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).
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Patent number: 10039332Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 23, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Kirk M. Mayer, Amir H. Morgan, Alan W. Reichow, Andrea J. Staub, Stephanie J. Scott
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Publication number: 20180027892Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2017Publication date: February 1, 2018Inventors: Matthew D. Nordstrom, Susan L. Sokolowski
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Publication number: 20170340037Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2017Publication date: November 30, 2017Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 9814273Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Matthew D. Nordstrom, Susan L. Sokolowski
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Publication number: 20170226670Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Inventors: Rebecca P. Hurd, Susan L. Sokolowski
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Patent number: 9677207Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Rebecca P. Hurd, Susan L. Sokolowski
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Publication number: 20160345641Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2016Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventors: Yuki Aihara, Leonard W. Brownlie, Jorge E. Carbo, Jr., Edward L. Harber, Ryan P. Henry, Irena Ilcheva, Susan L. Sokolowski
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Publication number: 20160338417Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2016Publication date: November 24, 2016Inventors: Alyse Kehler, Richa Maheshwari, Martine Mientjes, Christopher J. Ranalli, Susan L. Sokolowski, Andrea J. Staub, Heidi A. Vaughan
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Publication number: 20160037834Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2015Publication date: February 11, 2016Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Kirk M. Mayer, Amir H. Morgan, Alan W. Reichow, Andrea J. Staub, Stephanie J. Scott
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Patent number: 9241516Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Kirk M. Mayer, Amir H. Morgan, Alan W. Reichow, Andrea J. Staub, Stephanie J. Scott
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Patent number: 8959800Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2014Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Bhupesh Dua, Edward N. Thomas
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Patent number: 8898820Abstract: An article apparel has a surface with a first part of a fastening system, and an attachment element has an outer area with a second part of the fastening system. The first part of the fastening system is joinable to the second part of the fastening system to attach the attachment element to the apparel. The first part of the fastening system is also separable from the second part of the fastening system to separate the attachment element from the apparel. The attachment element may be formed from a polymer foam material, may include a fluid-filled chamber, or may incorporate an electronic device, for example. In some configurations, the attachment element is secured to an exterior of the apparel. In other configurations, the attachment element is secured between two layers of the apparel.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, James A. Niegowski, Matthew F. Park
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Publication number: 20140310987Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Bhupesh Dua, Edward N. Thomas
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Publication number: 20140182045Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Matthew D. Nordstrom, Susan L. Sokolowski
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Publication number: 20140187121Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Rebecca P. Hurd, Susan L. Sokolowski
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Patent number: 8745895Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Bhupesh Dua, Edward Nathaniel Thomas
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Patent number: 8702469Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Rebecca P. Hurd, Susan L. Sokolowski
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Patent number: 8677512Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Matthew D. Nordstrom, Susan L. Sokolowski
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Patent number: 8607478Abstract: An article of footwear configured for use as a dance shoe is provided. The article of footwear can include an upper and a two-piece sole connected to the upper. The article can also include a cage support that surrounds a portion of the upper and aids in flexibility of the shoe. The article can also include a single piece liner with an integrated toe box. In addition, the shoe can include an offset lacing system. In another arrangement, the shoe can include an elastic wrap, connected to the bottom of the shoe on the inside of the upper. The wrap can act as a tongue to minimize contact between the offset lacing system and the dancer's foot. In yet another arrangement, the shoe can include different types of outsole supports.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Susan L. Sokolowski
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Patent number: 8590345Abstract: Articles of footwear include a textile upper member with an exterior constructed from knitted textile material, the exterior including a region with stability ribs and a second unribbed region. The region(s) having stability ribs may be located, for example: along a lateral midfoot side of the upper member; along a forefoot portion of the upper member; and/or along a medial midfoot side of the upper member. Other articles of footwear include an upper member having exterior and interior textile elements joined together in a stitchless manner at the foot-receiving opening of the upper member. The exterior surface of this upper member also may include one or more regions with stability structures. The stitchless textile engagement techniques can provide a smooth, non-bulky, and breathable joint that does not require thick layers of textile material in contact with or adjacent the wearer's foot.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Susan L. Sokolowski, Susanne Amalie Wolf-Hochdoerffer