Abstract:
A marketing device that can protect merchandise from damage, debris, and theft, conveys size information of the merchandise, reusable, and provides an aesthetically pleasing way for display in retail stores comprising a cap, enclosure, and extension in one embodiment, or can be used separately. The cap may further comprise bands, other catching devices, or the like. The enclosure may further include a cavity capable of storing a plurality of trailer hitch balls.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to marketing devices, and, more particularly, to a marketing device for towing accessories, such as ball hitches, or the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Marketing devices, such as blister packs have been employed to present merchandise in thin, clear plastic casings for displaying a variety of merchandise, specifically tools and tool accessories, in various types of stores. These marketing devices allow retailers to display merchandise in stores for potential buyers to view the merchandise through the clear plastic casings prior to purchasing. Accordingly, marketing devices have been developed for single usage. Such light-weight materials and housing design, commonly made of transparent thin plastic, have produced economical marketing devices. 
         [0003]    While such marketing devices exhibit acceptable display characteristics, they suffer from many disadvantages. Although blister packs provide some insulation to prevent damage, the blister packs provide limited protection for heavier or malleable merchandise. Further, while these devices permit visual inspection of the merchandise contained therein, the blister packs are not reusable or aesthetically pleasing. While able to reduce theft, these devices do not allow consumers to manipulate any components. Additionally, even with satisfactory sales, these devices contribute to greater environmental consequences due to the devices single-use quality. 
         [0004]    As is well known in the marketing art, marketing devices that are aesthetically pleasing and allow consumers to view and manipulate the displayed merchandise are desirable. 
         [0005]    Thus, it is clear that there is an unmet need for a marketing device, for merchandise and in particular for towing accessories, that affords protection from damage, debris, dirt, and theft, and yet reusable and permits the merchandise to be manipulated and displayed in an aesthetically pleasing manner. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Briefly described, in an exemplary embodiment, the marketing device of the present disclosure overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device. 
         [0007]    An object of the invention is to protect merchandise and components, from rust, debris and dirt. A feature of the invention is the cap and/or enclosure that sufficiently encase the merchandise. An advantage of the invention is that it prevents rust, debris and dirt from settling on crevices of the merchandise and protects the merchandise from water and liquid contaminants. 
         [0008]    An object of the invention is to protect towing devices, specifically hitch ball merchandise and components, from contamination, grime and dust. A feature of the invention is the cap and/or enclosure sufficiently encloses the towing merchandise. An advantage of the invention is that it prevents corrosion, debris and dirt from settling on crevices of the merchandise and protects the merchandise from water and liquid contaminants. 
         [0009]    Another object of the invention is to allow consumers to manipulate merchandise contained within along with accompanying components. A feature of the invention is that the point of attachment between the hitch-ball and shaft are exposed, as well as accompanying components. An advantage of the invention is that consumers can ensure that replacement hitch-balls, shafts, or components are compatible prior to purchase. 
         [0010]    Yet another object of the invention is to prevent damage to the towing device. A feature of the invention is that it is preferably made of natural or synthetic rubber, plastic, composite. The plastic used for the invention are much thicker and more durable than the plastic used in current marketing devices, such as blister packs. An advantage of the invention is that when dropped, the merchandise is shielded from impact and protected from damage. 
         [0011]    Another object of the invention is to allow display of the merchandise in an aesthetically pleasing manner. A feature of the invention is that the material can be made in a variety of different colors. Another feature of the invention is that it allows indicia by carving or engraving the surface of the marketing device. An advantage of the invention is that the colors can be associated to the size of the towing device, allowing consumers to quickly determine the size of the merchandise without having to continually read the small print on the packaging. 
         [0012]    An object of this invention is to reduce theft of separable components of the merchandise. A feature of the marketing device is that in one embodiment, the invention comprises a cap and an enclosure which is removably connected to the cap. An advantage of the invention is that multiple-component merchandise enclosed between the cap and the enclosure cannot be replaced without visibly damaging the marketing device. 
         [0013]    Still another object of the invention is to reduce theft wherein the merchandise consists of only a single component. A feature of the invention includes either a cap formed from thick plastic or an enclosure using fasteners. An advantage of the invention is that due to the use of thick plastics, the shaft component of the towing device fits extremely tight inside the cap and therefore would be difficult to remove the shaft from the cap in a retail store without drawing attention. Another advantage of the invention is that the enclosure for the hitch-ball uses fasteners which lock the enclosure, requiring significant force to open; as such removing the hitch-ball would draw attention to the thief. 
         [0014]    Yet another object of the invention is to minimize environmental impact. A feature of the invention is that the marketing device is not destroyed once the merchandise is removed from its packaging. An advantage of the invention is that the marketing device can be reused, either by the retail store or the consumer at home since the merchandise can be re-stored in the original packaging. 
         [0015]    Briefly, in one embodiment, the invention is directed to a marketing device comprises a lid and a base defining an enclosure. The lid periphery defining a first region of the lid in hingeable communication with the base, a second region of the periphery defining means for closing the lid to the base, and a plurality of fasteners attached to the second region of the lid to engage with the base. The base periphery defining a first region of the base in hingeable communication with the lid, a second region of the periphery defining means for closing the lid to the base, and a plurality of fasteners engagement means attached to the second region of the base to engage with the lid fasteners. In one embodiment, the fastener further comprises a split snap-in pin with cantilevered hooks, the pin attached to the lid, and engaging with a fastener aperture formed in the base. The marketing device further comprises a cap having a cavity, a periphery defining an open end, a closed end opposite the open end, an interior, an exterior, a protrusion extending opposite to the open end defining an aperture, an indentation defining an interior rim of the open end; and at least one extension comprising a first end and a second end. The extension can be in the form of a long strip (approximately two to three inches) or a short section of an inch. In one embodiment, the first end of the extension is attached to the exterior of the cap wherein the extension&#39;s second end terminates in an extension ring. The enclosure and the cap can be removably connected by the extension, wherein the extension ring is received by one of the fasteners and the hinges are closed when the means for closing the lid to the base. Alternatively, the extension ring of the cap may be attached to an object, such as a piece of merchandise, in order to hold a multiple number of pieces of merchandise together. 
         [0016]    The invention also provides a marketing device comprising a cap further comprising a cavity, a periphery defining an open end, a closed end adjacent to the open end, an interior, an exterior, a protrusion distal the open end which defines an aperture, and a lip which defines an interior rim of the open end. The exterior further comprises at least one extension attached to the exterior of the cap. The extension can be in the form of a long strip (approximately two to three inches) or a short section of an inch. In one embodiment, the first end of the extension is attached to the exterior of the cap wherein the extension&#39;s second end terminates in an extension ring. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a marketing enclosure device comprising a lid and a base. The lid comprises a lid periphery defining a first region of the periphery in hingeable communication with the base, a second region of the periphery defining a means for closing the lid to the base, a protrusion separated from the hingeable communication region, the protrusion which defines an aperture, and a plurality of fasteners attached to the lid and engageable with corresponding fastener means on the base. The base periphery defining a first region of the base in hingeable communication with the lid, a second region of the periphery defining means for closing the base to the lid, and a plurality of fasteners engagement means attached to the second region of the base to engage with the lid fasteners. In one embodiment, the fasteners further comprises a split snap-in pin with cantilevered hooks, the pin attached to the lid and engaging with corresponding apertures formed in the base. A plurality of hollow cylindrical posts or tubes may be formed into the base and extend from the inside bottom of the base to a point proximate to the lid, when the lid and base are in a closed position. The hollow cylindrical posts anchor or secure merchandise within the enclosure to minimize movement of the merchandise. In another embodiment of the invention a plurality of aperture may be formed in the lid and corresponding to the posts formed into the base to permit the customer to view and examine the merchandise elements. In one embodiment of the invention, the number of posts may be varied as needed to stabilize the merchandise contained within the marketing enclosure. In an embodiment of the invention solid posts may be used 
         [0018]    These and other features and advantages of the marketing device of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reading the following Detailed Description of the Invention and Claims in light of the accompanying drawing Figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    Accordingly, the present disclosure will be understood best through consideration of, and with reference to, the following drawings, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed Description of the Invention referring thereto, in which like reference numbers throughout the various drawings designate like structure, and in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment according to the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a detailed view of the enclosure portion of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3A to 3E  are detailed view of the cap portion of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 4A to 4D  are perspective, side plan, bottom plan and top plan views respectively, of another embodiment according to the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment according to the present; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 6A ,  6 B and  6 C are perspective and bottom plan view illustrating detailed views of the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6D  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention in perspective view. 
       
    
    
       [0026]    It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    In describing exemplary embodiments of the marketing device of the present disclosure illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The claimed invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
         [0028]    Possible embodiments of the present disclosure chosen for purposes of illustration are shown in  FIGS. 1-6 . Marketing device embodiments depicted in these figures and other embodiments are preferably formed from polymers, natural or synthetic rubber, composite, or the like. In one embodiment, the resilient material is molded, extruded, sculptured or contoured to properly encompass merchandise to be contained therein. In one embodiment, the material from which the marketing device is formed may be flexible. In another embodiment, the material may also be rigid and inflexible. The invention allows the device to encase merchandise, such as, but not limited to towing merchandise, securely in place while on display in stores or in the purchaser&#39;s home storage. Use of such material creates marketing devices suitable for consumers to re-use the devices by allowing storage of the towing device back in its original packaging after use in that it protects the merchandise from wear. Additionally, thick plastics are preferable in order to reduce damage by providing protection to merchandise placed on display or in storage, i.e. when the hitch ball is dropped, the device would cushion the hitch component to prevent breaking, chipping or scratching. 
         [0029]    The invented marketing device can be aesthetically pleasing by utilizing different colors including having the material be transparent or semi-transparent. This allows for color coordination with the consumer&#39;s car, garage, or workshop. Also, in one embodiment, the colors are coordinated to indicate a specific size, so it will be easier for the consumer to distinguish amongst the available sizes present without having to read the packaging in detail. 
         [0030]    Specifically, one of the embodiments of the present disclosure is depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 .  FIG. 1  shows a marketing device  10 , for holding merchandise  12 , the marketing device  10  comprising two elements, a cap  14  and an enclosure  16 . Marketing device  10  is designed to hold merchandise  12  in a secure manner. The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , wherein the enclosure  16  specifically holds a trailer hitch attachment ball  18 ; however, this disclosure does not limit the variety of merchandise that this invention can be used to display. In this embodiment, the merchandise consists of two parts: a hitch ball assembly  18  and a shaft  20 . Inasmuch as there are two parts to the merchandise  12 , the marketing device has two corresponding components; each optimized to hold one of the parts of the merchandise  12 . The marketing device  10  cap  14  holds the shaft  20  of the merchandise  12  and the marketing device  10  enclosure  16  holds the hitch ball assembly  18  of the merchandise  12 . In another embodiment of the invention, additional caps  14  or enclosures  16  can be used as needed to accommodate various merchandise. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , cap  14  includes a protrusion  22  defining an aperture  24  extending from the closed end  26  of the cap  14 . The shaft  20  is inserted into the open end  28  of cap  14 . 
         [0032]    Closed end  26  protects the shaft  20  of the towing device from rust, debris and dust build up. Protrusion  22  defining the aperture  24  is an extension of closed end  26 , primarily used to facilitate display the merchandise in stores or for storage at home. As such, aperture  24  is defined by protrusion  22  in a way that allows the aperture to receive a display fixture element, such as, but not limited to hooks, pegs, pins, or the like on store display boards or at a purchaser&#39;s home. 
         [0033]    Additionally, cap  14  preferably defines a region  30  that is located on the face of cap  14  to convey sizing or other information regarding the merchandise held by the cap  14 . This region  30  is located on the surface co-planar with the aperture  24 , so that when hanged on a display, the information is readily available inasmuch as it faces the viewers. In the preferred embodiment, the cap  14  has a region  30  which indicates the size of the merchandise  12  enclosed by the cap  14 . In this embodiment, the size indicator  30  is achieved by etching. In another embodiment of the invention, other means of indicating size can be used such as applying a label or printing. 
         [0034]    The cap  14  further preferably includes an extension arm  32 . In one embodiment, the extension  32  is permanently attached to a ridge of the open end  28  of the cap  14 . In another embodiment, the extension arm  32  is integrally molded with the cap  14 . In yet another embodiment, the extension arm  32  is removably attached to the cap  14  through the use of snap fit or other suitable removable attachment means. A free end of the extension arm  32  terminates with an extension loop  34 . In another embodiment, the extension arm  32  may be a long strip (approximately two to three inches, in one embodiment) designed to connect with enclosure  16 . In an alternate embodiment the extension arm may be a short arm (approximately one-half to one inch, in one embodiment) extending perpendicular to the side wall of cap  14 . In another embodiment of the invention, more than one extension arm  32  may be used. 
         [0035]    The extension arm  32  is attached to the cap  14 , with the free end of the extension arm  32  defining the extension loop  34 , the extension loop  34  is attached to a fastener located in region  36  or  38  of the enclosure  16 . As such, if there is any tampering with the merchandise  12 , the extension ring  34  will be noticeably deformed. 
         [0036]    Turning to the enclosure  16 , it is likewise operable to absorb and/or shield the merchandise from the force of an impact, such as an impact that may be caused from dropping the unit  10 . Additionally, enclosure  16  has a region  40  conveying information, such as indicating the hitch ball size, in one embodiment. In one embodiment the information is formed in the region  40  by carving, engraving or stamping. In another embodiment the information is provided by a label. In the depicted example, the enclosure  16  is fitted to hold a hitch ball having a diameter of two inches. The carved text reveals the content of the hitch ball inside as opposed to the marking on cap  14 , where the size is etched on. On the cap  14 , marking but does not pierce through the device entirely to reveal the shaft  20  inside. 
         [0037]    In one embodiment the enclosure  16  is fabricated from a lower density material than the cap  14 . Inasmuch as enclosure  16  is fabricated from a less dense material than cap  14 , the size indicator carving can more easily be made such that the underlying contents can be revealed. Whereas, the material from which the cap is fabricated would require more effort to carving away the material to reveals the contents contained in the cap  14 . The aforementioned are merely examples and do not limit the types of carvings or size indicators that may be utilized with this invention. 
         [0038]    The extension  32  removably connects the cap  14  to the enclosure  16 . Cap  14  and enclosure  16  can be connected using extension arm  32 , extension ring  34 , along with a fastener located at regions  36  and  38 . Prior to closing and locking enclosure  16  using both fasteners located in regions  36  and  38 , the fastener located at regions  36  or  38  is threaded through extension ring  34 . 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , enclosure  16  incorporates a means for closing the enclosure using fasteners located at regions  36  and  38 , as depicted in  FIG. 2 . Specifically, the enclosure  16  is comprised of a lid  42  and a base  44  connected by a hinge  46 , with fasteners  48  and  50  at the enclosure&#39;s periphery to lock the enclosure  16  in a closed position. Using hinge  46 . the lid  42  and base  44  pivots on axis a towards each other to the closing position. The fasteners  48  and  50  are threaded through the enclosure&#39;s fastener receiver apertures  52  and  54  respectively. The mechanisms of fasteners  48  and  50  lock the enclosure in its closed position. In one embodiment, the fasteners further comprise a split snap-in pin with cantilevered hooks, the pin attached to the lid and engaging with corresponding fastener receivers (apertures)  52  and  54  formed in the base. 
         [0040]    Furthermore, hinge  46  allows enclosure to open and close along the axis α. The lid  42  and the base  44 , when closed, forms cavity  56  which is adapted to receive merchandise through collar  58 . In an embodiment of the invention the merchandise is the trailer hitch ball  18   
         [0041]      FIGS. 3A to 3E  depict details of cap  14 . One end of the cap  14  is the open end  28 . The opening  60  as shown in  FIG. 3B , functions to receive and secure in position a shaft  20  of the merchandise  12  shown in  FIG. 1 . The cap  14  is sized to engage with the shaft  20  and secure the merchandise in position. The tight fit between the cap  14  and shaft  20  make it difficult to remove the shaft  20  from the cap, thereby reducing tampering with the merchandise. Cap  14  is operable to absorb and/or shield from impact force, such as those that may be caused by the marketing device  10  falling from a display. Therefore, cap  14  substantially reduces potential damage to the merchandise. Additionally,  FIGS. 3B and 3C  depict the bottom views of the cap  14  showing two embodiments of cavity  62 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3B  the cavity for a shaft defines an opening  60  having a diameter of one-inch. 
         [0042]    Often towing accessories are available in a variety of sizes. In the case of trailer hitch devices; there are a number of different thread sizes depending on the size of vehicle that will be towed. For example, the shaft portion of a trailer hitch device can have a diameter of one inch, three-quarter inch, one-half inch and so on. An insert adapted to receive a smaller sized thread is added to the cap. Use of an insert prevents the manufacturer from having to generate a new cap mold for each size thread. Generating a tube insert is much simpler and cost efficient. 
         [0043]    To adapt the cap  14  for smaller-sized threads, such as a three-quarter inch thread, a tubular insert  64  is added to the cavity  62  wherein the tubular insert  64  merchandise-contacting surface  66  is adapted to engage the smaller-sized thread, as shown in  FIG. 3C . A gap  68  is formed between the cap  14  and insert  62 . The insert  62  may be fused or attached to the cap  14  with an adhesive. The cross sectional view of the cap  14  from  FIG. 3D  along axis A-A is shown in  FIG. 3E , dividing the cap longitudinally. The cavity  62  is the region where the shaft component of the merchandise is contained. The closed end  26  of cap  14  prevents dirt, debris, or rust that may collect on the shaft while not in use. 
         [0044]    A different embodiment of the invention is illustrated by  FIGS. 4A-4D .  FIGS. 4A to 4D  illustrate perspective, side plan, bottom plan and top plan views respectively. Shown therein is a marketing device  70 . In  FIG. 4A , the device  70  comprises a lid portion  72  and a base  74 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4A , the lid portion  72  defines multiple apertures  76  arranged in proximity to three of the four corners of the marketing device  70 . In another embodiment the apertures may be located in different positions on the lid portion in order to provide limited access to merchandise contained therein. The embodiment in  FIG. 4A-4D , illustrates the marketing device  70  with three apertures  76 , however, a greater or lesser number of apertures may be used, depending on the end use for the marketing device  70 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the corner closest to the protrusion  78  on the lid  72  does not feature a corresponding aperture  76 .  FIGS. 4B  (side view),  4 C (bottom) and  4 D (top) depict the exterior and interior views of the invention in its open configuration. As shown in  FIG. 4C , the protrusion  78  defines an aperture  80  on lid  72 . The protrusion  82  defines an aperture  84  on base  74 . The lid portion  72  is connected to the base portion  74  by hinge  86 , as shown in  FIG. 4C and 4D . Multiple tubular inserts  88  are attached to the base portion  74  of marketing device  70 , as needed to stabilize the merchandise and help to hold merchandise in position for display. In an alternate embodiment, the tubular insert  88  may be formed from the base portion  74 . The particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 4A-4D  shows two tubular inserts  88 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4B-4D , the base portion  74  defines two tubular inserts  88  which are permanently affixed at the corners at the 3 o&#39;clock and 9 o&#39;clock positions, with the 12 o&#39;clock being the protrusion  80  on lid  72  and protrusion  82  on base  74 . Furthermore, fastener apertures  90 , on the base  74 , in this embodiment, are adapted to receive fasteners  92 , located on the lid portion  72  in this embodiment, once device  70  is in the closed position. 
         [0045]    The apertures  76  permit consumers to view and directly interact with the merchandise, specifically in this instance trailer hitch balls. The tubular inserts  88  are adapted to receive different sized hitch balls from the towing device. In one embodiment, the tubular inserts  88  may be of standard size to reduce cost associated with retooling. In another embodiment, the diameter of the tubular inserts  88  may be varied to suitably contain different sized trailer hitch balls depending on the size range to be displayed. In another embodiment of the invention fewer or additional tubular inserts may be used as needed. In an embodiment of the invention the tubular inserts  88  may be hollow cylinders. In an embodiment of the invention the tubular inserts  88  may be solid posts. Furthermore, tubular inserts  88  may indicate the size of the specific hitch ball that it holds through its hollow opening by a carving on the interior of the shell  56 . A region  94  on the exterior of the lid  72 , shown in  FIG. 4A , is designed to convey information about the contents, and can indicate hitch ball sizes, in one embodiment. Size indication can be by etching, carving, a label, or the like. These are merely examples and do not limit the number of other indicators that can be used. 
         [0046]    The device  70  further incorporates a means for closing the enclosure by folding the lid portion  72  onto the base  74  along the hinge  86 , and using fasteners  92 , to engage with the fastener apertures  90 , as shown in  FIG. 4A . The device  70  is comprised of a lid  72  and a base  74  connected by a hinge  86 , with fasteners  92  at the device&#39;s periphery to lock the device  70  in a closed position. Once lid  72  and base  74  pivots on axis γ towards each other to its closing position, using hinge  86 , and fasteners  92  is threaded through the fastener apertures  90  and locks the device in its closed position. In an embodiment of the invention, the fasteners are split snap-in pins with cantilevered hooks. In its closed position, apertures  84  in the lid  72  and apertures  80  in the base  74  substantially align with each other; as such the apertures in combination are adapted to receive display fixture element, such as, but not limited to hooks, pegs, pin, or the like on display boards in stores or at home. 
         [0047]    In its closed position, an internal cavity  96  is formed. Cavity  96  is adapted to hold merchandise with multiple components, such as interchangeable hitch systems containing more hitch balls of varying sizes. Structural dividers or ribs  98  may be added to provide additional structural integrity and to restrict movement of merchandise items. 
         [0048]    Yet another embodiment is a marketing device  100 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The marketing device  100 , as shown in  FIG. 5  is similar to the cap  14 , shown in  FIG. 1 ; therefore, similar elements will be labeled with like numbers in  FIG. 5 . The device  100  comprises a cap portion  14  having a closed end  26  and an open end  28 . The closed end  26  further comprises a protrusion  22  defining an aperture  24  adapted to receive display fixture elements, such as, but not limited to hooks, pegs, pins or the like, on point of sale displays or for private home garage use. Adjoining marketing device  100  is a plurality of shorter extensions  102  attached to cap portion  14  and terminating in extension rings  104 . As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the extension rings  104  are adapted to receive a component of the merchandise  106  and reduce the possibility of components being stolen or lost. In other embodiments, there may be a single catch, or the like, that is used to hold and secure an article. 
         [0049]    Device  100  is designed to secure merchandise consisting of two components, a shaft  106  and an additional component  108 . The additional component  108  can be hitch pins, pin clips, adapters, etc. Device  100  further functions to receive and secure merchandise components  106  and  108  in position. Cap portion  14  is operable to absorb and/or shield from impact forces, such as those that may be caused by the unit dropping from a display. Therefore, the device  100  substantially reduces any potential damage to the components  106  and shaft  108 . 
         [0050]    In the illustrated embodiment there are two rings  104 , placed in parallel to each other, the centers of the rings  104  are aligned such that a straight-line β passes through the center points of the rings  104 . Additionally, marketing device  100  preferably has a region  110  indicating the size of the merchandise in a similar manner as shown in  FIG. 1 . A variety of means can be used to indicate size, such as carving, attaching labels, or printing. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 6A to 6C  depict perspective and bottom plan views illustrating the features of one embodiment of the marketing device  100  to secure merchandise. The shaft component is inserted through the open end  28  and into cavity  60 . However, in one embodiment, the shaft  106 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , is secured in place by an addition of a tubular cover  112  that fits around the open end  28  of cap  14 . The tubular cover  112  allows the passage of the shaft component into the cavity  60 . The shaft component is held in place with lip  114 , created by the tubular cover  112  having an opening with a slightly smaller radius than the open end  28 . A second merchandise article  108 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , is held by a solid ring  104  and a partial or open ring  116  with gap  118 , as shown in  FIG. 6D . The combination of the solid ring  104  and open ring  114  allow the article to be removed without damaging the marketing device while making removal of the article difficult. In another embodiment, the tubular insert may be in the form of a separate component that is affixed to the cap  14  with an appropriate industrial adhesive. In one embodiment LOCTITE adhesive from the Henkel Corporation&#39;s polymer adhesives line is used, such as but not limited to, product numbers H4800, 330, H 4100 and 3032, 322, 3301 and 3321. In another embodiment of the invention component part may be attached by fusing or melting the separate component to the cap  14 . 
         [0052]    The cap  14  of marketing device  100  provide protection to merchandise and reduce theft by combining related merchandise components together in display unit that permit customer access, while providing evidence of tampering. The cap, enclosure and marketing device are formed from any commercial available material having sufficient structural strength and rigidity. The cap, enclosure and marketing device are former from polymers, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The polymers may be filled or unfilled. Depending on the polymer selected, the coloration may be varied by varying the concentration of the material. In another embodiment, standard polymer dyes, such as, but not limited to, azo dyes, acid dyes and dispersed dyes may be used. Alternatively, polymer compatible pigments such as, but not limited to, organic, inorganic or metallic based pigments may be used. 
         [0053]    In an embodiment of the invention, the cap, enclosure and marketing device are fabricated from polymers and are formed to a thickness from about 0.5 mm to about 5.0 millimeters (mm). The device may be formed from thicker or thinner polymer layers, as needed, based on cost and product requirements. Additionally, plasticizers or processing aid may be added to the polymer to improve durability and impact absorbing properties. 
       Anti-Theft Mechanism 
       [0054]    Items placed on product display are subjected to theft. The invented device is better able to protect the merchandise from theft. For example, blister packs are made of thin plastic and can be opened relatively easily. Some marketing devices are simply held by a single staple, which is easy to overcome and open the package. The invented method reduces the risk of the merchandise being separated from its packaging and end up lost or stolen. 
         [0055]    Specifically, due to differences in air pressure inside and outside of the cap, a greater force is required to remove the shaft. As such, it is much more difficult to steal the merchandise from within its packaging, as compared to marketing devices which are made of more delicate plastics that can easily be opened and the merchandise contained within stolen. Additionally, the mechanism used to fasten the enclosure securely holds the merchandise within and therefore makes it extremely difficult to split open the enclosure and steal the components. As such, a thief would call attention to himself if he or she attempts to pry open the device to steal the contents. If both cap and enclosure are used together, an extension connects the two portions to prevent the separate components from being permanently detached and misplaced. 
         [0056]    Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that within disclosures are exemplary only and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments as illustrated herein, but is only limited by the following claims.