Patents by Inventor Susan L. Sokolowski

Susan L. Sokolowski has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240122276
    Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to an apparel item that promotes thermo-regulation through the use of engineered openings, venting, and/or stand-off structures. In exemplary aspects, 20-45% of the apparel item may comprise the engineered openings. Vents may be positioned on the apparel item in areas that experience high amounts of air flow to help channel air into the apparel item. The stand-off structures may be positioned on an inner-facing surface of the apparel item where they help to create a space between the apparel item and the wearer's body surface in which air can flow and help cool the wearer by promoting evaporative cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Collin Bailey, Kim D. Baschak, Olivia A. Echols, Stacey L. Hansen, Lucas Hartman, Rebecca P. Hurd, Adam Parkinson, Shannon K. Redell, David Sagan, Susan L. Sokolowski, Stuart B. Brown, Matthew J. Hancock
  • Publication number: 20240065357
    Abstract: Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body and/or stretch resistance, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew D. Nordstrom, Susan L. Sokolowski
  • Patent number: 11857003
    Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to an apparel item that promotes thermo-regulation through the use of engineered openings, venting, and/or stand-off structures. In exemplary aspects, 20-45% of the apparel item may comprise the engineered openings. Vents may be positioned on the apparel item in areas that experience high amounts of air flow to help channel air into the apparel item. The stand-off structures may be positioned on an inner-facing surface of the apparel item where they help to create a space between the apparel item and the wearer's body surface in which air can flow and help cool the wearer by promoting evaporative cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Collin Bailey, Kim D. Baschak, Olivia A. Echols, Stacey L. Hansen, Lucas Hartman, Rebecca P. Hurd, Adam Parkinson, Shannon K. Redell, David Sagan, Susan L. Sokolowski, Stuart B. Brown, Matthew J. Hancock
  • Patent number: 11844385
    Abstract: Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body and/or stretch resistance, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Nordstrom, Susan L. Sokolowski
  • Publication number: 20220202113
    Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to an apparel item that promotes thermo-regulation through the use of engineered openings, venting, and/or stand-off structures. In exemplary aspects, 20-45% of the apparel item may comprise the engineered openings. Vents may be positioned on the apparel item in areas that experience high amounts of air flow to help channel air into the apparel item. The stand-off structures may be positioned on an inner-facing surface of the apparel item where they help to create a space between the apparel item and the wearer's body surface in which air can flow and help cool the wearer by promoting evaporative cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventors: Collin Bailey, Kim D. Baschak, Olivia A. Echols, Stacey L. Hansen, Lucas Hartman, Rebecca P. Hurd, Adam Parkinson, Shannon K. Redell, David Sagan, Susan L. Sokolowski, Stuart B. Brown, Matthew J. Hancock
  • Patent number: 11330851
    Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to an apparel item that promotes thermo-regulation through the use of engineered openings, venting, and/or stand-off structures. In exemplary aspects, 20-45% of the apparel item may comprise the engineered openings. Vents may be positioned on the apparel item in areas that experience high amounts of air flow to help channel air into the apparel item. The stand-off structures may be positioned on an inner-facing surface of the apparel item where they help to create a space between the apparel item and the wearer's body surface in which air can flow and help cool the wearer by promoting evaporative cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Collin Bailey, Kim D. Baschak, Olivia A. Echols, Stacey L. Hansen, Lucas Hartman, Rebecca P. Hurd, Adam Parkinson, Shannon K. Redell, David Sagan, Susan L. Sokolowski, Stuart B. Brown, Matthew J. Hancock
  • Patent number: 11214898
    Abstract: A moisture management fabric using denier differential to facilitate the movement of sweat away from the wearer's body is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment constructed from an exemplary moisture management fabric is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment is a moisture transporting sport bra. A denier differential is employed to provide superior moisture transporting and evaporation of perspiration from a wearer during exertion. The denier differential relies upon a facing layer and a back layer with substantially different yarn thickness and fabric porosity to achieve fluid transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Rebecca P. Hurd, Susan L. Sokolowski
  • Publication number: 20210059334
    Abstract: Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body and/or stretch resistance, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew D. Nordstrom, Susan L. Sokolowski
  • Patent number: 10905178
    Abstract: A garment, such as a sports uniform, may provide visibility zones and/or flicker zones to enhance the ability of teammates to perceive the wearer. Different zones on a garment may have different sets of visual properties that may contrast with one another and/or a visual background. A denier differential between layers of a garment may facilitate moisture transport across the layers of the garment. Flicker zones may be discrete from or combined with visibility zones. One or more zones of a garment may also be substantially non-reflective at wavelengths associated with the visual background encountered while wearing the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Kirk M. Mayer, Amir H. Morgan, Alan W. Reichow, Andrea J. Staub, Stephanie J. Scott
  • Patent number: 10863782
    Abstract: Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body and/or stretch resistance, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of “muscle memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Nordstrom, Susan L. Sokolowski
  • Publication number: 20200288794
    Abstract: A vortex generator might be attached to various types of articles to reduce the drag. For example, vortex generators might be attached to a garment or to adhesive tape. In addition, vortex generators might be attached to various types of athletic equipment. A mapping can suggest placement of a vortex-generator arrangement on an article, as well as prescribe particular vortex-generator arrangements for regions of a person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Yuki Aihara, Leonard W. Brownlie, Jorge E. Carbo, JR., Edward K, Harber, Ryan P. Henry, Irena Ilcheva, Susan L. Sokolowski
  • Patent number: 10716340
    Abstract: A vortex generator might be attached to various types of articles to reduce the drag. For example, vortex generators might be attached to a garment or to adhesive tape. In addition, vortex generators might be attached to various types of athletic equipment. A mapping can suggest placement of a vortex-generator arrangement on an article, as well as prescribe particular vortex-generator arrangements for regions of a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Yuki Aihara, Leonard W. Brownlie, Jorge E. Carbo, Jr., Edward L. Harber, Ryan P. Henry, Irena Ilcheva, Susan L. Sokolowski
  • Publication number: 20200063300
    Abstract: A moisture management fabric using denier differential to facilitate the movement of sweat away from the wearer's body is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment constructed from an exemplary moisture management fabric is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment is a moisture transporting sport bra. A denier differential is employed to provide superior moisture transporting and evaporation of perspiration from a wearer during exertion. The denier differential relies upon a facing layer and a back layer with substantially different yarn thickness and fabric porosity to achieve fluid transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Rebecca P. Hurd, Susan L. Sokolowski
  • Patent number: 10501873
    Abstract: A moisture management fabric using denier differential to facilitate the movement of sweat away from the wearer's body is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment constructed from an exemplary moisture management fabric is presented. An exemplary moisture management support garment is a moisture transporting sport bra. A denier differential is employed to provide superior moisture transporting and evaporation of perspiration from a wearer during exertion. The denier differential relies upon a facing layer and a back layer with substantially different yarn thickness and fabric porosity to achieve fluid transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, INC.
    Inventors: Rebecca P. Hurd, Susan L. Sokolowski
  • Patent number: 10271581
    Abstract: A recovery tight having preconfigured compression zones with integrated knit structures is provided herein. The compression zones may have differing compressive properties where zones having a higher compression force are located at the calf and ankle areas of the tight, zones having the next highest compression force are located over the knee and lower thigh areas of the tight, and zones having the lowest compression force are located over the upper thigh and lower torso areas of the tight when the tight is worn. The integrated knit structures modify the compressive properties of the zones in the areas where the structures are located in order to further customize the compressive properties of the recovery tight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Alyse Kehler, Richa Maheshwari, Martine Mientjes, Christopher J. Ranalli, Susan L. Sokolowski, Andrea J. Staub, Heidi A. Vaughan
  • Publication number: 20180317568
    Abstract: An upper-torso garment includes a tubular-jacquard knit structure in a chest-covering portion. The tubular-jacquard knit structure is divided into a plurality of zones across the chest-covering portion, and the zones may include different versions of the tubular-jacquard knit structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Josue Diaz, Richa Maheshwari, Paul R. Montgomery, Lori Sears, Andrea J. Staub, Michael Tanios, Susan L. Sokolowski, Laura Tempesta
  • Publication number: 20180317569
    Abstract: An upper-torso garment includes a chest-covering portion. The chest-covering portion includes a knit textile region having a tubular-jacquard knit structure. The tubular-jacquard knit structure includes a number of interlocking cross overs in which a first yarn strand transfers from the front bed to the back bed and a second yarn strand transfers from the back bed to the front bed, and in which the yarn strands transfer back over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Josue Diaz, Richa Maheshwari, Paul R. Montgomery, Lori Sears, Andrea J. Staub, Michael Tanios, Susan L. Sokolowski, Laura Tempesta
  • Publication number: 20180320297
    Abstract: An upper-torso garment includes a first knit zone and a second knit zone. The first knit zone includes a first tubular-jacquard knit structure and having a first modulus of elasticity, and the second knit zone includes a second tubular-jacquard knit structure and having a second modulus of elasticity, which is greater than the first modulus of elasticity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Josue Diaz, Richa Maheshwari, Paul R. Montgomery, Lori Sears, Andrea J. Staub, Michael Tanios, Susan L. Sokolowski, Laura Tempesta
  • Publication number: 20180317570
    Abstract: An upper-torso garment includes a chest-covering portion having a knit textile region, which includes a plurality of courses fully spanning a dome-shaped portion. In addition, the knit textile region includes a plurality of partial-length courses partially spanning the dome-shaped portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Josue Diaz, Richa Maheshwari, Paul R. Montgomery, Lori Sears, Andrea J. Staub, Michael Tanios, Susan L. Sokolowski, Laura Tempesta
  • Publication number: 20180295902
    Abstract: A garment, such as a sports uniform, may provide visibility zones and/or flicker zones to enhance the ability of teammates to perceive the wearer. Different zones on a garment may have different sets of visual properties that may contrast with one another and/or a visual background. A denier differential between layers of a garment may facilitate moisture transport across the layers of the garment. Flicker zones may be discrete from or combined with visibility zones. One or more zones of a garment may also be substantially non-reflective at wavelengths associated with the visual background encountered while wearing the garment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Kirk M. Mayer, Amir H. Morgan, Alan W. Reichow, Andrea J. Staub, Stephanie J. Scott