From what I gather, it's a very rare form of pleating, but people do still get it done in that manner. Mr. Larry Long, of Clan Maxwell, recently received his own blog entry in Matt's blog, and the kilt he's wearing is pleated in this style (as well as fastened rather in rather unique manner!). The second link also advertises kilts pleated in this manner.

As for the UK patent, I've no idea. Perhaps it has more to it than just the pleat style?