Quote Originally Posted by creativeaccents View Post
My question also!

AND an issue of concern is that I noticed on the UTILIKILT site that their design, or at least the paneled configuration, is patented. Some simple research indicates that the is/was a patent on file for the "bifurcated panel". Were they the first to ever develop and distribute such a paneled kilt configuration or is this more a marketing factor of their having been the first to seek a patent. From what I have seen, most of the other sport, utility, leisure, or contemporary kilts now being manufactured or distributed have such a bifurcated panel design and I do seem to recall the same design in girls skirts in high school in the sixties. Even on kulots (sp?), a modified kilt/short, many had a front panel. Seemingly, the patent is either no longer in existence or not considered an issue. I am NOT an attorney, but would welcome some clarification or feedback.

Does UTILIKILT manufacture their kilts in the U.S. or are they too from elsewhere?

I mention these concerns in relation to the comfort issue as the simple use of panels to simplify construction while increasing comfort would be a concern in any new design. SO, what does the patent really cover or exclude?

"3. Utilikilts ... They also had pleats all around to the front." In my concept, panels around the front, with pleats starting behind and below the pocket. NOT a wrapped kilt, but a "step in" with no excess of layers of cloth due to wrapping or having extra material above the normal pants style beltline. Trying to reduce weight and multiple layers.
From my understanding the patent is on the style of pleating. The pleats on both sides go to the back with the center back pleat being an inverse box pleat. I believe the patent was for the standard model which had a zipper and pleats all around to the zipper. UK's now have a wider front panel and pleats that start just before the pockets. And yes they protect their patent.

You also need either pleats or aprons in front, or sitting with it on would be very uncomfortable. You need the extra fabric to allow the legs to spread a little.