philosophy...who we are
Introduction & Philosophy
SharkLids EyeGear, Inc. is an innovator of a unique, patented approach to disposable, protective eyewear products—namely frame-free, self-adhesive eyewear. A paradigm shift for those familiar with the traditional approaches to safety eyewear.
We strive to make eyewear that is considered the gold standard for comfort, convenience and protection. Our hope is that by providing eyewear with attributes that embody comfort and
convenience
that caregivers across all medical fields will be more apt to comply with universal
precautions, thus, protecting themselves better.
Our disposable eyewear products are designing for protection, comfort,
value,
ease of storage and simplicity in use and made only with high-quality materials.
We work as a team with our employees, customers and supply partners in
a
fair, honest and respectful manner to ensure that our products are produced
at
the highest quality levels and delivered on time. And we strive to build long-term relationships that generate mutual value
for our
customers, supply partners and stakeholders.
Our History
SharkLids, as a product concept, was conceived in the mid-1990’s by Michael Bleau of Grand Blanc, Michigan as a self-adhesive swim goggle for his children, with the intention of creating a product that would be more comfortable, less apt to leak or slip-off while providing a better hydrodynamic signature during swimming competitions.
The first prototype was handmade from waterproof bandages and clear, overhead projection film stock. Future prototypes were produced from a variety of self-adhesive vinyl and clear plastics while a search for medical-grade, hypoallergenic adhesive was conducted over the course of a little more than one-year. After many trials, a medical-grade adhesive was identified that was aggressive enough to seal out water, maintain product position on the wearer and offer pain-free removal.
During the course of the swim goggle development, a number of lens materials were tested and proved to be potentially suitable for UV protection. This led to the development of a self-adhesive sports sunglass and the concept of a new easy-on/easy-off body-substance-isolation shield for emergency medical and dental personnel.
Shortly after the initial conception of the swim goggle a patent attorney was retained to initiate the process of seeking intellectual property protection. Following the draft of an initial disclosure, a legal firm in Washington was hired to perform a ‘hand search’ of existing art on file at the US patent and copyright offices. The search turned-up nothing in the way of competing art and validated the prospect of obtaining patentable claims for the innovation. After the patent filing, the product was introduced on a small scale for testing and refinement while production, fulfillment and distribution relationships were built.
Michael Bleau was introduced to William Martin in April of 2003. From May of 2003 through April of 2004, Bleau and Martin conducted market research during which time they identified the value of the product in various segments of medical, dental, home improvement, branded promotional and sports and leisure markets. Throughout 2004 and 2005 Bleau and Martin continued to refine the products and to establish a strong relationship with a supply network.
In February 2006 the company's first product, MEDshields was introduced and gained immediate acceptance within various segments of the medical community. While continuing the effort to establish distributors for MEDshields, the company is advancing their plans to introduce consumer-focused versions in late 2006.
Our Product Launch Team
The Company is headed by William Martin, President & Chief Executive Officer and Michael Bleau, Inventor and Executive Vice President, Marketing & Sales.
 |
Mr. Martin has been instrumental in developing the company’s business plan, selecting its organizational form, generating network sales opportunities, as well as seeking the capital needed to operate the business. His start-up experience has proven invaluable to getting things moving and keeping the execution of the Company’s objectives in focus. |
|---|
 |
|
|---|
Manufacturing
Our manufacturing sites are ISO certified, FDA registered, NFPA certified and dedicated to the production of high quality products. SharkLids operates with great cost efficiencies as an almost entirely business process outsourced (BPO) entity. Tactical market planning and communications, manufacturing, packaging, and order fulfillment (inventory, packing and shipping) are out-sourced to a community of specialized supply partners situated within the United States of America.
Intellectual Property
The Company holds a United States patent on our approach to self-adhesive eyewear products (US Pat No 6,984,037), with filed continuations for further patents on new, evolving embodiments as well as additional, related products being developed and protected for future value-added growth. Furthermore, the company’s name and that of its products, MEDshields and SharkLids are very unique and registered for copyright and trademark protection both in the US and internationally. As of 2006, the tradename MEDshields® became a US registered trademark of SharkLids EyeGear, Inc. with other international trademarks pending.