rivet 66, as shown in FIG. Figure 6B In some embodiments, the teeth 104 extend outwardly away from the base 88 of the body 84. The teeth 104 can be positioned in a circular array around the base 88, radially inward from the raised edge 86, and around the central axis ZZ. The teeth 104 can engage and secure the male component 62 to the front side of the flange 42.

[0038] Similar to the male component 62, the female component 64 has a generally annular shape extending around the central axis AA. The body 106 of the female component 64 has a generally cylindrical circumference extending between the connecting surface 108 and the mounting surface 110. A recess 112 is formed in the connecting surface 108 and extends inwardly to a shoulder 114, which may extend in a plane generally coplanar with the mounting surface 110. The recess 112 may be defined by a generally cylindrical wall 116 around the central axis AA. In some embodiments, an edge 118 extends radially inwardly from the generally cylindrical wall 116. The edge 118 may be formed as an overhang extending over a portion of the shoulder 114. The overhang may also elastically and selectively allow access to the recess 112. In some embodiments, a series of channels 120 are formed in the generally cylindrical wall 116 to divide the edge 118 into several parts, which facilitates additional bending of the edge 118 relative to the cylindrical wall 116. The channel 120 may extend downwardly from the edge 118 to the shoulder 114 in a direction parallel to the central axis AA.

[0039] The locating boss 122 can extend away from the mounting surface 110 in a direction opposite the connecting surface 108. The locating boss can also be defined by a generally cylindrical surface that can be configured to be located within the hole 76 formed in the flange 42. The central passage 124 can extend through the locating boss 122, coaxial with the central axis AA and concentric with the recess 112. In some embodiments, the female component 64 is a continuous component.

[0040] The snap fasteners 44 are secured together using rivets 66 on the flange 42. During assembly, the locating boss 122 may be positioned within and engaged with the hole 76, and the boss 94 may be positioned within and engaged with the second hole 82 of the flange 42. The rivet 66 may then be passed through each of the male component 62, the flange 42, and the female component 64. The rivet 66 forms an interference fit with the central passage 124, the hole 68 formed in the flange 42, and the passage 96 formed in the male component 62 to secure each snap fastener 44 in place. In some embodiments, the head 102 of the rivet 66 is received within the hole 98 and engages the base 100 to secure the female component 64, the male component 62, and the rivet 66 together in the assembly.

[0041] The male and female components 62, 64 of the snap fastener 44 are configured to receive and connect to another snap fastener 244, 344 of the same size and shape, such as Figures 9A-10B As shown. The protrusion 90 formed in the male component 62 is configured to fit securely and coaxially in the recess 112 of the female component 64 to form a connection. When the male component 62 is pushed toward the female component 64, the edge 92 initially engages with an edge 118 formed on a portion of a generally cylindrical wall 116. The generally dimensional overlap causes the edge 118 to hinder the edge 92 and the protrusion 90 from entering the recess 112. However, because the edge 92 and the edge 118 are each elastically formed, an axial force of sufficient strength causes the edge 118 and / or the edge 92 to bend until the protrusion 90 is able to enter the recess 112. The edge 92 can be defined by a larger diameter than the recess 112, so that the edge 92 engages the cylindrical wall 116 of the recess 112 when it attempts to elastically return to its resting shape. The natural outward bending of the edge 92 fixes the male component 62 in the female component 64 to form a connection. The protrusion 90 may be easily removed from the recess 112 by providing sufficient axial force in the opposite direction, which causes the edge 118 to flex outwardly until the rim 92 may be removed from the recess 112 .

[0042] Using a universal connection mechanism 40, modular sheaths 20, 220, 320 having different body 24, 224, 324 sizes and shapes can be connected together and arranged in a personalized manner. Each sheath body 24, 224, 324 is equipped with the same connection mechanism 40, including a flange 42 and snap fasteners 44, 244, 344 arranged in the same generally rectangular array. The sheaths 20, 220, 320 can each support cavities 26, 226, 326 of different depths suitable for receiving knives or tools of different sizes and types, and can be arranged in a stacking assembly according to the individual needs of the worker. In some embodiments, sheaths 20, 220, 320 having similarly sized bodies 24, 224, 324 can also be connected together in a shaft assembly.

[0043] like Figures 10A-10B As shown, the modular housings 20, 220, 320 can be arranged in a stacked housing assembly 400 by connecting the snap fasteners 44, 244, 344 in series. For example, the protrusion 390 of each male component 362 on the third housing 320 can extend into and engage the recess 212 formed in the female component 264 of the snap fastener 244 formed on the second housing 220. At the same time, the protrusions 290 of the male components 262 of the snap fasteners 244 each extend into and engage the recess 112 formed in the female component 64 of the snap fastener 44, which forms a stack of three housings 20, 220, 320 connected together. The male component 62 of the first housing 20 continues to extend outward and can be engaged with another female component (not shown) to form a larger stacked housing assembly 400. Similarly, the female component 364 of the snap fastener 344 can receive a protrusion from another set of male components (not shown) to adjust the size of the stacked assembly. The snap fasteners 44, 244, 344 are each coaxially aligned with each other to form a stacked sheath assembly 400. Although an assembly of three sheaths arranged in a stack is shown, various modifications of the sheath assembly can include more (e.g., 4-5) or fewer (e.g., 1 or 2) sheaths, which can be modified according to the needs of the user. Similarly, a stack of two or more sheaths of the same size (e.g., a stack of two or more sheaths 20) can be connected together.

[0044] The snap fasteners 44, 244, 344 connected to each sheath 20, 220, 320 allow the user to quickly connect multiple knife or tool sheaths together in a desired configuration that can meet the needs of completing a single task. The removable connection formed between each sheath 20, 220, 320 forms a modular and customizable sheath that can be arranged in a compact, stacked orientation with each flange 42 and extended recess 46 aligned with each other. Different types of sheaths can also be connected together as long as each sheath has the same universal connection mechanism 40 and snap fastener 44 array. For example, when each sheath is equipped with the same snap fastener 44 orientation, hard sheaths (e.g., for knives) and soft sheaths (e.g., for pliers or multi-purpose tools) can be arranged together in a stacking assembly. Therefore, the front plate 30 and the rear plate 28 described above can be formed of rigid, semi-rigid or flexible materials, including polymers (e.g., acrylic-polyvinyl chloride compounds, nylon), leather or other synthetic materials.

[0045] The same connection mechanism 40 and snap fastener 44 array can also be directly applied to tools or other storage mechanisms. For example, the flange 42 and rectangular array of snap fasteners 44 can be positioned around the body of a tape measure (not shown), a hammer or other tool. Other non-sheath parts or accessories can also be provided with snap fasteners 44, including belt clips or accessories, whetstones, lighters (fire striker), accessory bags, external belts, etc. By providing a universal connection mechanism 40 for each different type of accessory, a compact, adjustable and modular tool assembly can be quickly created in several possible directions to complete a specific task. For example, a camping tool assembly and a building tool assembly can each be easily created by the same modular assembly group. In an embodiment, the connection mechanism 40 can also be changed. For example, each snap fastener 44, 244, 344 can include two male parts 62, 262, 362 (or two female parts 64, 264, 364) mounted on opposite sides of the sheath body 24, 224, 324. Alternatively, the female component 64, 264, 364 of each snap fastener 44, 244, 344 can be mounted to the front mounting surface 50 of the flange 42, while the male component 62, 262, 362 is mounted to the rear mounting surface 48 of the flange 42. In a further example, the snap fasteners 44, 244, 344 can alternate. The male components 62, 262, 362 of some snap fasteners 44, 244, 344 (e.g., the bottom pair 44A) can be mounted to the front mounting surface 50, while the female components 64, 264, 364 of other snap fasteners 44, 244, 344 (e.g., the top pair 44B) are also mounted to the front mounting surface 50.

[0046] No claim element herein is to be construed under 35 USC §112(f) unless the element is expressly recited by the phrase "meant to."

[0047] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present invention belongs. Those skilled in the art who review the present invention should understand that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the present invention as described in the appended claims.

[0048] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations thereof used herein to describe various embodiments are intended to indicate that these embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and these terms do not imply that these embodiments are necessarily the most specific or superlative examples).

[0049] As used herein, the term "connected" and variations thereof refer to the direct or indirect connection of two components to one another. Such connection may be fixed (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such connection may be achieved by two components being directly connected to one another, the two components being connected to one another using a separate intermediate component and any additional intermediate components, or the two components being connected to one another using an intermediate component that is integrally formed with one of the two components into a single entity. If "connected" or variations thereof are modified by additional terms (e.g., directly connected), the general definition of "connected" described above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional terms (e.g., "directly connected" refers to the connection of two components without any separate intermediate components), resulting in a narrower definition than the general definition of "connected" described above.

[0050] As used herein, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (not exclusive sense), so when used to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Unless otherwise specifically stated, conjunctions such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" are understood to mean that the element can be X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, such conjunctions do not generally mean that certain embodiments require that at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z are all present.

[0051] References to element positions (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below") herein are only used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that according to other exemplary embodiments, the orientation of various elements may be different, and these variations are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0052] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the sheath shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. In addition, any element disclosed in one embodiment can be merged or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only an example of an element from one embodiment is described above can be merged or used in another embodiment, it should be understood that other elements of the various embodiments can be merged or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A sheath comprising: a sheath body having a front plate and a rear plate spaced apart from the front plate, the front plate and the rear plate defining a cavity therein, the cavity being accessible from the exterior through an opening formed between the front plate and the rear plate; and a plurality of snap fasteners positioned about the back plate of the cover body, the plurality of snap fasteners each comprising a male component and a female component mounted on opposite sides of the back plate, the male component comprising a protrusion extending away from the cover body, and the female component defining a recess complementary to the protrusion, The male and female components of each snap fastener are connected together using rivets extending through the back plate.

2. The sheath of claim 1, wherein in each of the plurality of snap fasteners, the protrusion of the male component is cylindrical and is coaxially positioned with the recess of the corresponding female component.

3. The cover of claim 1, wherein the back panel is further defined by a flange extending outwardly away from the cavity, and wherein each of the plurality of snap fasteners is connected by the flange.

4. The sheath of claim 3, wherein the snap fasteners are connected to the flange in a rectangular array spanning the cavity.

5. The sheath of claim 1, wherein a rim of the projection is defined by an outer diameter that is larger than an inner diameter defined by the recess.

6. The sheath of claim 1 , wherein the protrusion of each male component within the plurality of snap fasteners is configured to extend into a recess formed in a female component within a second plurality of snap fasteners supported by a second sheath body, and wherein the recess of each female component within the plurality of snap fasteners is configured to receive a protrusion of a male component within a third plurality of snap fasteners supported by a third sheath body.

7. The sheath of claim 6, wherein each snap fastener of the plurality of snap fasteners, each snap fastener of the second plurality of snap fasteners, and each snap fastener of the third plurality of snap fasteners are substantially the same size and are configured to be stacked in series with one another.

8. A sheath comprising: a sheath body having a front plate and a rear plate spaced apart from the front plate and extending along a longitudinal axis, the front plate and the rear plate defining a cavity therein, the cavity being accessible from the exterior through an opening formed between the front plate and the rear plate; as well as a flange integrally formed with the back plate and outwardly away from each side of the cavity, supporting snap fasteners extending outwardly away from the front and rear sides of the flange and defining elongated recesses each having a major axis extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein each of the snap fasteners includes a male component mounted to the front side of the back plate and a female component mounted to the back side of the back plate, the male component including a protrusion extending away from the flange and the female component defining a recess formed therein, The male and female components of each snap fastener are connected together using rivets extending through the flange.

9. The sheath of claim 8, wherein the flange is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis.

10. The sheath of claim 8, wherein the flange includes a planar rear mounting surface forming a first portion of the rear plate and a planar front mounting surface forming a second portion of the rear plate opposite the first portion, and wherein the front plate forms an acute angle with the planar front mounting surface.

11. The cover of claim 10, wherein arms slope outwardly and rearwardly from each side of the planar rear mounting surface, each arm defining an outermost portion of the elongated recess.

12. The cover of claim 8, wherein the snap fasteners are positioned in a rectangular array around the flange.

13. A sheath assembly comprising: A first sheath comprising: a first boot body defining a first cavity therein, the first boot body having a first flange extending outwardly along a portion of the first cavity and a first plurality of snap fasteners extending outwardly from each side of the first flange; and A second sheath comprising: a second sheath body defining a second cavity therein, the second sheath body having a second flange extending outwardly along a portion of the second cavity and a second plurality of snap fasteners extending outwardly from each side of the second flange; wherein the first plurality of snap fasteners include a first plurality of male components and a first plurality of female components, the first plurality of male components each having a protrusion extending outwardly away from the first flange toward the second flange, and the second plurality of snap fasteners include a second plurality of male components and a second plurality of female components, the second plurality of female components each defining a recess formed therein and selectively receiving the protrusion of the first plurality of male components to connect the first sheath body to the second sheath body, Wherein, each of the first plurality of male components and each of the first plurality of female components are individually connected together using a rivet extending through the first flange.

14. The jacket assembly of claim 13, wherein the first jacket and the second jacket are substantially equal in size, and the first jacket body and the second jacket body are aligned in a stacking direction.

15. The sheath assembly of claim 13, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are defined by different depths, and a first opening of the first cavity and a second opening of the second cavity are vertically aligned.

16. The sheath assembly of claim 13, further comprising: A third sheath, comprising: A third sheath body surrounding and defining a third cavity therein, the third sheath body having a third flange extending outwardly along a portion of the third cavity and a third plurality of snap fasteners extending outwardly from each side of the third flange, the third plurality of snap fasteners including a third plurality of male components and a third plurality of female components, the third plurality of female components each defining a recess formed therein and selectively receiving a protrusion of the second plurality of male components to connect the first sheath body, the second sheath body, and the third sheath body together in a stacking direction.

17. The sheath assembly of claim 16, wherein each of the first, second, and third sheath bodies are defined by a different length along the longitudinal axis.

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