Method and apparatus for diverting sweat, liquid, moisture, or the like from an eye

Moisture diverters attachable to a region above the eye and below the eyebrow that prevents sweat, liquid, moisture, or the like from entering the eyes of a wearer is described. A moisture diverter may include a substrate having an inner surface facing the wearer and an outer surface facing away from the wearer. The inner surface comprises a lower adhesive section and an upper adhesive-free section, the adhesive section releasably attaches the diverter to the wearer at a point above the eye and below the eyebrow, the adhesive-free section shaped or shapeable to abut or protrude from eyebrow region of a wearer and to divert moisture away from the eye.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for diverting, redirecting or channeling sweat, perspiration, liquid (such as rain) or moisture (skinborne or other) away from the eye or eyes.

BACKGROUND

Living organisms require nutrients and water and give off waste from the metabolic processes. Strenuous activity increases metabolism and increases body core temperature where the body loses liquid through the lungs and skin. A thermal cooling effect is created when sweat is produced and evaporates from the skin. This mechanism is crucial in the regulation of body temperature. The surface area of the head and face contain sweat glands and produce perspiration that can collect and drip into the eye or eyes, obscuring one's ability to see clearly.

A number of known devices have been used in an attempt to keep sweat from dripping into or entering the eye or eyes, like sweatbands, hats with an absorbent browband and even eyeglass perspiration guards. Many of these devices are disposable and include an absorbent member. The main disadvantages of these prior art inventions are that they do not address the area below the eyebrow, are used mainly on the forehead, are meant to absorb sweat and when these products reach a certain saturation point of liquid absorption, they no longer perform as intended and allow excess sweat or perspiration to enter the eye or eyes. Sweat entering the eyes impairs the vision of surgeons, firefighters, police, athletes, military personnel, construction workers, tree trimmers, loggers and others who are involved in activities where clear vision is imperative to perform the task at hand and many times both hands are needed to perform that task. In addition to wearing an absorbent headband, some athletes also wear absorbent wristbands to wipe perspiration that gets past the headband and into the eye or eyes.

Headbands saturated with sweat also become heavy and sag, requiring the user to repeatedly adjust the apparatus from slipping lower on the head.

Some examples of these inventions are taught by Brown in U.S. Pat. No. 703,531, where an eye guard worn upon the forehead prevents perspiration from running into the eyes. In U.S. Pat. No. 1,084,596, Alexander teaches a perspiration band for headgear that includes a hollow tape and stiffening strip. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,626,247, Frankel teaches a sweat collecting headband worn on the forehead that channels the sweat to the runner's mouth. In U.S. Pat. No. 7,093,303, Thorson teaches a liquid absorbing component attached to eyeglasses. All of these inventions fail to address the sub eyebrow region or orbit of the eye. What is needed is a low cost, simple apparatus that contacts the skin and creates a liquid tight seal and diverting apparatus above the eye and below the brow, or above the eye and over the brow.

The diverting apparatus of the present invention directs movement of sweat or moisture away from the wearer's eye or eyes, maintaining optimum visual clarity, especially during strenuous activity. The present invention may also be used on animals such as racehorses or in instances where sweat or insects may hinder activity or vision.

Despite all the obvious inadequacies associated with the use of headbands or the like, no functional alternative exists that addresses the use of a light-weight moisture diverter that is attachable to a region above the eye and below the eyebrow of a wearer.

What is needed is a low-cost, sweat, liquid, moisture diverting apparatus that is easily manufactured and prevents sweat, liquid, moisture, or the like from entering the eye or eyes of the wearer.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, the present invention provides a diverting apparatus comprising a substrate comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface comprising a lower section and an upper section, the lower section comprising an adhesive useable for releasably attaching the diverting apparatus to a wearer in a region above the eye and below the eyebrow of the wearer, the upper section shaped or shapeable to abut or protrude from the eyebrow region of the wearer to divert sweat, liquid, moisture, or the like away from the eye.

In another embodiment a diverting apparatus for diverting sweat, liquid, moisture, or the like from both eyes of a wearer includes a right eye diverter, a left eye diverter and a middle section joining the right and left eye diverters, each of the right eye and left eye diverters comprising a substrate comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface comprising a lower section and an upper section, the lower section comprising an adhesive useable for releasably attaching the diverting apparatus to the wearer in a region above the eye and below the eyebrow of the wearer, the upper section shaped or shapeable to abut or protrude from the eyebrow region of the wearer to divert sweat, liquid, moisture, or the like away from the eye

A method for fabricating a moisture diverting device that is releasably attachable to a region above the eye and below the eyebrow of a wearer is also provided, the method comprising shaping a substrate that comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface having an upper section and a lower section, the upper and lower sections each having an adhesive surface covering at least a portion thereof, the outer surface having an adhesive-free upper section located opposite the upper section of the inner surface, the substrate being shaped so that the moisture diverting apparatus is conformable to be worn at a region directly above the eye of the wearer when the fabrication method is complete; and folding back the adhesive-free upper section of the outer surface to create an adhesive-free upper portion on the inner surface.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that effectively prevents perspiration from entering the eye or eyes.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that is gas permeable, allowing the skin of the wearer to breathe.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that creates a liquid tight seal above the eye and below the eyebrow of a wearer.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that comprises a projecting portion, rim, ledge, channel, or the like for channeling or wicking moisture or liquid away from an eye or the eyes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus having a surface that includes an adhesive portion for attachment to the skin and another portion that is adhesive free and prevents adhesion to a specific area of skin or hair of the wearer.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that includes a peelable liner that is removably attached to the adhesive portion of said apparatus to maintain adhesive tack during manufacture, packaging, shipment or storage prior to use

It is another object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that is low cost and single-use in nature.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that can be removably attached over an individual eye.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that can be removably attached over both eyes.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that can assists in shading an eye or the both eyes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that includes an indicia, logo or the like to identify an association as a member, supporter or fan of an organization or team or for ornamental or advertising purposes. The moisture diverting apparatus may also include a camouflage surface for military personnel and snipers.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that can be removably attached to the skin adjacent the eye or eyes.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that can be removed and reattached to the skin adjacent the eye or eyes.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that automatically diverts sweat, liquid, perspiration, moisture, or the like to the side of the head or other region away from the eye or eyes.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that automatically diverts sweat, liquid, perspiration, moisture or the like to the middle of the face and away from the eye or eyes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus wherein at least a portion is transparent, partially transparent, opaque, or the like when worn allowing the wearer's skin and eye brows to be seen.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that lends itself to high volume, automated manufacturing.

It is another object of the invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that includes one or more reinforcing members to assist in maintaining the shape of the apparatus before and/or after being applied to the wearer.

It is another object of the invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus where an adhesive portion and non-adhesive portion is fabricated on the same face by folding a portion of the adhesive section over itself and sealing the two sections together to form the non-adhesive portion.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that includes a recessed channel or groove to assist in diverting liquid away from an eye or the eyes.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a means to wick liquid away from the eye or eyes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that is sterile for use in operating rooms, dental and surgical procedures, and general medical use.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a moisture diverting apparatus that can be adjusted to fit a variety of wearers by removing a portion of the apparatus to adjust one or more dimensional characteristics (e.g., length, width, curvature).

In an embodiment the moisture diverting apparatus of the present invention includes an adhesive surface, film or coating that is attachable to the skin adjacent the eye or eyes.

In an embodiment the moisture diverting apparatus of the present invention includes a reinforcing member or members that can be manipulated to maintain a shape to direct liquid away from the eyes.

In an embodiment the moisture diverting apparatus of the present invention includes a member that includes an absorbent material that is attached to said member for absorbing moisture.

In another embodiment the moisture diverting apparatus of the present invention may include a plurality of perforations to assist in fluid evaporation and body temperature regulation.

Other objects and benefits of this invention will become apparent from the description which follows hereinafter when read in conjunction with the figures that accompany it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A moisture diverting apparatus to prevent perspiration, sweat, liquid, moisture, and the like from entering the eye or eyes is described. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processing steps have not been shown in particular detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Additionally, it should be noted that throughout this discussion reference will be made to a variety of members, shapes, sizes and adhesives. It is appreciated, however, that the present invention is not limited to these devices or materials. Further, throughout the description the diverting apparati are referred to as sweat diverters. It is to be understood, however, that the diverter apparati of the present invention are not limited to diverting sweat but are useful in diverting all forms of moisture and liquids from the eyes of the wearer.

FIG. 1is a full frontal view drawing of a prior art standard headband1, having top2and bottom3comprising an absorbent material with elastomeric properties to fit circumferentially and snugly around the head. When headband1becomes saturated with liquid, any excess moisture, bodily fluid, or sweat4moves toward the eyes5by gravitational force or by any moving force exerted by the individual or animal. Headband1only absorbs the moisture it comes in contact with or is created from the area above it, so brow area7between headband bottom3of eye or eyes5is left exposed and prone to allow sweat4to enter said eye or eyes5.

FIG. 2Ais a full frontal view drawing of the sweat diverting apparatus of the present invention showing a separate sweat diverting apparatus101individually covering, or partially covering, the upper orbit107of each eye105. The sweat diverter extends upward to a location below, at, or above the eyebrow of the wearer and acts to divert sweat, liquids, moisture, or the like away from eyes105. Sweat diverting apparatus101comprises a substrate130having an exterior face103, a top section118that is designed to protrude slightly from the brow of the wearer and creates a channel to divert any accumulated moisture away from each eye105(SeeFIGS. 13 and 14). The substrate also comprises a bottom section119, bridge or inner section115and opposite outer section117, bottom section119having an adhesive111for attachment to the skin. Although not necessary, substrate130preferably comprises a material that does not absorb liquid. As shown, the sweat diverting apparatus101is releasably attachable to orbit107adjacent to eye or eyes105. As mentioned above, the sweat diverting apparatus of the present invention may also be attachable around the entire orbit or eye, or any portion thereof to prevent sweat from entering the eye or to reduce glare. Moreover, it is important to note that the sweat diverting apparatus of the present invention may comprise a variety of shapes including rectangular, arcuate, curved, longitudinal or any other shape that will allow attachment to the skin above the eye or eyes.

Sweat diverting apparatus101may also comprise a decorative shape or shapes, ornamental artwork or logo to coordinate and identify an association with a team, mascot, brand, event or the like. A “mirror” configuration shape of sweat diverting apparatus101is shown releasably attached above both eyes individually. A tab or protrusion (not shown) may also be included to facilitate removal of sweat diverting apparatus101from the skin. The substrate may include a plurality of perforations, allowing the skin to breathe when sweat diverting apparatus101is attached to the skin.

InFIG. 2, a bridge section115is shown having an edge116that slopes inward toward the eye105.FIG. 2Bshows an alternative embodiment wherein edge116slopes outward and downward from the brow region. The outward sloping edge configuration ofFIG. 2Bensures that any moisture droplets that form along edge116will fall away from eyes105.

The skin of the eyelids essentially extends from the eyelashes to under the eyebrow. The skin surface of this region is the thinnest epidermis on the body (approximately 0.5 mm) and comprises skin, hair (eyelashes), lacrimal (tear) glands, blood vessels and connective tissue. Capillary blood vessels under the skin supply nutrients and oxygen, and also help to regulate the temperature of the eyelid area. These capillaries are connected to the vein that supplies blood to the brain. Therefore, thermal cooling can be regulated by the vasculature. Compared with other skin areas, the eyelid region has a low concentration of ecrine sweat glands, making attachment of a liquid diverting strip having a liquid-tight, adhesive bond possible. The highest concentration of eccrine glands are on hairy skin surfaces, respond to thermal stimulation, and provide cooling.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention the diverting apparatus101preferably comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive111having the following characteristics: (1) an aggressive and permanent tack; (2) requires no activation by an outside energy source; (3) has sufficient ability to bond onto the adherend skin; (4) has sufficient cohesive strength to be removed cleanly from the skin; and (5) allows painless and easy removal without damaging the skin. Preferably an adhesive that instantly interacts with skin surface lipids, providing mechanical flow into the valleys of the rough surface of the skin and adheres to the keratin. Examples of adhesives for use in a diverting apparatus of the present invention are acrylic-based adhesives (monomers and polar monomers or a combination thereof), polymer-based adhesives, uncrosslinked elastomeric polymers, synthetic rubber-based adhesives, hydrocolloid absorbent adhesives and silicone-based adhesives. An advantage of the aforementioned adhesives is that they are stable enough to be sterilized for medical use and maintain the desired skin adhesion characteristics. An adhesive widely used for medical applications includes acrylate monomers (esters which contain vinyl groups, that is, two carbon atoms double-bonded to each other, directly attached to the carbonyl carbon).

The sweat diverting apparatus substrate that carries the adhesive may include a high-moisture vapor-transmission rate (MVTR) material that is gas permeable, allowing bodily fluids to evaporate. A non-porous substrate with perforations to allow the skin to “breathe”, may also be used. The adhesive and substrate may also be latex-free and hypoallergenic. Both polyurethane and incise film substrates are gas permeable without being perforated. A pattern-coated adhesive may also be used to achieve high MVTR.

The thickness of the adhesive depends on the materials being used. An adhesive thickness of 0.8 mil-1.0 mil for an acrylate adhesive is desirable on a polyethylene substrate. The polyethylene substrate can range in thickness between 6 and 10 mil. and is sufficient to maintain enough rigidity to support a projecting ledge beyond the eyebrow without fatiguing when channeling liquid to the side of the face. This projecting ledge creates a channel at the base of the forehead and collects and diverts any liquid that rolls or drips down above the eyebrows away from the eye, maintaining unobstructed vision for the user.

FIG. 3is a side view drawing of the sweat diverters shown in either ofFIG. 2A or 2Bof the present invention comprising substrate130having outer face103, top section118, bottom section119, back or inner surface102that includes an adhesive surface, film or coating111for releasably attaching diverting apparatus101to the skin adjacent the eye or eyes. Top portion106is designed to abut the eyebrow area and does not contain adhesive so the eyebrow hair will remain intact when sweat diverting apparatus101is removed from the skin. A liner198may be removably attached to adhesive portion111to maintain adhesive tack during manufacture, handling, packaging, shipping or storage until ready for use. If used, liner198may comprise a thin layer of silicone. Top portion106may comprise a coating that assists in diverting moisture, such as, for example, a lubricious coating. Other coatings, such as medicants, may also be applied to one or more surfaces of the sweat diverter or impregnated within the components/materials used in constructing the diverter.FIG. 3is side view ofFIG. 4shown in axis3-3.

FIG. 4is a rear of the sweat diverting apparatus101ofFIGS. 2A and 3comprising top section118that is designed to protrude slightly from the brow of the wearer and creates a channel to divert any accumulated moisture away from each eye105(SeeFIGS. 13 and 14), bottom section119, side section115and opposite side section117with a protrusion, corner or edge113for easy removal from the skin, rear or inner surface102having an adhesive surface or coating111on lower portion119for releasably attaching said sweat diverting apparatus101to the skin adjacent to the eye or eyes. Upper portion118having adhesive free surface106to keep eyebrow hair intact during attachment, use and removal.

FIG. 5is a rear view drawing of a sweat diverting apparatus301of the present invention shaped to fit the contour of the orbit of the right eye comprising top section318, bottom section319, side section315, an opposite side section317, and a rear or inner surface302designed to contact the skin of the wearer. Bottom section319comprising portion with an adhesive311for releasably attaching sweat diverting apparatus301to an area adjacent an eye, top section318having an adhesive-free portion306that may include an absorbent or porous material310for collecting, channeling or diverting moisture or sweat away from an eye, an exit path or route320to direct sweat away from an eye, and protrusion314to assist in keeping said diverting apparatus in place and adjacent the eye or eyes. Adhesive311on inner surface portion302seals sweat diverting apparatus301to the skin below the eyebrow and prevents moisture or sweat from penetrating the adhesive barrier and entering the eye or eyes. Protrusion314may also aid in increasing the ocular aperture opening by the elevating and stretching skin above the eye and securing it to the forehead. Protrusion314may include an adhesive portion313and an outer portion that is adhesive free for easy removal of sweat diverting apparatus301.

FIG. 6is a side view drawing ofFIG. 5, shown in axis6-6, comprising sweat diverting apparatus301having top section318, bottom section319, front or outer surface303, rear or inner surface302having a portion with an adhesive means311, an adhesive-free portion306, and an absorbent section or member310. Member310may also comprise a material that is not absorbent and repels any sweat it comes in contact with and may act as a cushioning or shock-absorbing member in the event of an impact to the area.

FIG. 7is a frontal view of another embodiment of the present invention comprising a unitary sweat diverting apparatus201that is releasable attachable to the facial area207or orbit above both eyes205for diverting sweat or moisture204away from said eyes205. Diverting apparatus201spans the orbit of both eyes and includes an adhesive-free front or outer surface203, side section216, opposite side section217, top section218, bottom section219, intermediate bridge, middle or “unibrow” section215. Diverting apparatus201is releasably attachable to a wearer's face directly adjacent the eyes. Diverting apparatus201is shown covering the upper orbit of each eye, or a portion thereof. Sweat diverter201extends upward to a location below, at, or above the eyebrow of the wearer. Diverting apparatus201may be manufactured to contact only the upper orbit of each eye, and not the eyebrows. The embodiment of theFIG. 7insures any sweat from the middle of the forehead is diverted to the side of the head and away from the wearer's eyes. Diverting apparatus201may comprise an absorbent material that may also include adhesive properties, or of a non-absorbent material that may also include adhesive properties.

Since many contact sports or other activities produce collisions or impacts that produce cuts or wounds to the skin of the orbit and eyebrow region, the sweat diverting apparati101,201,301,401,501,701,801and901of the present invention provides a membrane that will protect the skin and dissipate or cushion any impact. Basketball, soccer and boxing are a few sports where cuts to the orbit area are common. Additionally, any time a hat or helmet is worn; it tends to keep body heat contained within the headwear and triggers the body to produce more sweat to regulate body temperature. The sweat diverting apparatus of the present invention could be worn in combination with separate headwear or eyewear and allow sweat to be automatically diverted without user intervention and assist in maintaining optimal visual clarity. This could be especially important if both hands are needs to perform a task: such as using surgical tools (surgeons are gowned and covered); using a chainsaw and wearing a hardhat; fighting fire with 60 pounds of protective gear on, including a helmet; firing a weapon, flying an aircraft, or driving military vehicles in hot climates, especially under combat conditions.

FIG. 8is a rear or inner view of the diverting apparatus201shown inFIG. 7for spanning a large portion of the brow and/or lower forehead above both eyes. Diverting apparatus201comprises rear or inner surface202having portion including an adhesive surface or coating211for releasably attaching said diverting apparatus201to a body section adjacent a wearer's eye, adhesive-free portion206to divert, catch or collect sweat or moisture dripping from a forehead or brow, an intermediate or middle portion221having an adhesive230for releasably attaching the middle top portion of diverting apparatus201to the forehead or upper nose of the wearer to create a high spot so any sweat is directed to the side of the face and to assist in maintaining placement of said diverting apparatus201on the skin, side section216, opposite side section217, top section218, bottom section219, intermediate bridge section215. Middle portion221may be fabricated without an adhesive surface or coating. A plurality of adhesive portions (not shown) may be placed on top section218in spaced-apart fashion to assist in securing diverting apparatus201to the wearer.

FIGS. 9A, 10 and 11illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention that may be fabricated from a single substrate. As shown in the drawings,FIG. 9Ais a side view ofFIG. 11in axis9A-9A, the diverting apparatus comprises a substrate540comprising an adhesive surface, film or coating511on a surface thereof. The diverting apparatus501is formed by cutting or otherwise forming substrate540into a desired pattern, such as, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 10. In one embodiment, the pattern is die cut from a larger substrate to form the desired pattern. Known molding or deposition techniques may also be used to form the desired pattern. When a desired pattern is formed, such as that shown inFIG. 10, an upper section518of substrate540is folded over, for example, along dotted line525to form diverting apparatus501. As shown, diverting apparatus501has a folded upper section that creates an adhesive free upper portion506, a lower portion519having exposed adhesive511for releasably attaching diverting apparatus501to the skin adjacent the eye or eyes, and an, adhesive-free outer face503. Top portion506is designed to abut the eyebrow area and does not contain adhesive so the eyebrow hair will remain intact when sweat diverting apparatus501is removed from the skin. Folding the upper member518onto itself also doubles the wall thickness of upper section518, (as an example from 7 mil to 14 mil) improving rigidity and creating a stronger protruding ledge or member that will better maintain structural integrity of protruding ledge for channeling liquid away from the eye under severe conditions or excessive sweating.

AlthoughFIGS. 9A, 10 and 11show the entire surface of substrate540having an adhesive, it is appreciated that the adhesive511may be selectively applied or patterned on portions of the substrate540. For example, only a single layer of adhesive is required in the section of the upper fold section. Adhesive511may be patterned on substrate540prior to cutting so that a single layer of adhesive exists between the fold when it is created.

Sweat diverting apparatus501, or any other embodiments disclosed herein, preferably comprise a material that does not absorb liquid. Sweat diverting apparatus of the present invention may comprise a variety of shapes including rectangular, arcuate, curved, longitudinal, or any other shape that will allow attachment to the skin above the eye or eyes.

FIG. 10is a rear view drawing of the sweat diverting apparatus ofFIG. 9Aprior to folding and joining upper section518over to fabricate one piece apparatus501having outside section515, opposite section517, lower section519having adhesive511, top section518having adhesive511, fold line525(dotted line) for creating a surface having an adhesive-free portion adjacent to a portion519having adhesive and doubling the wall thickness of upper section518when joined together.

FIG. 11is a rear view drawing of the one piece sweat diverting apparatus ofFIGS. 9A and 10ready for use fabricated from one piece of material having a folded upper section518that creates an adhesive free portion506adjacent lower portion519having adhesive511for removably attaching sweat diverting apparatus501to the skin adjacent an eye. Folded upper section518doubles the wall thickness adding strength and rigidity to the apparatus.

FIG. 12is a rear view drawing of the sweat diverting apparatus ofFIG. 9C or 10prior to folding having a reinforcing member or wire530attached to adhesive511to assist in maintaining and customizing the shape of the sweat diverting apparatus501. Sweat diverting apparatus501having outside section515, opposite section517, lower section519having adhesive511, and top section518.

Sweat diverting apparatus501may comprise a flexible material that contours to the individual shape of the wearer's face or orbit and may include reinforcing member530or other such members as mesh, strips, wires or the like to allow said sweat diverting apparatus to be “pre-shaped” prior to attachment and conform to the facial contour of each wearer. Although not necessary in practice, a shapeable sweat diverting apparatus having a “memory” would be more likely to maintain its shape or configuration and remain attached to the wearer as the weight of any sweat it may gather and divert increases.

FIG. 9Bis a side view of another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the sweat diverting apparatus includes a bead or enlarged portion526that contacts, or makes near contact to the brow region of a wearer. The sweat diverter comprises substrate527having adhesive-free outer face523, top section528, bottom section529, back or inner surface522that includes an adhesive surface, film or coating521for releasably attaching the diverting apparatus to the skin adjacent the eye or eyes. The sweat diverter ofFIG. 9Bmay be a one piece construction or constructed from multiple components that are bonded, or otherwise attached. The diverting apparatus ofFIG. 9Bmay be fabricated by extrusion, stamping, or other known manufacturing methods.

Bead or enlarged portion526acts to form a channel between itself and the lower brow region of the wearer or alternatively, or in combination, acts to wick moisture from the lower brow region via capillary action or gravity away from the eye. Enlarged portion or bead526may contain one or more grooves or channels extending along its length, or a portion thereof that may be useful in facilitating the transport of moisture droplets away from the eye.

FIG. 9Cis a side view drawing of the sweat diverting apparatus ofFIG. 12, and similar to those illustrated inFIGS. 9A and 9B. As shown, a member530, such as a fiber, wire, or other elongate member is positioned within a folded upper section516that encases or envelopes member530. Member530may be a reinforcing member for maintaining and customizing the shape of the sweat diverting apparatus501.

FIG. 9Dis a side view drawing of a sweat diverting apparatus554having a channel558with a plurality of perforations557for collecting and diverting liquid from the brow of the wearer. Sweat diverting apparatus554having an adhesive portion551on rear surface552for selectively attaching to the skin, a front surface553that is adhesive free.

FIG. 13shows a cross sectional side view of a sweat diverting apparatus101attached to the wearer, having a lower section119, and an upper portion118that includes a protruding member or ledge122formed by attaching the sweat diverting apparatus101to the skin below brow line7for diverting liquid or sweat away from the eye or eyes5. Protruding ledge122creates channel, trough or gutter123for gathering and diverting liquid or sweat away from the eye or eyes5. Sweat diverting apparatus101having an adhesive portion111creating a liquid-tight seal121for attachment to the skin above eye lid6, and an adhesive-free, longitudinal portion106on upper section118that keeps the eyebrow hair intact when sweat diverting apparatus101is selectively removed. As with many embodiments of the present invention, the width of protruding member122can be increased to assist in shading the eye.

Similarly stated, longitudinal portion106of diverting strip101comprises an adhesive-free portion creating a small protruding lip or ledge122fashioning a small channel123above the liquid tight sealing portion121of the diverting strip or membrane101that has adhesive on the lower portion111. When sweat rolls down the forehead, the small protruding lip or ledge122catches and channels the sweat to the side of the eye or eyes.

FIG. 14is an isometric side view of the sweat diverting apparatus ofFIG. 13attached to the wearer above eyelid6, showing sweat being diverted away from the eye5. Sweat diverting apparatus101having protruding ledge122creating channel, trough or gutter123at brow line7for gathering, moving and diverting liquid or sweat away from the eye or eyes5.

Sweat diverting apparatus101may be comprised of an absorbent material that may also include adhesive properties. The sweat diverting apparatus101may comprise a flexible structural material or a rigid structural material. The rigid structural properties may be either longitudinal (lengthwise) and/or latitudinal (height wise) relative the shape of the sweat diverting apparatus.

FIG. 15is a cross sectional side view of the sweat diverting apparatus527ofFIG. 9Battached to the wearer, having a lower section523, and an upper section526that includes a bead or enlarged member526for contacting or making near contact with the skin below brow line7for diverting liquid or sweat away from the eye or eyes5.

FIG. 16is a cross sectional side view of the sweat diverting apparatus554ofFIG. 9Dattached to the wearer, having a hollow tube558containing a plurality of perforations557for gathering and diverting sweat from the brow7of the wearer.

FIG. 17is a side view of a sweat diverting apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown, diverter701includes an absorbent member or string726to assist in wicking liquid laterally to the side of the face. Sweat diverting apparatus701comprises adhesive-free outer face703, top section718, bottom section719, back or inner surface702that includes a lower adhesive coated surface, film or coating711for releasably attaching diverting apparatus701to the skin adjacent the eye or eyes. Top portion706is designed to abut the eyebrow area and does not contain adhesive so the eyebrow hair will remain intact when sweat diverting apparatus701is removed from the skin.

FIG. 18is a side view of yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein sweat diverting apparatus801includes a recessed, preformed channel or groove828to assist in diverting or moving liquid laterally to the side of the face. Sweat diverting apparatus801of the present invention comprises adhesive-free outer face803, top section818, bottom section819, back or inner surface802that includes a lower adhesive coated surface, film or coating811for releasably attaching diverting apparatus801to the skin adjacent the eye or eyes. Top portion806is designed to abut the eyebrow area and does not contain adhesive so the eyebrow hair will remain intact when sweat diverting apparatus801is removed from the skin

FIG. 19is a side view of a sweat diverting apparatus of the present invention that includes a raised lip or protrusion929at top of the upper section918to assist in preventing liquid or sweat from dripping out of the front of sweat diverting apparatus during use. Sweat diverting apparatus901of the present invention comprises adhesive-free outer face903, top section918, bottom section919, back or inner surface902that includes a lower adhesive coated surface, film or coating911for releasably attaching diverting apparatus901to the skin adjacent the eye or eyes. Top portion906is designed to abut the eyebrow area and does not contain adhesive so the eyebrow hair will remain intact when sweat diverting apparatus901is removed from the skin

FIG. 20is a rear view of a sweat diverting apparatus of the present invention having one or more frangible portion or imprinted lines for sizing the apparatus to fit a variety of different sized individuals. Sweat diverting apparatus401comprises a an adhesive-free top section418and a bottom section419having adhesive411. In one embodiment one or more perforating or scoring lines431are provided that permits the user to selectively size or shape the diverting apparatus prior to attachment.FIG. 20shows an example of where lines431may be placed. However, it is appreciated that lines431can be formed in any location that permits the user to adjust one or more of the width, length, contour, shape, etc. of diverting apparatus401. In lieu of, or in combination with perforating or scoring lines, imprinted lines may be provided to assist the user in manually cutting the diverter to a size and shape most appropriate for the user.

The eyes of humans are recessed relative to the eyebrow and forehead and the ability to custom shape the sweat diverting apparatus101,201,301,401,501,701,801, and901to fit each individual wearer will add the comfort of using the invention. As described above this can be accomplished individually by the wearer cutting the diverting apparatus or by a series of perforations431manufactured in the diverting apparatus that allow the user to peel portion430away to customize the size. A separate, removable liner may also be used to keep the adhesive surface fresh. A plurality of diverting apparati can be ganged, rolled or stacked together so the adhesive surface is removably attached to the non-adhesive surface of the underlying and adjacent diverting apparatus. This way, one diverting apparatus can be peeled from a multitude of sweat diverting strips.

A number of embodiments have been disclosed herein as they relate to the sweat diverting apparatus of the present invention. It is important to understand that many of the elements described herein may be interchangeable. It is also important to note that the invention can comprise a variety of embodiments, ranging from a single piece fabrication, where the components or apparatus are manufactured unitarily, to a plurality of components all that achieve the desired result of safely preventing sweat or moisture from entering the eye or eyes.