A. J. is correct. It's sort of a "dirty fix" as it makes more sense to take the tire off the rim and apply the patch to the inside which is now exposed, so you can see that the seal is holding tight. Punch and patch is more likely to be used for an emergency roadside repair. In the dark. With rattlesnakes hissing at you.

A. J., my father was born in 1900 too! Must have had a bumper crop of clever Dads born in that year.