Patents by Inventor Susan Sokolowski
Susan 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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Publication number: 20230284730Abstract: A shoe can include a sock liner assembly configured to receive a reflectant panel and a midsole assembly configured to receive an optical sensor. The optical sensor can include an optical source configured to emit a beam directed to the reflectant panel and an optical detector configured to detect a portion of the beam reflected by the reflectant panel. The optical sensor can be configured to measure a relative displacement between the sock liner assembly and the midsole assembly based on a change of the detected portion of the beam caused by the relative displacement.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2023Publication date: September 14, 2023Applicant: University of OregonInventors: Gabi Lorenzo, Susan Sokolowski, Michael Aaron McGeehan, Mike Hahn, Keat Ghee Ong
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Publication number: 20170119063Abstract: Aspects of a flat-knit support garment for an upper torso are provided. The flat-knit support garment may include a bra structure having a flat-knit bra material that includes a cup zone, a body zone, a wing zone, a strap zone, and a chestband zone. In some instances, a perimeter of the flat-knit bra comprising a neck opening and armhole openings includes a finished edge treatment corresponding to a high stretch modulus, covered yarn. Such finished edges are generated in seamless construction with the unitary, flat-knit structure of the flat-knit support garment for an upper torso. The flat-knit characteristics of the support garment for an upper torso may correspond to one or more of a flat-knit stitch sequence, a yarn type, and/or a finishing treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2016Publication date: May 4, 2017Inventors: JOSUE DIAZ, RICHA MAHESHWARI, PAUL R. MONTGOMERY, LORI SEARS, ANDREA J. STAUB, MICHAEL TANIOS, SUSAN SOKOLOWSKI, LAURA TEMPESTA
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Patent number: 8468721Abstract: A shoe structure specifically designed to more securely fit a wider range of feet widths and proportions by providing an integrated resilient heel device in the rearfoot region of the upper. The heel device extends upward and rearward toward the back of the foot to avoid the bulbous end of the calcaneus but also to engage the area just above the heel bone. The heel device has opposing portions that are biased toward one another and provide a secure but comfortable engagement of the shoe onto the wearer's heel. The heel device is smaller than the size of the shoe into which it is incorporated to enhance the biasing effect of the opposing portions.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventor: Susan Sokolowski
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Publication number: 20130000022Abstract: Cold weather garments include one or more zones with increased thermally insulative and/or thermally resistive properties. Such garments reflect different gender needs. Such garments can allow wearers to maintain a necessary or desired degree of warmth with decreased garment weight and bulk. Methods of making such garments also are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Susan Sokolowski, Dana Reinisch
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Publication number: 20110308109Abstract: A shoe structure specifically designed to more securely fit a wider range of feet widths and proportions by providing an integrated resilient heel device in the rearfoot region of the upper. The heel device extends upward and rearward toward the back of the foot to avoid the bulbous end of the calcaneus but also to engage the area just above the heel bone. The heel device has opposing portions that are biased toward one another and provide a secure but comfortable engagement of the shoe onto the wearer's heel. The heel device is smaller than the size of the shoe into which it is incorporated to enhance the biasing effect of the opposing portions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: Nike, Inc.Inventor: Susan Sokolowski
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Patent number: 8020317Abstract: A shoe structure specifically designed to more securely fit a wider range of feet widths and proportions by providing an integrated resilient heel device in the rearfoot region of the upper. The heel device extends upward and rearward toward the back of the foot to avoid the bulbous end of the calcaneus but also to engage the area just above the heel bone. The heel device has opposing portions that are biased toward one another and provide a secure but comfortable engagement of the shoe onto the wearer's heel. The heel device is smaller than the size of the shoe into which it is incorporated to enhance the biasing effect of the opposing portions.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Susan Sokolowski
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Publication number: 20090133181Abstract: 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: November 25, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Matthew D. Nordstrom, Susan Sokolowski
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Publication number: 20090098803Abstract: A seamless athletic bra includes different regions with different levels of support. The bra is formed from layers of material adhered together. Altering the types of materials comprising the layers in a region changes the level of support in that region as compared with other regions of the bra. A first region having the lowest level of support is found in a back panel and in the molded cups. A second region having a medium level of support is found in the front portion of the strap. A third region having a high level of support is found in a framework that follows the contours of the molded cups and in a back portion of the strap.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: Nike, IncInventors: Dana Reinisch, Susan Sokolowski
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Publication number: 20090064540Abstract: An article of footwear for gymnasts includes an outsole, an insole, an upper, and a securing member. The outsole may extend beneath a forefoot region of the foot and may include one or more traction elements. The insole may be engaged with the outsole and may include one or more impact-attenuation zones. The insole may include a medial impact-attenuation zone and a lateral impact-attenuation zone. The upper may include one or more apertures through which a wearer's phalanges may be received and may extend over a top portion of the wearer's foot between the wearer's ankle and phalanges. The securing member may secure the article of footwear to the wearer's foot, and may extend from the lateral to the medial side of the upper. The securing member may extend around the heel or ankle area of the wearer's foot. The article of footwear may be a gymnastics shoe.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: Susan Sokolowski, Nuria Hansen, Julia Roether
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Publication number: 20090031486Abstract: Cold weather garments include one or more zones with increased thermally insulative and/or thermally resistive properties. Such garments reflect different gender needs. Such garments can allow wearers to maintain a necessary or desired degree of warmth with decreased garment weight and bulk. Methods of making such garments also are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Susan Sokolowski, Dana Reinisch
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Publication number: 20080092405Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a midsole element that defines a void, and the void may extend substantially vertically through a central area of the midsole element. The void may also extend between an upper surface and a lower surface of the midsole element to define an interior surface. A plurality of bores are also defined in the midsole element. The bores may extend substantially horizontally through the midsole element, and the bores may extend between an exterior surface of the midsole element and the void.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Susan Sokolowski, Susanne Wolf-Hochdoerffer, Lorrie Vogel
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Publication number: 20080092404Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a midsole element that defines a void, and the void may extend substantially vertically through a central area of the midsole element. The void may also extend between an upper surface and a lower surface of the midsole element to define an interior surface. A plurality of bores are also defined in the midsole element. The bores may extend substantially horizontally through the midsole element, and the bores may extend between an exterior surface of the midsole element and the void.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Susan Sokolowski, Susanne Wolf-Hochdoerffer, Lorrie Vogel
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Publication number: 20070022627Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2006Publication date: February 1, 2007Applicant: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Susan Sokolowski, Susanne Wolf-Hochdoerffer
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Publication number: 20060130365Abstract: Impact-attenuating elements for footwear or the like may include (a) a first impact-attenuating material (e.g., foam) in a first region; and (b) a second impact-attenuating material in a second region (e.g., foam of a higher density). At least one characteristic of the impact-attenuating characteristics (e.g., support) provided by the impact-attenuating element may be controlled by changing a position or orientation of at least a portion of the impact-attenuating element in the footwear. For example, the “firmness” of the support provided by the impact-attenuating element may be changed by rotating or flipping the impact-attenuating element so that foam of a different density is provided at different areas of the foot.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2005Publication date: June 22, 2006Applicant: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Susan Sokolowski, Martin Lotti, Jane Savage, Linda Allen, Maria Kozo
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Publication number: 20060048413Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the footwear are disclosed. The footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to sole structure and the upper is formed from three layers: a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The second layer is formed from a polymer material and molded to the first layer, but the second layer may alternately be molded to the third layer. The third layer is joined with at least one of the first layer and the second layer such that the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2004Publication date: March 9, 2006Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Susan Sokolowski, Susanne Wolf-Hochdoerffer
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Publication number: 20060042120Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure has a midsole element that defines a void, and the void may extend substantially vertically through a central area of the midsole element. The void may also extend between an upper surface and a lower surface of the midsole element to define an interior surface. A plurality of bores are also defined in the midsole element. The bores may extend substantially horizontally through the midsole element, and the bores may extend between an exterior surface of the midsole element and the void.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2004Publication date: March 2, 2006Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Susan Sokolowski, Susanne Wolf-Hochdoerffer, Lorrie Vogel
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Patent number: D500402Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventor: Susan Sokolowski
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Patent number: D498914Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventor: Susan Sokolowski
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Patent number: D499248Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventor: Susan Sokolowski