Paul Davenport is single. And he wants the world to know it.

That's the idea behind his invention, called Eye on U! - which might soon spawn mounds of merchandise at stores internationally.

What Davenport, 39, invented is a logo, like the Nike swoosh or the Izod alligator. For the most part, logos are intended to identify a company and keep it memorable.

But Nike also sells the dream of slicing through the air and sinking the game-winning jump shot. And Izod sells a lifestyle of wealth and mojitos and golf games at the country club. And likewise, Davenport is selling hope - the hope of holding hands, sharing hugs and indulging in kisses.

Davenport's invention depicts an eyeball with the letter "U" looping around it. It's a logo intended to be flaunted on pretty much any surface - from bikinis and polo shirts to umbrellas and beach chairs. The goal is to let people know you're available.

For Davenport, a downtown resident, the Eye on U! products came as a revelation while bar-hopping.

Coming out of 13 years of marriage, Davenport found himself at a local pub, checking out a lady. He was disappointed when he realized she was there with another guy.

Only later did he find out the guy was her brother.

"It's hard to tell who is available and who isn't, especially as you get older," said Davenport, with a thick mustache and clad in a silk shirt.

The Western Hills native mulled over the problem while working as a welder for the city. While in the welding shop, he realized the answer is as simple as telling someone "I've got my eye on you." Being somewhat reserved, however, Davenport wanted a way to show them instead.

"This way, you can let the world know you're single without saying a word," he said.

After visiting trademark attorneys and a marketing firm - and securing a patent on the logo - Davenport was told this is the first useful logo ever.

"You have Tommy (Hilfiger) and Jordache and all these others, and what do they mean? Nothing," he said. "You wear the Nike swoosh and it doesn't actually do anything. But this will help you get a date."

Davenport invested, little by little, in this project - for a total of about $250,000, which he kept secret from his friends and family.

"Shoot. They'd think I was crazy," he said. "I told them all my money was going to buy heavy equipment and tools."

Things are taking off quickly now.

Three years after his awkward encounter in the bar, the former welder is now a full-time business professional with a downtown office and a view of the river.

Davenport recently took his Eye on U! idea to the Pittsburgh-based INPEX*, the country's largest invention trade show. There, Davenport won gold, silver and bronze medals for his invention.

Davenport now has about 1,400 products with the Eye on U! logo, including license plates, dog leashes, jewelry, evening wear, daily planners, golf bags, rainbow flags and much, much more. He also has a tattoo of his emblem on his right arm.

On some products, the logo is subtle. At other times, everyone from here to Tokyo will know you're single.

"But if you're not wearing it, opportunities are being missed," Davenport said.

Scott Abrams, 36, of Norwood, said the logo is a boon for people who often feel awkward approaching someone.

"I'm pretty shy," he said. "So if I would have the logo on, it would help to break the ice."

Davenport is in the process of building a Web store and will soon introduce these items on the market through TV and radio commercials. He has been negotiating distribution of the clothing line with a national chain and is in the process of working out a deal with a greeting card manufacturer for Jan. 10, Secret Admirer's Day.

The irony is this: Davenport still isn't attached. But he ended up finding much more than he was originally looking for.

"It's been kind of bizarre. This morning, I was on the phone with Ireland and Paris, France," Davenport laughed. "All this is happening to little ol' me. But I love it.

"I'm in love with my business."

E-mail mdowns@enquirer.com