Greetings Kilted Ones,

My husband and I are new to (yet very thrilled with) kilts as modern day wear. Living in the south east of the states all these "new fangled" modern/contemporary kilts have not quite found their way here for "out and about" everyday wear. One day while doing research on other things "celtic" I ran across Utilikilts and we were hooked! He has always wished that kilts were acceptable wear and now we found that our region of the country is just way behind the times! Since I am a seamstress/tailor of 40 plus years (started as a mere child!) and with 7 young-uns funds are always tight we immediately started researching and studying and I designed and stitched up our own contemporary kilt. When he wore it out the response was overwhelming and I have several folks wanting to purchase/trade for one of mine. It does look really good if I say so myself! (My husband of course thinks it is the model that is getting all the attention!) My question is this: when studying the various web sites and info on kilt making I ran across a couple of Utilikilt patents. I understand the leather patent with adjustable sides but I am having a hard time actually understanding the first patent. Did Steven actually patent the bidirectional pleating? He also mentions the snaps in the front as part of the patent. How about the closure system? Not being one to understand or function well in the world of law and such can someone explain the extent of his patent and how that would affect other manufacturers in this country?
Any answer to this question would not imply any legal responsibility on the part of the answerer! Just trying to "cover my rear"!

Thanks,
Mom7TN
Make Do Farm