Combination monitoring device and patch for a pneumatic tire and method of installing the same

A method of installing a monitoring device on the innerliner of a tire comprising the steps of:

• providing a monitoring device having a first connection element;
• providing a patch separate from the monitoring device, the patch having an antenna connected to a second connection element;
• attaching the monitoring device to the patch;
• connecting the first and second connection elements to create a physical electrical connection between the antenna and the monitoring device;
• and
• mounting the patch on the innerliner.

A monitoring device and patch combination used to monitor the conditions of a pneumatic tire having an innerliner, the combination comprising:

• a monitoring device;
• an attachment patch connected to said monitoring device;
• an anchoring layer adapted to be connected to the innerliner of the tire;
• an antenna carried by said anchoring layer;
• and
• a connector connected to said monitoring device and contacting said antenna to provide a direct physical electrical connection between the antenna and the monitoring device.

An anchoring patch for attaching a monitoring device to an innerliner of a tire, said anchoring patch comprising:

• an anchoring layer adapted to be connected to the innerliner;
• an antenna carried by said anchoring layer;
• a cover carried on at least one side of said anchoring layer;
• and
• a layer of cure material disposed between said anchoring layer and said cover.

A method of attaching a monitoring device to an innerliner of a tire, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing an anchoring patch having an anchoring layer and a cover, said anchoring layer carrying an antenna;
• attaching the anchoring patch to the innerliner of the tire;
• removing the cover;
• providing a monitoring device having a connector;
• attaching the monitoring device to the anchoring layer;
• and
• connecting the connector of the monitoring device with the antenna.

A monitoring device and patch combination used to monitor the conditions of a pneumatic tire having an innerliner, the combination comprising:

• a monitoring device having at least one sensing element;
• a patch;
• an antenna mounted on the patch, the patch adapted to mount on the innerliner of the tire;
• and
• the antenna being electrically connected to the monitoring device.