Monitored vehicle tire and monitor retainer assembly

The present invention provides a tire monitor retainer assembly and monitored vehicle tire. A module which monitors tire information is supported by a rubber ply affixed to the inside surface of the tire. The module has electrical components for monitoring tire information by collecting, storing and/or reading information about the tire. A fastener assembly is used to secure the module to the rubber ply such that the module is support within the tire's cavity. The module is mounted to be isolated from tire loads such that the durability of the monitoring system is improved. The fastener assembly has first parts carried by the rubber ply and second fastener parts built into the module. The first and second fastener parts cooperate to support said module from said rubber ply. The module is made with a retainer opening having edges to receive a fastener device having standoff or indexing elements. The fastener device can also be in the form of a strap with free ends that wrap around the module having hook and loop first fastener parts for holding the module adjacent the rubber ply. In another embodiment, the fastener assembly can be semi-rigid straps with slotted fasteners to contact second fastener parts of the module. The tire monitor retainer assembly may allow the module to be removed for inspection, repairs or updating.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 This invention relates to vehicle tires, including spare tires, and more
 particularly to tires specifically designed to include modules for
 electronically monitoring tire performance and for other tire information.
 The invention is particularly useful for attaching the module to be
 supported near the interior surface of the tire.
 With the increased use of electronics for recording, identification and
 monitoring devices used in vehicle tires the problem of incorporating
 these electronic modules within or upon the tire continues. Electronic
 chips or other generally rigid or semi-rigid devices have been made to
 monitor and/or record a number of tire parameters, as well as to identify
 and locate tires. These include manufacturing and inventory data, sales
 and distribution information, physical performance data, environmental
 engineering data and the like. Modules can store data to be updated,
 collect 1 data for future evaluations and/or can be a read on demand
 device within the scope of this invention. Electronic modules can either
 have their own energy source or be activated by remote devices. In
 summary, electronic devices are known to generally provide whatever the
 user's needs may be. Some typical modules of the electronic type are
 disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,862,486; 4,911,21; 5,218,861; and 5,573,610.
 In general, a module is either imbedded within a rubber component of the
 tire, inserted in an interior pocket, fixed to the tire's surface,
 attached to the rim supporting the tire, or mounted in the valve stem. The
 location of the module influences the ability to measure and store
 engineering performance parameters such as inflation pressure, tire
 temperatures, number of revolutions or stress cycles and the like. Modules
 having electronic components, such as chips and circuit boards, are
 generally rigid or semi-rigid modules which are placed in contact with a
 very flexible tire. Tire deformations, shock and vibrations of the tire
 can be relatively large and exist over the life of the tire for literally
 millions of cycles, and adversely affect the life and performance of the
 chip. A module imbedded or attached to the tire which is relatively rigid
 compared with the tire itself will not survive the deformations and shock
 to which it is subjected. A need exists to provide a generally rigid
 module for encasing a rigid monitor chip and isolating the module and chip
 from the flexible tire.
 The components or devices in the industry for accessing electronic
 information monitored and stored by an electronic module is generally not
 within the scope of this invention. In general, they involve some type of
 printed chip technology being a second electronic component. Some devices
 are remote hand held devices while others are directly or indirectly
 connected to other monitoring equipment located within the vehicle. Slip
 ring devices allow information to be electronically transmitted directly
 from the rotating tire and wheel to the onboard monitoring equipment.
 Remote communication with the electronic module is generally by radio
 frequency (RF) sound waves. However, RF communication is made difficult by
 the use of metallic materials within and around the tire due to steel
 reinforcing members in the tire and a metallic rim plus metallic vehicle
 parts. A relatively large antenna is generally needed to improve RF
 communication between the electronic components of any module, especially
 for broadcasting data from the module within the tire to a standoff
 monitoring device.
 As a result of communication difficulties, another need exists to locate a
 module as free from interference from tire and rim components as possible.
 For example, the steel components within the tire influence the ability to
 send and/or retrieve data. Typical location and communication problems and
 some solutions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,873,965; 4,246,567;
 5,181,975; and 5,573,611 as well as European Patent No. 0 639 472 A1. The
 need is to support a module in a location that will work with any data
 transmission means used to communicate data to and from an module placed
 within the tire.
 Tire monitoring modules are known to have a life somewhat different than
 the life of the tire, being either longer or shorter. Energy sources, if
 any, wear out and the fatigue life of other components are not adequate in
 many cases resulting in a shorter life for the module. The module may also
 need to be removed for reprogramming, for updating tire information and/or
 for better data collection. In addition, it may be desirable to make
 changes or repair the electronic components within the module or replace
 the electronic module with an updated module. A removable monitoring
 module having a longer life than that of the tire within which it is
 mounted may also be used. The module can be reused in another tire when
 the tire containing a module is removed from service or the use of a
 module is no longer desired.
 The need to add a monitoring module within an existing tire may be created.
 As "sensor or monitor ready" tires replace only some of the tires on a
 vehicle, it may be desirable to make the remaining tires sensor ready, The
 need is to have a method for placing a module in a tire as an aftermarket
 device. The method should not significantly change the tire or the
 processes of building and using the tire. This same method could be
 further used to relocate one or several modules at various locations or
 multiple locations within a tire to achieve better or different
 information. The modules can include electronic modules or other modules
 such as inventory control modules.
 A need remains to improve the affixing of a module to the inside of a tire.
 Although the prior art already discloses several modules imbedded within
 or affixed to the surface area of a tire, these attachment means do not
 isolate the module from the deformations, shock and vibrations of the
 tire. Any means for communicating with the module is also made more
 difficult when a module is imbedded within or affixed to the tire's
 surfaces. In addition, the desired utility for relocating, replacing or
 reusing the electronic module is limited in the art. A further need
 remains to provide an attachment means which can be integrated within a
 tire either during the manufacturing process or after the tire is
 manufactured.
 Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a tire and
 monitor retainer assembly for a monitor module that is easily installed
 and supported at a preferred location on the inside of the tire.
 Another object is to provide a tire monitor retainer assembly for mounting
 a generally rigid monitor module to the inside of a tire in a manner to
 increase the life of the module and a rigid monitor chip carried therein.
 Another object of the invention is to provide a tire and monitor module
 mount therein in which the module containing the monitor is spaced from
 the tire's interior surface.
 Another object of the present invention is to provide a tire and monitor
 retainer assembly that allows a module to be removed to be inspected,
 repaired and/or updated in hardware and/or stored data; as well as
 relocated to another tire or replaced by another module.
 Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a tire and
 monitor retainer assembly which allow aftermarket monitoring and
 information modules to be incorporated within an existing tire.
 A further object of the present invention is to provide either a reinforced
 or unreinforced rubber ply with a fastener assembly placed within a tire
 for receiving, holding and supporting a module isolated to the inside of a
 tire.
 Yet another object of the present invention is to allow the module to
 adjust itself while being retained within the tire so that forces and
 deformations from the rolling tire are resisted and the fatigue life of
 the module and module mount is extended.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 The above objectives are accomplished according to the present invention by
 providing a tire and tire monitor retaining assembly and method wherein a
 tire monitor module is carried adjacent the inside surface of the tire
 wherein a retaining system includes a rubber ply and a retainer assembly
 for securing a monitor or data module on the rubber ply within the tire.
 The tire monitor retainer assembly and method of this invention provides a
 cost effective and reliable means for incorporating a module within a
 tire. A further problem in the trucking industry is to provide a
 monitoring system that includes the module within the tire in a cost
 effective manner. The problem is further complicated by the need to have a
 monitoring module that does not require special handling of the tires or
 special training for tire changers and other maintenance personnel. The
 need to use generally standard maintenance methods and materials, such as
 rubber type patches and fastener devices is most desirable both from a
 personnel training point of view and in view of the overall cost of
 supporting a module. Ease of installing and removing the electronic module
 is desirable. Typical fastener devices known in the industry are disclosed
 in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,938,645; 5,468,108; and 5,718,025. An example of a
 typical rubber patch is the tire repair system manufactured by Tech
 International of Johnstown, Ohio.
 According to the present invention, a monitored vehicle tire includes a
 vehicle tire having an interior surface defining an interior tire cavity.
 Advantageously, a tire monitor retaining assembly includes a rubber ply
 having a first side affixed to the interior tire surface at a
 predetermined location within the tire cavity. A monitor module is carried
 by a second side of the rubber ply for containing a monitor which monitors
 the tire information. A retainer assembly is provided for securing the
 module to the rubber ply wherein a second side of the rubber ply is
 generally exposed to the tire cavity. A standoff or isolating mount can be
 disposed between the rubber ply and the monitor module for spacing the
 module from the ply to improve the durability of the module and a monitor
 carried in the module. The retainer assembly of the invention preferably
 includes a first fastener part carried by the rubber ply and a second
 fastener part carried by the monitor module which cooperate to securely
 fasten the module to the ply. The standoff or isolation mount of the
 invention may be provided in various ways. For example, indexing or
 ratcheting elements may be provided on the first and second fastener parts
 to fix and space the module from the ply and tire. The first fastner part
 may include an elongated shaft received in a retainer opening of the
 module. The shaft has a length sufficient for the module to ride out on
 the shaft under centrifugal force and be retained by a retainer element a
 desired distance from the ply. Alternatively, the standoff distance can be
 assured by the addition of a resilient isolating element or mount placed
 between the second side of the rubber ply and the bottom surface of the
 monitor module. The isolating element material can be in the form of a
 sponge rubber layer or a washer around the shaft of a fastener assembly.
 In one aspect, the first fastener part includes a shaft supported by and
 extending from the rubber ply and a button retainer located at the remote
 end of the shaft. The second fastener part may include a retainer opening
 formed in the module having an edge for frictionally receiving the button
 shaft to position and retain the module within the tire's cavity. The
 module may include an entrance opening to initially receive the first
 fastener device and a transfer slot allowing movement of the shaft from
 the entrance opening to the retainer opening to support and retain the
 module during normal use of the electronic module, whereby the module is
 removable from the tire.
 Various other aspects of the invention are provided by various retainer
 assemblies having combinations of first and second fastener parts
 associated with the rubber ply and the module, The first fastener parts of
 the tire monitor retainer assembly contact second fastener parts of the
 module to correctly position the module within the tire's cavity. For
 example, the first fastener parts may be provided in the form of at least
 one elongated strap having a pair of free ends. The strap is placed
 through a pocket formed in a folded rubber ply so that a pair of free ends
 of the strap extend from the folded rubber ply. Connecting the pair of
 free ends of the strap or straps together holds the module in place
 adjacent the rubber ply within the tire. The strap can also be provided in
 the form of two semi-rigid straps that have locking elements that
 interconnect the two semi-rigid straps together with the pocket of the
 rubber ply.
 The invention includes a monitor ready tire and method for affixing a tire
 monitor to an interior surface of a vehicle tire. The method includes the
 first step of providing a rubber ply having first and second opposed
 sides. The second step includes affixing the first side of the rubber ply
 to the interior surface of the tire before curing, during curing, or after
 curing of the tire. The third step includes securing a module to the
 rubber ply adjacent the second side for containing a monitor which
 monitors tire information. Further aspects of the method include
 preconditioning an area of the inner surface of the tire to accept the
 rubber ply by removing contaminants from the area to thus provide a
 "monitor-ready" tire.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
 Referring now to the drawings, the invention will be described in more
 detail. A segment of a monitored tire 10 for use on a vehicle and having a
 tread 12 for contacting a support surface is illustrated in FIG. 1. A
 monitor module "E" which may have electronic components for storing,
 monitoring and/or recording information about the tire and its operating
 environment, is supported and retained within the tire to form a tire
 monitor system or a vehicle tire monitoring apparatus "A". Placing the
 module inside the tire makes it theft and tamper resistant and helps to
 keep it clean. According to the invention, monitor module E is supported
 in an offset position to the inside of the tire using a rubber ply 30
 affixed to an inner surface 18 of the tire. The monitor assembly includes
 a retainer assembly, designated generally as "G", for securing the monitor
 module to the rubber ply in the cavity of the tire away from the inner
 surface of the tire. A first fastener part of the retainer assembly holds
 the module adjacent the rubber ply within the tire. Preferably, fastener
 part 20 of the retainer assembly helps to hold the module at a
 predetermined "standoff" distance with respect to the rubber ply. In one
 aspect, the module is provided with a retainer opening 22 as a second
 fastener part of the retainer assembly.
 A reinforced or an unreinforced rubber ply 30 can be used within the scope
 of this invention, with the preferred rubber ply being unreinforced. The
 amount of area in contact between tire inner surface 18 and monitor
 assembly A is selected to give adequate support to retain the module
 generally stationary with respect to the tire during the nominal operation
 of the vehicle. The mass and size of monitor assembly A including the
 module determines the selection of the surface area of contact with the
 tire. The location of the monitor assembly A within the tire is also
 chosen to control the effect of inertial forces, such as shock and other
 tire transmitted deformations, on the monitor assembly including the
 module. Inertial forces and bending deformations of the tire in the radial
 "R-direction" as well as the circumferential "C-direction" must be
 considered, as shown by R and C in the figures. Bending perpendicular to
 the R-C plane must also be considered. The durability of the tire monitor
 retainer assembly is greatly enhanced by an isolation mount for isolating
 the module from tire transmitted deformations, vibrations and shock loads.
 The unique design of the present invention provides this isolation. The
 illustration of FIG. 1 shows a retainer opening 22 in the module as a
 second fastener part of the retainer assembly for holding the module
 adjacent to the rubber ply.
 The tire monitor retainer assembly or monitored vehicle tire and method of
 this invention can be affixed at any location to the inner surface of the
 tire. The preferred location is adjacent the bead area "B" of the tire, as
 illustrated in FIG. 1. This location generally has less tire deformation,
 shock and vibrations and is at a location somewhat easier for monitoring
 tire information available through the module; as well as being convenient
 for installing and removing the module. Sidewall area 16 can also be a
 practical area for locating the module. The location in the tire for
 receiving the rubber ply must be convenient so that a surface area can be
 conditioned to provide complete adherence with the rubber ply.
 The monitor module assembly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes rubber
 ply 30 having a first side 30a that coexists with the inner surface of the
 tire at the interface and a second side 30b exposed to a cavity 11 of the
 tire 10 (see FIG. 1). The first layer is referred to as a sticky mix
 layer. This non-reinforced layer can be adhesively affixed to the tire
 when using a chemically cured rubber compound. The rubber ply can also be
 affixed using a "cure-in" type patch which cures chemically rather than
 with heat and pressure. A third layer 36 provides adequate strength by
 including reinforcing members 36a extending in both the radial R-direction
 and the circumferential C-direction. The third layer is referred to as a
 reinforcing layer. An optional second layer 34 is placed between the first
 and third layers to generally provide a transition between the strains
 from the tire itself to the strains of the reinforced rubber ply. An
 optional fourth layer 38 covers layers two and three. The fourth layer is
 referred to as a covering layer that forms the inner second side of the
 rubber ply. Rubber materials used for rubber layers 32-38 are those
 commonly used in the industry for sticky-mix, bonding, reinforcing and
 covering layers. For example, a typical four layer rubber patch is the
 "tire repair systems" (catalog no. 169) as manufactured by Tech Industries
 of Johnstown, Ohio. In one aspect, the rubber ply may include four layers
 integrally formed to make a reinforced rubber ply. A first layer 32
 extends radially and circumferentially outward of the other layers and is
 a rubber compound to provide a first surface of the rubber ply that
 adheres very well to inner surface 18 of the tire at a supporting
 interface 19.
 A retainer assembly G holds module E on rubber ply 30, as illustrated in
 FIG. 2 for this embodiment of the invention. Rubber ply 30 has its first
 side 30a affixed to the inner surface 18 of the tire at a support
 interface 19.
 In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, there are a pair of first fastener
 parts 40 having a base 42 imbedded between the second layer 34 and the
 third reinforced layer 36 of the rubber ply 30. Each first fastener part
 40 has a shaft 44 that extends from base 42 at second side 30b of the
 rubber ply with standoff, indexing or ratchet elements 46 at the other end
 of the shaft. Shaft 44 extends through openings 36a in reinforced layer 36
 as well as coexisting openings in cover layer 38.
 Module E may include a second fastener part in the form of a pair of
 retainer openings 24, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The module is attached to
 the reinforced rubber ply by passing fastener shafts 44 through the
 retainer openings. Retainer openings 24 have edges which make the openings
 smaller than the outer dimension of standoff elements 46 so that the
 standoff elements engage the edges of the retainer openings and hold the
 module supported by the reinforced rubber ply. The retainer openings are
 elongated for providing for easy installation of the module and to allow
 the module to slightly adjust its position relative to the reinforced
 rubber ply during running of the vehicle. This adjustment relieves
 stresses on the support system. The fastener part 40 can be made of any
 material commonly used for fasteners, but is preferably made of a plastic
 material such as a nylon or a molded rubber. Alternatively, standoff
 elements may be placed on the second fastener part to engage the first
 fastener part.
 According to further illustrated embodiments of the invention, tire monitor
 retainer assembly A includes providing a similar rubber ply as previously
 described and a retainer assembly G which includes a first fastener part
 50, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. A conditioned surface area is
 provided on the inner surface 18 of the tire for attaching the first side
 of the reinforced rubber ply 30 to the inner surface at interface 19. The
 module E is preferably aligned with the radial R-direction and the
 circumferential C-direction of the tire. The longer dimension of the
 module is preferably aligned with the C-direction to avoid large tire
 deformations. The reinforced rubber ply may again have four layers, or two
 layers in another aspect. First layer 32, second layer 34 and fourth layer
 38 are essentially the same as described above. A third layer 37 is
 provided with reinforcing members 37a. This reinforcing layer 37 is shown
 in FIG. 4B as being formed as an integral part with a first fastener part
 50.
 Alternatively, the third layer can be unreinforced within the scope of this
 invention. The fastener part has a shaft 54 carried by and formed with
 third layer 37 and extending from the second side of the rubber ply into
 the cavity of the tire from its base 52. The shaft includes standoff,
 indexing or ratchet elements 56 along two outer sides of the shaft to
 engage second fastener parts being edges of retainer opening 25 of the
 module. Fastener part 50 may be rectangular in shape. Other shapes such as
 round, oval, elliptical, polygonal and the like are within the scope of
 this invention.
 In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4A, module E has a single retainer
 opening 25 to accommodate single fastener device 50. Edges 25a of the
 retainer opening provide second fastener parts with an opening width
 dimension less than the outer dimensions of the shaft 54 when indexing
 elements 56 are included. The difference in these dimensions allows a
 friction fit between fastener part 50 and the opening edge to retain the
 module supported by rubber ply 30. The retainer opening may be elongated
 in one direction to provide for easy installation of the module and to
 allow for adjustments in the position of the module relative to the rubber
 ply during running of the vehicle. Multiple retainer openings and fastener
 parts of the type illustrated in this embodiment of the invention may also
 be utilized. However, the use of a single shaft has been found highly
 advantageous.
 According to the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the tire
 monitor retainer assembly A includes a rubber ply 130 and a retainer
 assembly G having a first fastener part 150 carried by the rubber ply. The
 ply and fastener part are preferably integrally molded. There is a
 conditioned surface area on the inner surface 18 of the tire to which a
 first side 130a of rubber ply 130 is affixed at interface 19 such that
 module E is generally aligned with the radial R-direction and the
 circumferential C-direction of the tire. The reinforced rubber ply again
 has at least two layers, i.e. a sticky-mix layer and a rubber layer. For
 the four layer rubber ply, a first sticky-mix layer 132, a second bonding
 layer 134, a third reinforced layer 137 and a fourth covering layer 138
 are essentially the same as described above. The third layer 137 can be
 provided with reinforcing members 137a. For the two layer rubber ply,
 second and fourth layers can be removed and the third layer can be made
 with reinforcing members or without reinforcing members. These options are
 discussed in more detail below when discussing the cross-sections of FIGS.
 11A, 11B and 11C. The layer 137 can be formed as an integral part with
 fastener part 150, as illustrated in FIG. 5B.
 Fastener part 150 has a resilient rubber-like mounting shaft 152 extending
 into the cavity of the tire from the second side 130b of rubber ply. The
 shaft contains a retainer element or button 154 with optional flat sides
 156 that engage second fastener parts defined by a first retainer opening
 125 of module E. The fastener part is shown to be oval in shape. Other
 shapes such as round, rectangular, elliptical, polygonal and the like are
 within the scope of this invention. Module E preferably has a second
 entrance opening 124 to initially receive first fastener part 150, as
 illustrated in FIG. 5A. A transfer slot 124a between entrance and retainer
 openings 124 and 125 provides for installing the module in an installed
 position as illustrated in FIG. 5A. Installing the module places it in a
 position to be supported by the retainer assembly G from the rubber ply.
 The module is initially turned 90 degrees from its installed position and
 button 154 is forced through the first opening 124. A lubricant can be
 placed on the button and shaft to assist in installing the module. The
 module is then turned to its installed orientation and the shaft of the
 fastener device is forced through slot 124a into second retainer entrance
 opening 125 into a friction fit. Retainer opening 125 is made with second
 fastener part edges that interface with the first fastener part 150,
 including the button 154, and hold the module in a predetermined
 orientation within the cavity of the tire. The retainer opening is made to
 be elongated in one direction to provide for easy installation of the
 module and to hold the module in a properly installed orientation relative
 to the rubber ply. Reversing the above procedure allows the module to be
 removed from the tire.
 In an advantageous aspect of the invention, shaft 152 may be a sufficient
 length so that module E may be forced outward along shaft 152 to achieve a
 predetermined offset distance d1 from the second side 130b of the rubber
 ply (FIG. 11A). For this purpose, at least one isolation mount in the form
 of standoff, indexing or ratchet elements (46, 56) may be formed on shaft
 152 to maintain the module at a proper offset distance from second side
 130b of the rubber ply and/or to keep the module from being removed from
 the tire. Alternatively, as in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.
 11A-11C, centrifugal force on module E may be sufficient and utilized to
 maintain the module offset from ply 130 and the tire. In addition, shaft
 152 may be tapered to bias the module toward the button. In another aspect
 of the invention, an isolation mount may be provided by standoff elements
 placed on the second fastener part to engage the first fastener part.
 In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7 module E is retained and
 held in a proper location within the tire when using a retainer assembly G
 comprising a first fastener part in the form of a strap 331 extending in
 the circumferential C-direction, and folded circumferentially around the
 module. There is a folded rubber ply 330 having a strap pocket 338 for
 receiving the single continuous strap. The rubber ply is bonded together
 at interface 339 at both sides of the strap pocket forming an first layer
 330a and a second layer 330b of rubber ply 330. The folded rubber ply is
 preferably reinforced with reinforcing members 336, and the rubber ply is
 positioned within the tire so that the reinforcing members extend in the
 radial R-direction. Once again, reinforced rubber ply 330 may be affixed
 at a first side 330c to the inner surface 18 of the tire at a support
 interface 19 using a sticky-mix layer. A first strap end 332 extends from
 one end of the strap pocket and a second strap end 334 extends from the
 other end of the strap pocket. Strap 331 has parallel reinforcing members
 333 generally extending in the circumferential C-direction. Module E with
 its internal electrical components is placed in a position to be retained
 adjacent a second side 330d of the rubber ply and the two ends of the
 strap are wrapped around the module in the circumferential C-direction.
 For this purpose, a hook and loop fastener system 320 may be carried by
 opposing strap ends. The loop elements 335a are attached to one strap end
 332 and the hook elements 335b are attached to the other strap end 334.
 Placing the hook elements 335b in contact with the loop elements 335a at a
 retainer interface 321 connects together the two free ends 332 and 334 of
 the continuous strap 331 to retain and hold module E. A second fastener
 part is provided by retainer openings 331a formed as cutouts at opposite
 ends of the module. Edges of the cutouts help retain the strap in a proper
 position around the module (FIG. 6). A further aspect of retainer assembly
 G or 320 can be realized by adding a retainer bar with retainer pins (not
 shown) to help hold the strap ends in constant contact with one another.
 In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 a retainer assembly G
 includes a first fastener part 340 carried by a folded reinforced rubber
 ply 330. The fastener part includes a common base 342 having two shafts
 344 extending from the common base. The reinforced rubber ply is folded to
 embed the base between a first layer 330a and a second layer 330b of the
 folded reinforced rubber ply at an interface 339 between the layers. The
 layers are bonded together at the interface where possible and are bonded
 to the common base of the fasteners. Openings 330c in the second layer are
 provided for shafts 344 to extend from the folded reinforced rubber ply.
 As before, folded reinforced rubber ply 330 is affixed at a first side
 330c to the inner surface 18 of the tire at a support interface 19. A
 second complementary fastener part carried by module E includes retainer
 openings 424 provided in the module, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Shafts 344
 extend through the retainer openings into the cavity of the tire and have
 standoff, indexing or ratchet elements to engage edges of the retainer
 openings and hold module E in contact with folded reinforced rubber ply
 330 within the cavity of the tire. Once again, the retainer assembly G
 provides for adjustments in the position of the module relative to a
 second side 330d of the folded reinforced rubber ply so that varying
 offset distances may be provided.
 Describing in more detail the offset distance "d" provided by the retainer
 assembly G of the invention, reference is made to the cross-sectional
 drawings of FIGS. 10A and 10B, which are sections taken from FIGS. 2 and
 4. Rubber ply 30 has a first side 30a attached to the inner surface of the
 tire at an interface 19. Shaft 44 of the first fastener part extends
 outward through third and fourth layers 36 and 38 of the rubber ply.
 Module retainer opening 24 receives shaft 44. Standoff, indexing or
 ratchet elements 46 engage the second fastener part edges 26 within the
 retainer opening of the module E, when the module is mounted. The module
 is forced to be near the second side of the rubber ply. When the module E
 with its electronic components (i.e. E2) is installed, one of the standoff
 elements 46a is in a position to contact edge element 26 and hold the
 module in an optimum position with respect to the rubber ply. After being
 installed, the module has a preferred location offset distance "d" from
 rubber ply 30. This position being one to provide proper operation of the
 module and an extended service life for the tire monitor retaining
 assembly. The offset distance has a value in the range of about one
 millimeter to about five millimeters, with three millimeters being
 preferred. Alternatively, the standoff distance "d " can be assured by an
 isolation mount including the addition of a resilient isolating material
 placed between the second side of the rubber ply and the bottom surface of
 the monitor module. For example, the isolation mount material can be in
 the form of a sponge rubber layer or a flexible washer placed around a
 shaft of the first fastener part.
 The fastener device of the retainer assembly can be made of any material
 commonly used for fasteners, but is preferably made of a plastic material
 such as nylon or a molded rubber. A typical nylon ratchet fastener device
 is catalog number PC47486 made by TRW, Inc. of Lyndhurst, Ohio.
 FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view is taken along line 10B--10B of FIG. 4A.
 Rubber ply 30 has a first side 30a affixed to the inner surface 18 of the
 tire at an interface 19. Fastener part 50 is uniquely made to be an
 integral part of third layer 37 of ply 30, and includes reinforcing
 members 37a. Shaft 54 of fastener part 50 extends outward through fourth
 layer 38 of ply 30 from a base of the shaft. Module retainer opening 25
 receives the shaft. Shaft 54 has standoff, indexing or ratchet elements 56
 at its outer end that engage edges of the edge elements 27 of the retainer
 opening. When the module with its electrical components (i.e. E2) is
 installed in its preferred location, one of the standoff elements 56a is
 in a position to contact at least one edge 27 of the module and hold the
 module in an optimum position with respect to the reinforced rubber ply.
 After being installed, the module, once again, has a preferred location
 offset distance "d" from the second side 30b of rubber ply 30. This
 position and distance being a predetermined placement to provide proper
 operation of the module and an extended service life for the tire monitor
 retainer assembly. In another aspect of the invention, an isolation mount
 may be provided by standoff elements placed on the second fastener part to
 engage the first fastener part.
 Other variations and features of a standoff retainer assembly G are
 illustrated in the sectional views of FIGS. 11A-11C. FIGS. 11A-11B are
 sections taken from FIGS. 5A and 5B. Rubber ply 130 has a first side 130a
 attached to the inner surface 18 of the tire at an interface 19. Fastener
 part 150 is uniquely made to be an integral part of the third layer 137
 having reinforcing members 137a which extend into the stem and button
 parts of the fastener device. Shaft 152 of the fastener device extends
 outward through fourth layer 138. Module retainer opening 125 receives the
 shaft of the fastener. The shaft 152 has retainer element or button 154 at
 its outer end with sides 156 that engage edges of edge elements 127 of
 retainer opening 125 of module E, when the module with electrical
 components (i.e. E1 and E2) is installed in its preferred location. Edges
 127 can be recessed so that button 154 can be visually aligned and fixed
 with the module when properly installed. After being installed, the module
 has a preferred location with a relatively large offset distance "d1 "
 from rubber ply 130. The button 154 is in a position to contact edge or
 edges 127 of the module and hold the module in an optimum position with
 respect to reinforced rubber ply 130. This position, once again, being a
 placement to provide proper operation of the module and an extended
 service life for the monitor assembly. The offset distance has a value
 between about one (1) millimeter and about five (5) millimeters. The
 preferred offset distance is about three (3) millimeters.
 In FIG. 11B, entrance opening 124 receives button 154 and shaft 152 of
 fastener part 150. The shaft is forced through the transfer slot 124a so
 that sides 156 of button 154 contact recessed edges 127 of the retainer
 opening 125, as previously described. The seating of the button in the
 recess of the retainer opening provides an offset mount and distance
 between the rubber ply and the module which can be maintained by
 centrifugal force of the rotating tire.
 As noted earlier, the rubber ply can be made with only two layers.
 Depending on the rubber compounds used to make each ply and the magnitude
 of the tire deformations, vibrations and shock during normal running of
 the tire, certain layers of the four layer rubber ply become optional when
 providing a rubber ply. Generally speaking, the second and fourth layers
 of the rubber ply, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, are optional
 layers. For example, the rubber ply 230 of FIG. 11C is made with two
 plies. The first rubber layer 232 is the sticky-mix layer providing a
 first side 230a for improved attachment of the rubber ply to the inner
 surface of the tire. There is no second layer and a third rubber layer is
 a main support layer 237 for the shaft 252 of the fastener device 250. The
 preferred main support layer is compounded to have the size and strength
 to resist the environmental forces, such as shock, vibrations and tire
 surface area deformations associated with supporting the tire monitor
 without the addition of reinforcing members. However, reinforcing members
 can be provided when necessary. The optional fourth or cover layer has
 also been removed. The shaft is made to be integral with main support
 layer 237 of the rubber ply and has a length to extend into the cavity of
 the tire.
 As can best be seen in FIG. 11C, shaft 252 can be provided with an
 isolation mount which are bumps 252a extending from the shaft and/or
 resilient nib protrusions 252b extending from the second side 230b of the
 rubber ply. These bumps or resilient nib protrusions are standoff elements
 to assist in holding the module at the offset distance "d1" on the shaft
 of fastener device 250 for isolating the module from the damaging
 environmental conditions of the tire. Alternatively, isolation mounts can
 be second fastener parts or nibs extending from the module to achieve the
 desired offset distance. Module E is preferably configured to be installed
 to be in the same relative position in this aspect of the invention
 illustrated in FIG. 5A. The preferred offset distance has a value of about
 three (3) millimeters. Shafts 44, 52 and 152 in other aspects of the
 invention can also be provided with bumps and/or resilient nib protrusions
 to include a resilient stress absorbing pad.
 The monitor assembly or device of this invention can be used either with a
 tire which has been cured to provide a surface area to receive and carry
 the rubber ply or with an aftermarket tire where a surface area is
 prepared after curing the tire to receive and carry the rubber ply.
 Providing a proper surface area for affixing the rubber ply to the inside
 surface of the tire is achieved by different means. The desired results
 are the same; which is to have a surface area which permits a positive
 attachment between a conventional innerliner portion of the tire and the
 rubber ply of this invention without affecting the integrity of the
 innerliner portion. Since the conventional innerliner is generally not a
 clean or properly textured surface, it is necessary to prepare this
 innerliner by cleaning, buffing or grinding to provide a properly
 conditioned surface area by removing contaminates. Various means for
 preparing a surface area are known in the industry that can achieve a
 surface area suitable for affixing a rubber ply without affecting the
 integrity of the innerliner. The area must be adequate in size and texture
 for achieving a surface area to accommodate the rubber ply for production
 and aftermarket tires within the scope of this invention.
 As can best be seen in FIG. 12, a means and method for providing a surface
 area within the tire during curing of the tire for attachment of the tire
 monitor retainer assembly or monitored vehicle tire and method of this
 invention is illustrated. A fabric sheet 40 of material cut to the size of
 the required surface area 50' is placed on the inner surface 18 of the
 tire 10 in a bead area B on either side of the tire prior to curing.
 Preferably, the fabric sheet has square woven cords with a raised pattern
 to provide an embossed area when forced into the inner surface of the tire
 during curing of the tire. The fabric sheet can be made using any suitable
 material impermeable to silicon. The fabric sheet is removed after a given
 post-cure time to provide a conditioned, treated, clean and textured
 surface area within the tire suitable for affixing the rubber ply to the
 surface area.
 In the illustrated aspect of FIG. 13, a plastic or rubber sheet 140 is
 applied directly to a surface area 150' on the inner surface 18 of the
 tire 10 in a bead area B on either side of the tire prior to curing the
 tire. Preferably, the plastic or rubber sheet has a smooth surface which
 provides a generally smooth area when forced into the inner surface of the
 tire during curing of the tire. Smooth sheet 140 can be made using any
 suitable compound impermeable to silicon. The sheet is removed after a
 given post-cure time to provide a conditioned, treated, clean and smooth
 surface area within the tire suitable for affixing the rubber ply to
 surface area 150'.
 It is also possible to attach a rubber ply directly to the inside of a tire
 during curing of the tire as a further variation of the aspects of the
 tire monitor retainer assembly or monitored vehicle tire. Any of the
 rubber plies disclosed above and those similar can be positioned within
 the green tire prior to curing of the tire. Careful control of the rubber
 ply when it is installed in the green tire in used to maintain the
 integrity of the tire innerliner during curing of the tire and after the
 tire is cured.
 In another embodiment of a tire monitor retainer assembly of the invention,
 the retainer assembly G includes first fastener parts in the form of
 straps 732, 734 made of a semi-rigid material such as a plastic or a
 molded rubber. Straps 732 and 734 includes a pair of slotted rectangular
 shaped fasteners 735a and 735b. Each slotted fastener device extends from,
 and is made to be integral with, a respective semi-rigid strap at a free
 end of the strap, as illustrated in FIGS. 14-16. The slotted fasteners
 engage edges of retainer openings 721a and 721b in module E. The retainer
 openings are shaped to allow the slotted fasteners to snap in place for
 supporting and holding the module in contact with a folded reinforced
 rubber ply 330.
 Therefore, the slotted fasteners are complementary attachments to the edge
 elements of the module. The folded reinforced rubber ply is essentially
 the same as previously described with the embodiment of FIG. 7. The folded
 reinforced rubber ply is again affixed to the inner surface 18 of the tire
 at the support interface 19. Slotted fastener devices which have a
 circular cross-sectional shape to engage circular or elongated retainer
 openings are also within the scope of this invention. The preferred shape
 of the slotted fasteners is rectangular to provide stability of the
 semi-rigid straps when placed adjacent to one another within strap pocket
 338.
 The first semi-rigid strap 732 and the second semi-rigid strap 734 are made
 with locking elements 738a and 738b respectively so that the two straps
 will become locked together when placed in the strap pocket 338 to overlap
 one another, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. A front surface portion
 737a of first semi-rigid strap 732 has locking elements 738a that project
 from the surface portion of the first semi-rigid strap. A rear surface
 portion 737b of the second semi-rigid strap 734 has locking elements 738b
 that are recessed in the surface portion of the second semi-rigid strap
 portion. Placing the two semi-rigid straps in the strap pocket from
 opposite sides of folded reinforced rubber ply 330, as shown by the side
 arrows, until they overlap one another at a strap interface 731, locks the
 straps together when forces are applied to pull the straps in a direction
 opposite the arrows. The number, size and location of the locking elements
 can vary within the scope of this invention. After placing the straps in
 strap pocket 338 the module is forced on to the fasteners to contact
 folded reinforced rubber ply 330 at the same time the retainer openings in
 the module receive the slotted fasteners. The fasteners snap in place at
 the edges of retainer openings 721a and 721b to support and hold the
 module E against the folded reinforced rubber ply 330 of the retainer
 device A (FIG. 14). The semi-rigid straps including their integral
 fasteners can be made of any material commonly used for tires, but
 preferably are of a plastic material such as a nylon or a molded rubber.
 Thus, it can be seen that the advantageous construction and method can be
 had according to the invention for providing a monitored vehicle tire with
 a retainer assembly for retaining a rigid monitor module within the tire.
 Alternative locations within the tire can also be selected for locating
 the surface area within the tire where the module will be positioned.
 Modules of different shape and size from those illustrated can also be
 supported by the tire monitor retainer assembly of the invention, and
 further by using the method of this invention. Alternative features of the
 rubber ply and the retainer assembly G for securing the module in the tire
 are disclosed for supporting a variety of modules within the tire and
 provide, along with the tire, a monitored vehicle tire. The alternative
 illustrated embodiments of the invention are disclosed to allow for
 different modules, tire sizes, vehicle uses or environmental conditions as
 well as economic factors. For example, one application of the monitoring
 system is to provide a means to read tire pressures when a truck type
 vehicle drives past a stationary transponder device placed near a roadway.
 The monitoring system must transmit information from all tires including
 the remotely located inside dual tires. Therefore, the design and
 placement of the tire monitor retainer assembly within the tire can be
 determined to provide a good monitoring system.
 The actual makeup of the monitor in the module can be for any intended
 application in managing the type and amount of desired information.
 Placing the module inside the tire makes it theft and tamper resistant and
 keeps it relatively clean. In addition, the means used to access
 information electronically from or through the components of an electronic
 module is not critical to the scope of this invention. Any means including
 hardware and software components appropriate for the intended use and
 utilization of the module is within the scope of this invention. A further
 desirable feature in meeting the object of this invention is realized by
 being able to remove the module from the tire when desired for updating,
 replacing or repairing the module. The embodiments of this invention allow
 the module to be removed from the tire. However, removal is not an
 essential feature of the present invention if the user wishes to keep the
 module within the tire during the life of the module. Removal may be
 required if a truck tire is to be recapped from time to time; as the
 module may be damaged during the retreading process.
 While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using
 specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it
 is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without
 departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.