Abstract:
A large size display is transportable, being construed of multiple rigid segments containing light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s). The rigid segments are linked by hinges or cables so the display is flexible and can be rolled up for storage and transport. The display can be unrolled upward or downwards such as from a protective container, such as a canister or truss. The weight of the display on the linked hinges or the tensioned cables provides sufficient rigidity. Such cables, like a signal and power distribution bus, are connected to the rear of each rigid element. The display can be repaired by removing and replacing selected rigid segments from the front thereof.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a Continuation-in-Part of and claims the benefit of priority to the PCT application of the same title that was filed on Nov. 10, 2009, having International application no. PCT/US2009/063884, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     The present application claims the benefit of priority to the PCT application of the same title that was filed on Nov. 10, 2009, having International application no. PCT/US2009/063884, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     International application no. PCT/US2009/063884 claims the benefit of priority to the U.S. Provisional patent application filed on Jun. 15, 2009, having application Ser. No. 61/186,968, with the title “Electronic Display Assembly”, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     International application no. PCT/US2009/063884 claims the benefit of priority to the U.S. Provisional patent application filed on Nov. 10, 2008, having application Ser. No. 61/112,825, with the title “Large Screen Portable LED Display”, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to large scale electronic displays, and in particular to portable large screen displays. 
     Large screen displays are commonly deployed at sporting events and other public gatherings, but are generally large fixed installations. While such display can be set temporarily and removed this is very time consuming, in part because it is difficult to identify and repair defects or faulty components in the displays. 
     It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide a large screen display that is portable, robust and easy to repair. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a means for transporting and protecting such portable display. 
     It is a further object of the invention that the portable display is both thin and relatively light weight for portability and storage. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide such a display in a variety of portable storage formats for ease of transportation and set up in a variety of venues. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In the present invention, the first object is achieved by a portable display comprising: an axle, a plurality of cables attached to said axle in a laterally spaced apart relationship along said axle, a flexible electronic display surface comprising; a plurality of horizontally elongated substantially rigid elements in at least one of a vertical and horizontal array, each rigid element having a front and rear surface and containing a plurality of LED&#39;s laterally arrayed to form regularly spaced pixels, the plurality of LED&#39;s being connected to a power and signal control module on each rigid element, a flexible signal and power connection between each of the control module on adjacent rigid elements, a bar secured to opposite ends of said cables from said axle, wherein each cable is attached to the rear surface of the rigid elements in each vertical array whereby tensioning said cables provides the regular vertical spacing of the LED&#39;s on adjacent rigid elements to provide pixels. 
     Another object of the invention is achieved by providing a portable display transporter comprising: an elongated vehicle chassis having a least two spaced apart wheels disposed on opposite sides thereof; a canister for containing a rolled flexible display disposed on said chassis having an upward facing opening, two or more rigid support members capable of extending vertically above the chassis at the end of the canister, with each rigid support member having a coupling for driving the upright travel of the flexible array as it is unwound from said canister. 
     Another object of the invention is achieved by providing an electronic display comprising at least one substantially rectangular elongated blade having a first height and a first width, a front and a rear surface, opposing lateral side that are separated by opposing horizontal sides at the top and bottom thereof, and; a plurality of elongated display boards having a second height and second width, a front and a rear surface, opposing lateral side that are separated by opposing horizontal sides at the top and bottom thereof, and an LED array arranged as a plurality of display pixels on the front surface of each elongated display board, at least one rear terminal connector on the rear surface of each elongated display board for receiving at least one of signals and power that is routed to the LED&#39;s of the LED array, wherein the second height is substantially the same as the first height, means for signal and power routing and connection between adjacent elongated display boards in said plurality, a signal-power distribution module having at least one front terminal connector on the front for mating engagement with the at least one rear terminal connector on the back of at least one of the elongated display boards, at least one cable for providing at least one of signal and power to the LED&#39;s of each LED array via the signal-power distribution module that extends therefrom behind said at least one elongated blade. 
     Another object of the invention is achieved by providing such an electronic display wherein the second width is less than about half the first width so that the at least one elongated blade can support at least 2 laterally adjacent elongated display boards. 
     Another object of the invention is achieved by providing such an electronic display further comprising at least a second elongated blade disposed above and vertically adjacent to the at least one elongated blade that is coupled thereto in a tiled arrangement so that the spacing between the pixels at the horizontal edges of the vertically adjacent elongated blade is the same as the spacing between the pixels within each elongated blade. 
     Another object of the invention is achieved by providing such an electronic display wherein the respective signal-power cables of at least one elongated blade is attached to the signal-power distribution module of the vertically adjacent elongated blade. 
     Another object of the invention is achieved by providing such an electronic display wherein the at least one elongated blade is in hinged connection to the second elongated blade. 
     Another object of the invention is achieved by providing such an electronic display wherein the at least one elongated blade is in hinged connection to the second elongated blade via linked hinges, having at least one hinge disposed to support the signal-power distribution module and the connected elongated blade. 
     Another object of the invention is achieved by providing such an electronic display wherein the at least one elongated blade is coupled to the second elongated blade by a common frame. 
     Another object of the invention is achieved by providing such an electronic display wherein each elongated blade is releasably attached to the frame or hinges, the releasable attachment being accessible from the LED containing side of the LED array so that the elongated blade is removable from the frame or hinges from the front surface of the elongated display boards disposed thereon without the need to remove adjacent elongated blades. 
     Another object of the invention is achieved by providing a flexible electronic display comprising a plurality of horizontally elongated substantially rigid members in a vertical array, each rigid member having a front and rear surface and containing a plurality of LED&#39;s laterally arrayed to form regularly spaced pixels, the plurality of LED&#39;s being connected to a power and signal control module on each rigid member, a flexible signal and power connection between each of the control modules on adjacent rigid members, wherein each of the rigid members in each vertical array is connected to at least one of an upper or lower adjacent rigid member by a plurality of flexible mating hinges, each having a front side and a back side, wherein the rigid members are disposed on the front side of the flexible mating hinges and at least a portion of the a flexible signal and power connection is disposed behind the back side thereof. 
     Another object of the invention is achieved by providing such an electronic display or wherein the linked hinges have a rotatingly engaging means that is disposed at a center of gravity of the elongated blade and the hinges connected thereto. 
     The above and other objects, effects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the flexible electronic display screen extended from a storage canister on the carrier/trailer for viewing. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the canister on the carrier/trailer as the flexible electronic display screen is retracted therein for storage and transport. 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation of the at least partially extended flexible display of  FIG. 1  showing further detail of its modular construction and attachment to the axle for storage in the canister. 
         FIG. 4  is a back elevation view of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional elevation through section reference line AA from  FIG. 3  when the electronic display is at least partially extended. 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional elevation through section reference line BB from  FIG. 3  when the electronic display is at least partially extended. 
         FIG. 6A  is a rear elevation view of a carrier segment from  FIG. 4   
         FIG. 6B  is a front elevation view of the carrier segment of  FIG. 6A   
         FIG. 6C  is a side elevation of the carrier segment of  FIGS. 6A and 6B . 
         FIG. 6D  is a front elevation view of a leaf from the carrier segment of  FIG. 6A  containing a plurality of pixels. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional elevation through section reference line A-A from  FIG. 3  when the electronic display is refracted within the canister. 
         FIG. 8  is an electric schematic diagram of the power and signal distribution to the electronic display and extension/retraction system. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 1  but omitting the electronic display screen to show the mechanism for lifting the pull bar or edge of the display screen above the canister. 
         FIG. 10  is a more detailed view of the lifting mechanism in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the partially extended electronic display screen on a trailer. 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of an assembled portion of the display according to a first embodiment whereas  FIG. 12B  is an exploded portion of the view in  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional elevation of the portion of the display of  FIGS. 12A and 12B , taken at the position A-A illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional elevations of the portion of the display of  FIGS. 23A and 23B , taken at the position B-B in  FIG. 15   
         FIG. 15  is a front elevation of the portion of the display in  FIG. 12-13  showing the positions for the sections A-A and B-B shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14  respectively. 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged portion of the exploded view in  FIG. 12B . 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged portion of the exploded view in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a different enlarged portion of the exploded view in  FIG. 16   
         FIG. 19A  is a perspective view showing the front side of a first embodiment of the hinge shown in the previous figures whereas  FIG. 19B  is a perspective view showing the back side thereof. 
         FIG. 20A  is a side elevation of the hinge in  FIGS. 19A and 19B , whereas  FIG. 20B  is a plan view showing the front thereof. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an assembly of hinges shown in the previous figures in the configuration when the display is rolled up for storage and transportation. 
         FIG. 22  is a side elevation of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  is a front perspective view of adjoining portion of adjacent blades in  FIG. 12A  prior to attachment to form a larger display. 
         FIG. 24  is a front perspective view of adjoining portion of several adjacent blades in  FIG. 12A  after attachment to form the larger display. 
         FIG. 25A  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the display that deploys a more preferred embodiment of the hinge whereas  FIG. 25B  is a perspective view of the reverse side of the display board thereof. 
         FIG. 26  is a side elevation through a portion of the display wherein the LED board is protected by a cover. 
         FIG. 27  is a preferred embodiment of the cover shown in  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  is an electrical schematic for signal distribution and routing via alternative buses. 
         FIG. 29  shows an embodiment of the electronic display in a rolled state ready for deployment in a truss frame that supports the motor and for ease of storage, transport and set up. 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of connected hinges with attached power and signal cable and associated connector. 
         FIG. 31  illustrates in an exploded perspective view a preferred embodiment of connector and attached hinge in  FIG. 30  showing the electrical and mechanical connections to the electronic display board. 
         FIG. 32  illustrates in a an exploded cross-sectional elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the connector of  FIG. 31  deployed with hinged or cable connections between elongated blades that support the LED display boards. 
         FIG. 33  is another exploded perspective view of a portion of  FIG. 31  to show an additional component. 
         FIGS. 34A and 34B  are cross-sectional elevation through portion of the display in  FIG. 31-33  with  FIG. 34A  being adjacent to the hinge but through the signal-power module only and  FIG. 34B  being through the hinge. 
         FIG. 35  are plan views of a single and multiple blade assemblies showing various the connector of  FIG. 30-34  as deployed in various means for connecting the multiple blades to assemble the electronic display. 
         FIGS. 36A and 36B  are plan views of a single and multiple blade assemblies showing various the connector of  FIG. 30-34  as deployed in various means for connecting the multiple blades to assemble the electronic display. 
         FIG. 37  is an exploded perspective view to illustrate another embodiment of the invention in which elongated blades supporting the LED display boards are tiled together on a rigid frame. 
         FIG. 38A  is a front elevation view of a protective cover or wear block and 
         FIG. 38B  is a cross-sectional elevation thereof as mounted on a display board. 
         FIG. 39  illustrates in a an exploded cross-section elevation view of a more preferred embodiment of the connector of  FIG. 30  that deploys gaskets and is further deployed with hinged or cable connections between elongated blades that support the LED display boards. 
         FIG. 40A  and  FIG. 40B  respectively illustrate more preferred embodiments of connectors that deploy gaskets as cross-sectional elevations through portion of the display in  FIG. 31-33  with  FIG. 40A  being adjacent to the hinge but through the signal-power module only and  FIG. 40B  being through the hinge. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 40 , there is illustrated therein a new and improved large screen portable LED display, generally denominated  100  herein. 
     In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 1  shows a first embodiment of the display  100 . The display  100  is comprised of a flexible electronic display surface  30  capable of being wound or wrapped around an axle  10  for storage and transport. The flexible electronic display surface  30  has a plurality of horizontally elongated relatively rigid elements  31  in a vertical array, each element containing a plurality of LED&#39;s arrayed to form regularly spaced pixel  32 , the LED&#39;s having power and signal control interconnections for image display. There is a flexible connection via a connector  40  between horizontally adjacent rigid elements of Flexible Electronic Display surface  30 . Such pixels  32  are shown in  FIG. 15  in more detail. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , support cables  20  are attached to the rear of each of the relatively rigid elements  31 , to effectively connect them in a hinged arrangement at the fixed spacing necessary to define adjacent pixels  32 . One end of these laterally spaced cables  20  are then attached to the axle  10 , while the opposite end of the cable  20  are attached to an elongated bar or pull bar  60 . Axle  10  is optionally hollow for storing at least a portion of the power and signal distribution cables  704 . 
     It is also preferable that a roll wheel for taking up the cable  20  be mounted on the axle  10 . In addition there are holes for cables  20  to enter axle  10 .  FIG. 4  shows both the support cables  20  and a cable to stick or blade clamp, attached pull bar  60 , as well as a Stick Controller/Power Supply to the motor for winding the Power/Signal Cable (Stick-Stick)  505  with the flexible electronic display  100 . 
       FIGS. 5A  and B illustrate the electronic display  100  when extended from Canister  21  by rotation of Axle  10  including the Power/Data Distributor Node  708  with Power and data cables inside shaft or axle  10 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a cross-section of the canister with the electronic display  100  extended upward taken as section A-A in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 5B  is a cross-section of the canister with the electronic display  100  extended upward taken as section B-B in  FIG. 3  show the Flexible Electronic Display Surface  30  extended by the Support Cable  20 . 
     A plurality of vertical array of relatively rigid carrier elements disposed adjacent to each other. Each rigid element being connected to the laterally adjacent element in the adjacent column by a flexible connector. A canister  21  is provided for containing the axle in rotary engagement at opposite ends and containing the coiled or rolled up display, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 . 
       FIG. 6A-6D  illustrates in further detail one embodiment for assembling the LED array on the horizontally elongated relatively rigid elements  110  in a vertical array, each element containing a plurality of LED&#39;s arrayed to form regularly spaced apart pixel  32 , the LED&#39;s having power and signal control interconnections  140  for image display, which may include a carrier, controller, power supply of which there are optionally multiple controller with one or more power supplies. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-section of the canister  21  with the electronic display  100  retracted therein as taken as section A-A in  FIG. 3 . Pull bar  60  is coupled to the last vertically adjacent set of the rigid horizontal display elements  130 . As support cable  20  is wound about axle  10  to roll up flexible electronic display  100  on itself, an alignment ramp  702  is preferably deployed about a portion of axle  10  to guides the power and data cables  704  inside of axle  10  along roll wheel  703 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates one scheme for the distribution of the power from the Generator Set  801  via rectifiers  802  to the motor  803 , which are optional in communication via a trailer controller  804 . There is also a power cable generator failover switch  80 , as well as an electromechanical interface  806 , an optional customer interface  807  (such as an RJ45 interface) and preferably a rectifier fail switch  808 . 
     The term cable is intended to embrace other flexible mechanical members besides ropes and wire cables, such as flexible assemblies of linkages, as for examples chains and bicycle style gear linkages. 
     Further the term connected means directly connected wherein the term couple means connected directly or through one or more additional member that is commonly connected to element thus coupled. In general, absent words to the contrary elements that are connected directed may be coupled. 
     The full extension of bar  60  will unwind the flexible electronic display surface  30  as the axle  10  is allowed to rotate in a canister  21  or alternative support or storage structure. When the bar  60  is fully extended to provide sufficient tension to the cables  20  the assembly of the elongated relatively rigid elements  31  becomes rigid and is mechanically stable. 
     In more preferred embodiments shown in the  FIG. 6 , four LED&#39;s that form a single pixel  32  are arrayed laterally on a leaf or LED display board  130  that attaches to the relatively rigid carrier element or blade  110 . The carrier in this embodiment has a matrix of elongated leaves or LED supporting display boards  130 , 4 wide and 2 high, with the detail of a single leaf highlighting the LED set that comprises the pixel  32  in  FIG. 6D . More generally, each relatively rigid carrier element or blade  110  has at least 2 leaves or LED boards arrayed horizontally. 
     Thus, the display  100  has the advantage flexible electronic display surface  30  can be fabricated from multiple elongated relatively rigid elements  130  to form a large, &gt;6 ft. wide or tall display for viewing at a large distance at sporting events and large public gatherings. As the display  100  uses LED&#39;s it can be bright enough for daylight use. Further the display  100  can have a rapid refresh rate for full color video play. 
     As the display  100  can be rolled when the tension on the cable is released by rolling the multiple elongated relatively rigid elements  31  about axle  10 , the rolled display is portable in that it can be towed on a trailer  25  and stored in a protective canister  21  until it is unrolled for deployment. In addition, as shown in other embodiments, the display  100  is deployable while mounted on the trailer  25 . The construction of display  100  provides mechanical stability in moderate wind and weather conditions, despite having a relatively large size. 
     The modular construction of each of the multiple elongated relatively rigid elements  31  and the sealed connections there between can provide weather resistance. The modular construction of each of the multiple elongated relatively rigid carrier elements  31 , shown in  FIG. 6 , facilitates repair and replacement of defective display elements. 
     A power and signal control module on the rear of each rigid element, for powering and controlling the LED&#39;s in each leaf of the rigid element. Each control and power distribution module is disposed on the back of the relatively rigid carrier element, as shown in  FIG. 6A , which are physically connected in series ( FIG. 4 ) to the corresponding module of the next adjacent relatively rigid carrier element, via a bus that provides a parallel electrical connection. The display  100  can be rolled up for storage and redeployed without the need to disconnect and reconnect the electrical connections to the display  100 . 
       FIG. 29  shows an alternative to the canister  21  in the form of a truss member having 4 generally open but rigid sides due to supporting cross beams. The truss member support a motor  803  and roller core or axle  10 . 
     More preferably, each relatively rigid carrier element has protectors, such a soft pads that extend outward to prevent the back surface of one carrier elements, or the components thereon from damaging the front of another carrier elements, such as the leaves and the LEDs, when the display is rolled axle for storage or dispensed from the canister  21  for use. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3  a signal and power distribution bus is disposed about the axle for making parallel connections to each of the control and power distribution modules in the vertical column of rigid elements 
     Further, the lack of an edge support element in the deployed condition provides for seamless tiling of multiple displays  100  into larger display assemblies&#39;, such as to create wide screen panoramic views. 
     The display is of a width or height of at least 6 ft, which is large enough for viewing at a large distance at sporting events and large public gatherings. 
     The display emits light of a sufficient brightness for it to visible in outdoor daylight use. 
     The video content of the display is capable of being refreshed at a rate which is sufficiently rapid to display full color motion video. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  9  and  10 , the display can be towed on a trailer  25  and can be stored in a protective canister  21  mounted on the trailer  25  until is unrolled from this canister  21  for deployment ( FIG. 1 ). Further, display can be deployed from the canister  21  without the need to remove the canister  21  from the trailer  25 . 
     Further, the lifting mechanism and cable stabilize the extended display in moderate wind conditions, despite its relatively large size. 
     The display is weather resistant so it can be safely operated in the presence of precipitation. 
     The physical connection of the power and control modules is a flexible cable or wire capable of rolling with the rigid elements, being at least as flexible as the cable. Preferably, the multiple cables attach to the rear of each relatively rigid carrier element, being deployed on opposite side of a centrally disposed power and control module. 
     The axle  10  has a central spindle and a plurality of larger diameter rollers laterally spaced apart for supporting rigid elements when cables are wound onto the rollers as the axle is rotated. 
       FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  9  and  10  illustrate a vehicle chassis  27  with at least 2 wheels  29  for transporting the rolled or coiled display  100 . The canister  21  for containing rolled flexible display is horizontally disposed on the chassis  27 , preferably having the principal axis of the canister  21  orthogonal to the wheel axis. 
     Rigid support members capable of extending vertically above the chassis  27  at the end of the canister  21 , having a means to constrain the upright travel of the bar therein as display is unwound from canister  21 . The means to restrain the upright travel of the bar is a bar, cable or a lever arrangement is driven by a hydraulic, pneumatic, electric or manual power. Preferably, the display blanks itself off as it rolls up (and can turn itself back on as it unrolls). 
     The transport system of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  9  and  10  further preferably comprises means to automatically retract the display in adverse weather conditions in to the canister  21 . For example, the display stows itself when the wind reaches a specific measured speed (in outdoor configuration) by the anemometer  1101  shown on the mast or vertical support arm in  FIG. 11 . 
     This anemometer  1001  for measuring wind speed is optionally in signal communication with a controller of the display refraction means. The automated means can include a radio beacon to receive weather forecasts and emergency alerts, as well as a GPS to determine location and compare with measure forecasts and reports, as well as using the output of force and/or motion sensors mounted on display supports or cables. 
     Alternatively, the display canister  21  may be disconnected from the transport trailer  25 , and may be suspended horizontally from above. In this configuration, the display deploys by unrolling vertically downwards. 
     In another embodiment, the display canister  21  may be disconnected from the transport trailer  25 , and suspended vertically. In this configuration, the display  100  deploys by unrolling horizontally. 
     The display  100  can be deployed on or off the trailer  25 . The trailer  25  includes various mechanical stabilizers  16  that extend down to the ground when the display is parked. 
     A power supply is either an electrical cable or generator  801 , such as shown in  FIG. 8 , which can be included on the trailer  25  as its own portable power supply, to both power the display  100 , as well as the extension retraction mechanism that is the means to unroll the electronic display  100  from the canister  21  by driving the pull bar  60  upward. In one embodiment, the unroll means is a lever arrangement, shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , powered by hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical actuators  1001 . This may include a tilt sensor (on the bar used to control the actuators to maintain even tension on the cables. The display screen is omitted from  FIG. 10  to better illustrate the other operative components of the device, which includes 2 sets of upper  1002  and lower arms  1003  that are in a hinged arrangement at a common end  1004  between the pull bar  60  and the chassis. Each of the arms in the upper pair are hinged at or near opposite ends  60   a  and  60   b  of the pull bar  60 . Between the upper and lower ends of each pair of bars there are separate pairs of hydraulic actuators  1001  and  1001 ′. The first pair or lower pair of actuators  1000 ′ are coupled to the chassis  27  via rotating hinges  1002  before the near the ends  27   a  and  27   b  thereof, from which lower arms  1003  pivot via a rotary hinge. The other ends of the lower actuators are in a hinged connection to the lower arms  1003  before their hinged connection  104  to the upper arms  1002 . The upper pair of actuators  1000  is likewise in hinged connection to the pull bar  60  between the ends a  60   a  and  60   b  and the midpoint, and at the opposite end to circa the midpoint of the upper arms  1002 . Thus, the activation of all four actuators in pairs  1000  and  1000 ′ lifts the pull bar  60  parallel to the chassis  27  to raise the electronic display  100 . As described in other embodiment wherein the cable  20  is a set of hinges, it is preferable to use a motor  803  to lower the electronic display  100  from a raised position. 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the unroll means is a winch  1102  connected to the pull bar  60  via a hoisting cable  1103 . Two or more rigid support members  1104  and  1104 ′ extending vertically above the chassis  27  at the end of the canister  21 , each rigid support member having a channel or rail for constraining the upright travel of at least the pull bar  60  to extend the flexible array upward as it is unwound from the canister  21 . 
     Further, the display  100  and related system may include a broadcast receiver or transponder  1105  for receiving images, messages and the like from a wide broadcast stream (i.e. advertising) via antenna  1009 . 
       FIG. 12-37  generally illustrate various aspects of another embodiment of the electronic display  100  has a plurality of horizontally elongated relatively rigid elements  31  in a vertical array, each element containing a plurality of LED&#39;s arrayed to form regularly spaced pixel  32 , the LED&#39;s having power and signal control interconnections for image display. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the cable need only be attached to the pull bar  60  or a header bar, when the horizontally elongated relatively rigid elements are connected to each other through a rear hinge. 
     The electronic display surface  30  can be flexible depending on the mounting and connection of the elongated blades. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 36-37  selected components are mounted to a rigid frame  420 , however the preferred embodiment of the construction, including the connector and bus, enable complete assembly, repair and maintenance from the front surface where the LED&#39;s are visible to viewers or an audience. 
     In accordance with such an alternative embodiment of the electronic display  100   FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrates the primary elements of a showing exploded components of a horizontally elongated relatively rigid elements  31  formed as a blade assembly  112  that are connected by mating hinges  120 . Accordingly, the display  100  comprises a plurality of horizontally oriented blade assemblies  114  that themselves comprise rigid elongated support members  110  (which will also be referred to herein as blades) having at least two mating hinges  120  and  120 ′ per horizontally oriented elongated member or blade  110 .  FIG. 12A  shows such a vertical array  119  of the blades  110  absent the other components to further illustrates how a plurality of vertical arrays  119  and  119 ′ are joined horizontally to form a matrix of display components.  FIG. 11B  shows in an exploded perspective view the components of blade assembly  114  attached to just a single blade  110 . The hinges  120  and  120 ′ are connected to the back of the blade  110  being spaced apart from each other and the vertical edges of each blade  110 . Although the hinges  120  may be part of the blades, it is in fact preferred that they are separate elements as described further below to facilitate construction, assembly and maintenance. Two or more LED display boards  130  are disposed edge to edge on the horizontally oriented elongated member  110  being placed on the front, which is the side opposite hinges  120  and  120 ′. In this example, three sets of LED boards  130 ,  130 ′ and  130 ″ are attached to the front of blade  110 . A signal-power distribution module  140  includes a power distribution board  160  and is mounted to back of blade  110  and is in electrical connection to LED boards  130 ′ and  130 ″ via plug and socket types connectors  141  and  142  that extend through blade  110 , as shown in  FIG. 17 , via apertures  111 . The signal-power distribution module contains active components that decode the signal encoding the image to be displayed and route such signal to controllers or switch that control which pixels  32  receive power and the power level, depending on the image encoding and multiplexing scheme. LED display board connector  150  is also mounted to back of blade  110  and is in electrical connection to LED boards  130  and  130 ′, as shown in  FIG. 18 . The LED board connector in this embodiment has 2 multi-pin plugs  151  and  152  that mate with sockets on the backs of the LED boards  130  and  130 ′ respectively. It should be appreciated that plugs  141 ,  142 ,  151  and  152  can also be sockets when a corresponding plug is used on the reverse side of the LED boards  130 ,  130 ′ or  130 ″. Preferably the blades  110  are extruded profiles to lower cost having regularly stamped or cut apertures and holes for connection and alignment with other components as described further below. By deploying the preferred blades  110  connected by the preferred hinges  120 , the display  100 , including LED boards  130 , are less than an inch (25 mm) thick. Such a display  100  also hangs vertically straight when unrolled. 
     As the horizontal array of the LED boards  130 ,  130 ′ and  130 ″ are substantially the same width the blade  110 , the attachment of the vertical arrays or columns  119  places the left edge of LED board  130  edge to edge with the right edge of LED board  130 ″. The vertical and horizontal separation of the last pixel on each LED board from the boards vertical and horizontal edge is half the pixel width so that assembly of pixels in the display  100  is without gaps or seams, enabling large displays of custom dimensions to be created from the basic unit shown in  FIG. 12B . Each of the hinges  120 , blades  110  and LED boards  130  has at least one central alignment hole  125  to facilitate assembly to bring the pixels on adjacent blades in to registry. The alignment holes  125  are preferably disposed equidistant between upper dual shackle  122  and lower central shackle  123 . 
     During the fabrication of each blade assembly  114 , a pin  125   a  is inserted through the two alignment holes  125  on each LED board  130 , such that is also passes through a least the corresponding alignment hole  125  on the blades  110  and, for a least one point or position on each of LED boards  130  and  130 ″, also through the alignment holes  125  on hinges  120  and  120 ′ respectively. Preferably each LED board  130  has 2 alignment holes  125  at opposite ends and each blade  110  has six alignment holes  125  distributed to support the 3 LED boards  130  in a lateral row. 
       FIG. 19-20  illustrates in more detail the preferred embodiment for the mating hinges  120  for supporting the other display components. Preferably a hinge  120  comprises a generally rectangular hinge plate  121  having disposed a one end an upper dual shackles  122  and at the other end a lower central shackle  123 . Thus, the lower shackle of an upper blade  110  is intended to slide between the upper dual shackle pair  122  on the lower blade in a display  110 . The shackles  122  and  123  have eyelet  124  at each end for receiving a shackle pin  126  to form a rotary connection there between so that the attached blades are in a hinges connection. Preferably the shackles  122  and  123 , as shown. extend at an angle away from the hinge plate surface  121  to dispose the eyelet  124  in a common plane coincident with the center of gravity (COG)  129  when other display components are attached to the hinge plate  121 . Thus when the display  100  is assembled, on each blades the hinge plate  121  is recessed from the pivot axis at shackle pin  126  to dispose display components at COG  129  thereof. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , this arrangement of hinges  120  allows the blades  110  to rotate with respect to each other to facilitate the rolling of the display  110  for moving or storage, but also assures that when unrolled the display  110  will hang vertically on its own weight. Thus, the use of an edge or side frame is opposition in the final configuration for use with an audience. 
     Further, once the LED boards  130  are aligned on the blade they are preferably attached to it with screw  124  or rivets  128  via additional sets of holes  127  that are disposed in this embodiment in pairs of which one  127  is above the alignment hole  125  and the other  127 ′ just below it. As shown in  FIG. 14 , it is also desirable to attach the blades  110  and LED boards  130  to the hinge pairs  120  and  120 ′ using the same common sets of holes  127 , but with screws  124  rather than rivets  128 . This enables the removal of the blade assembly  114  (which includes the blades  110 , attached LED boards  130  and connectors  140  and  150  from the hinges  120  and  120 ′ from the front of the display  100  for repair and maintenance. Accordingly, it is also preferred that wire segment  501   a  in  FIG. 16  also have a plug and socket connection to the wire harness  500 . As also shown in a more preferred embodiment in  FIG. 30 , such a connector  140  may be is attached through an hole or orifice  137  in the hinge plate  121  and is part of a signal-power distribution module  160  which is attached to the rear of the hinge plate. so that a replacement blade assembly  114 , with the LED boards  130 ,  130 ′ and  130 ″ and all active components be replaced when maintenance personal do not have the time or skill necessary to trouble shoot the cause of failure once the blade assembly  114  is removed from hinges  120  and  120 ′. Wiring harness  500  is preferably a flat cable to minimize the space required being display  100  when installed on a wall. 
     Thus, in the assembly of multiple blades  110  into a column  119  and  119 ′, the upper  121  and lower shackles  122  of hinge  120  are capable of forming an axial rotary connection with the other member on each vertically adjacent hinge  120 ′ and  120 ″ when connected by the shackle pins  126 . 
     It should now be appreciated that multiple horizontal array of the display columns of one blade  110  wide can coupled to form a display  100  of any width, whenever additional blades  110  can be added to each column to extend the length or height of the display  100 . Thus to enable the lateral connection of blades  110  in these adjacent columns, it is preferable that the horizontally oriented elongated members/blades  110  has mating edge connectors  110   a  and  110   b  at opposite horizontal ends. The extending mail member  110   b  is intended to fit within female mating member  110   a  at the opposite side of the adjacent blade, forming the connection shown in  FIG. 24 . More preferably, as shown in  FIG. 23  the mating edge connector  110   b  is connected to  110   b  via ball and socket type joints in which balls  112   a  and  112   b  on opposite horizontal portions of edge connector  110   b  are spring loaded and thus capable of engaging in mated attachment to a corresponding complimentary shaped sockets  113   a  and  113   b  on the other edge connector,  110   a.    
     LED display boards  130  have a plurality of pixels  32  defined by 3 or more LED&#39;s  131  of different colors and include a plurality of integrated circuits and electrical conductor traces for properly routing signals and electrical power to each specific LED to control the color and brightness in time synchronization to project video images for direct viewing by users or an audience. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a first embodiment of the internal wiring of the multiple LED&#39;s on a single blade  110  wherein signal and power is distributed to the vertically array blade assemblies  114  on an electrical bus wiring bundle or cable  500 . Power and signal is distributed from bus  500  to the LED boards  130 ,  130 ′ and  130 ″ via a wire or circuit segment path  501   a  to the power and signal connector  140  and power distribution board  160  on each blade assembly  114 . Power and signal connector  140  joins LED boards  130 ′ and  130 ″ via wire segment path segment  501   e  to route signal and power in response to the operation of the power distribution board in decoding the video signal received from bus  500 . LED board  130 ′ routes signal and power via wiring path segment  501 C to the LED connectors  150 , which is then connected to LED board  130  via segment  501   d . Each wiring path is intended to carry power and signals to the plurality of LED&#39;s. The LED boards  130  each have additional signal routing means via attached integrated circuits  134 . A wiring path as described above can include pair of parallel conductive traces or wires were the power and signals are separate, or a single line in which the signals are multiplexed on the power supply. 
     Preferably both the display  100  and the connected components are water proof for use in adverse weather, using conventional weather proofing means, such as gaskets at connects and sealing or conformal coating on all wiring boards, overmolding, encapsulation, such as with Macromelt® and the like. 
     In the more preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 25A and 25B , the bus  500  is connected to power and signal controller  140 , and hence power distribution board  160  via hinge  120 . Hinge  120  has a multi-pin connector  145  that is disposed in a gap in hinge plate and extends from the hinge plate  121  to connect to the LED board  130  at the mating plug on side  130   b ,  FIG. 25B . The opposite side of the hinge  120  from connector  145  has either wiring terminals or another plug or socket to connect with the bus  500  wiring. connectors. Thus, as LED board  130  is connected to bus  500 , circuit path  501   d  on this LED board  130  connects to the power and signal controller  140 , as in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16-18  provides power and signals to the other LED boards  130 ′ and 130″. It should be appreciated that when the hinge  120  is used to connect the bus  500  to the blade assembly components, the active components, such as power distribution board  160  can be disposed in different locations on the blade  110 , as well as combined with the hinge, and need not be limited to the preferred embodiments described herein. 
     In more preferred embodiments there is a protective cover  115  over each horizontal rigid member. As shown in  FIG. 26 , a protective cover  115  is disposed over the LED board  130 . The protective cover is optionally transparent, and the front  1  of the LED board  130  around each of the LED&#39;s has a non-reflective black color. Alternatively, the protective cover  115  can be black and opaque, but have holes  117  cut out for each of the LED&#39;s  131  as shown in  FIG. 27 . The cone of light emitted by each LED  131  is represented by the arrows and arc  1602 . The holes  117  have a sufficient diameter, based spacing from the LED&#39;s  131  to avoid shadowing the LED emission. While in this embodiment the cover is separate from the leaf board  131 , it is more preferred that the cover is molded directly onto the leaf board. 
     More preferably either embodiment of the protective cover  115  also includes a means for thermal control to minimize solar heating of the outdoor display. In  FIG. 27 , thermal radiation, such as from the afternoon sun is represented by parallel rays  1601 , and would ordinary heat the display  100  via IR radiation, as well as reflect visible light back to viewers. One embodiment of a thermal control means  116  is illustrated in as a multi-layer thin film coating, referred to as a hot mirror, is capable of reflecting infra-red radiation from the sun, but is transparent and transmits visible light so that it is absorbed by the black colored portion  132  of the LED board  130  around the LEDs  131 . The coating or black non-reflective portion preferably absorbs visible light so the rays  1602  are not reflected to viewers off the cover  115 . Reflection of visible light to the viewers would otherwise minimize display contrast or require higher LED brightness in some viewing conditions. Such a coating may additionally block UV light to protect the underlying materials that form the display. 
     The substrate for the protective cover that support the thermal control means is optionally fully clear transparent or optionally somewhat translucent to diffuse the light. 
     Such thermal control multi-layer coatings are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,400, which issued to Russell et al. on May 21, 2002, as well as U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,547, which issued to Hood on Apr. 26, 1994, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     In another preferred embodiment, shown as an electrical schematic in  FIG. 28 , the first set of vertically arrayed hinges  120  provides the wiring connections for a primary bus circuit  500 , which receives signal and power from a video source  1000 , via a switching circuit  1700 . A second set of vertically arrayed hinges  120 ′, comprising the adjacent hinges  120 ′ on the vertical arrays of blades, provides a secondary or back up bus circuit  500 ′, should the bus circuit  500 ′ prove defective or fail. Once this failure is determined from circuit integrity testing the communication and operation of the display  100  can be switched to this back up bus circuit  500 ′ via a switching circuit  1705 , that then directs power via circuit segment  1701 . In this case, the same power and signal can be routed either way on segment  1702 , such that segments  1701  and  1702 , together with the primary and secondary bus circuits  500  and  500 ′ respectively form a circuit integrity loop  1700 . 
     It should be appreciates that as the display  100  is intended for outdoor use, it is most preferable that all electrical connections and components are water proof, such as for example by gasket at each plug and socket connection, as well as by the sealing of printed circuit boards in the LED board  130  and the power and signal module/controller  140  via conformal coatings and related means known in the art. 
     It should be appreciated that the hinges  120  and hinge shackles  122 ,  123  can have different configurations than those shown and still achieve the same functions of connecting adjacent blades  110  and permitting at least a limited amount of rotation at adjacent sides to enable the rolling and unrolling thereof for storage and use respectively. Such options include, without limitation a traditional “lift-off” hinge where the two halves of the hinge slide apart in the axis of the hinge pin. Once assembled, the “lift off portions” can be further coupled to preclude sliding out during employment during deployment, as for example by permanent fixation or via a removable member. Alternatively, the hinge (or at least a part thereof) could be integrally formed with a molded or extruded member that forms the blade, rather than a separate discrete component. 
     Further, it should be appreciated that more than 3 or 4 LED&#39;s can be used to create pixel, depending on the LED luminance, color purity and the sensitivity of the human eye. Moreover, the LED&#39;s  131  can be arranged in other patterns than a square grid. Thus, neither the number of pixels per LED board  130  or per pixel  32  need be limited to what is shown in the FIG&#39;s. 
       FIG. 29  illustrates a more preferred aspect of the invention wherein the rolled display is disposed within an elongated truss support  2901  and deployable therefrom. Such a truss or support frame  2901  will have 3 or 4 elongated main post  2902  shown as extending horizontally that are connected at the ends series of shorter posts  2903  that form a closed figures, such as the square shown in this Figure. Preferably depending on the length of the posts and their stiffness, it is also desirable to connect the posts with 1 or more cross beams  2904  on the open sides of the truss  2901 . The cross beams connect elongated posts  2902  and extend either transverse or at an angle thereto providing further stiffness to the truss  2901 . The axle  10  extended with the same orientation as the main post  2902  and the motor for rotating the axle  10  is preferably disposed within the truss  2901 . The truss  2901  also has one open side  2905 , or at least a part thereof that is the width of the display  100  so that it can be unrolled there from by turning the axle  10  with the motor  803 . The open side  2905  is defined by the area between the two pairs of opposing short posts  2903  and the adjacent pair of opposing posts  2902  at the lower side of the truss  2901 . 
     The truss  2901 , like the canister  21  can be mounted on a trailer so the display can be raised upward from open side  2905 , which would then face upward from the truck or trailer bed, such as by using the lift mechanism shown in  FIG. 10 . Alternatively, the truss  2901  can be mounted above the ground for lowering the display downward, such as from similar trusses, or on a wall. Alternatively the truss  2910  can be placed in hinged attachment at or adjacent to one of the short posts  2903  on the trailer bed for tilting upward so that the posts  2902  are vertical and the display can be extended horizontally on the truss  2901  is braced in this upright position. It should be understood that the first row  2906  of hinged components to extend from the display  100  need not include the LED boards  130 , but can be simply for attachment to the pulling mechanism or when the display  100  is lowered to floor, ground or truck, trailer bed for attachment to an anchor mechanism mounted thereon. 
       FIG. 30  illustrates in more detail a preferred mating hinge  120  for use with an embodiment of the signal-power distribution module  140 . When hinges  120  are used to connect what is preferably a tiled array of the rectangular elongated blade supporting multiple electronic display boards  114 , the hinge  120  can support both the signal-power distribution module  140  and the elongated blades  110  which are coupled thereto via what is preferably a releasable engagement via screw or comparable mounts that are accessible from the LED side of the display surface of LED board  130 . In such case a mating connectors of the signal-power distribution module  140  and optionally the electronic display board  30  pass may pass through an orifice of hole  137  in the hinge  120 . 
     More preferably, as shown in  FIG. 31 , the signal-power distribution module  140  includes power distribution board  160  that mounted to back of blade  110  and a bus connector  165  connects to the back of the power distribution  60  via hole or orifice  137  in hinge  120  via connector  156 . Thus, the signal-power distribution module  140  is in electrical connection to LED boards  130 ′ and  130 ″ via plug and socket types connectors  141  and  142  that extend through blade  110 , as shown in  FIG. 17 , via apertures  111 . The bus or wiring harness  500  is now comprised of the series of looped at signal-power cables  502  and  502 ′ extending from the connection with the signal-power module  140  and extending behind each elongated blade  110 . 
     While is preferable that a single chain of cables  502  have within them separate signal and power cables, the wiring harness or bus  500  can also include 2 pairs of such signal-power cables  502 , such as one carrying only signal and the other one carrying only power. 
     The mating hinge has at least one aperture  137  for receiving a connector  150  attached or coupled to at least a portion of the signal-power distribution module  140 , such as the connector  151  on power distribution board  160 . This use of this connector  120  with an elongated blade  110  and LED display boards  130  is illustrated  FIG. 31-37 . 
     In this embodiment the electronic display  100  is formed from at least one substantially rectangular elongated blade  110  having a first height and a first width, a front and a rear surface, opposing lateral side that are separated by opposing horizontal sides at the top and bottom thereof. A plurality of elongated display boards  130  having a second height and second width, a front and a rear surface, opposing lateral side that are separated by opposing horizontal sides at the top and bottom thereof are mounted on the each rectangular elongated blade as previously described. Each elongated display board  130  has an LED array arranged as a plurality of display pixels  32  on the front surface thereof. Each elongated display board  130  has a first terminal connector  141  on the rear surface for distributing at least one of signals and power to the LED&#39;s of the LED array. 
       FIGS. 31 and 33  illustrate in perspective view a preferred embodiment of a signal-power distribution module  140  and associated connectors that can be used with or without hinged or cable connection between elongated blades  110  that support the LED display boards  130 . 
       FIG. 32  illustrates in an exploded cross-section elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the signal-power distribution module  140  and associated connectors. This version of the signal-power connector  140  is assembled from multiple components for ease of disassembly, repair and rework from the LED side of the display  100 . In this case it is preferable that the power distribution board  160  includes an interface controller that has the active circuitry and connects via a single rear connector  153  to the bus connector  165  at connector  156 . The power distribution board/interface controller  160  has two front connectors  154  and  155 . The interface controller  160  thus routes and modulates at least one of signals and power via active circuitry to the individual pins or sockets in each of connectors  154  and  155  into the common pins or sockets of rear connector  153 . The rear connector  153  passes through the single aperture  137  in the hinge  120  so that the interface controller  160  is disposed between the hinge  120  and the elongated blade  110 . The elongated blade  110  in turn has two separate aperture  111  and  111 ′ that respectively receive the front connectors  154  and  155 , which pass there through to connect with the rear connectors  141  and  141 ′ on the back of the adjacently tiled LED boards  130  and  130 ′. The interface controller  160  is fastened to the blade  110  via rear screws  124 ′ so that the removal of front screws  124  disconnects assembly  114  from the hinge  120  and the bus connector  165 . The rear connector  153  of the interface controller  160  connects to the front connector on the bus connector  165 . The bus connector  165  has a plurality of external cables  151  connecting at least the near neighbor blade assembly  114  in the display column via there respective bus connectors  165 . Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 33  and the bus connector  165  is connected to the hinge  120  via an end cap plate  175 . 
       FIGS. 34A and 34B  are cross-sectional elevation through portion of the display  100  in  FIG. 31-33  with  FIG. 24A  being adjacent to the hinge but through the signal-power module only and  FIG. 34B  being through the hinge. 
     It is further preferable that each electronic display board  130  is about the same height of the blade  110  and about half the width so that one blade supports two electronic display boards  130 .  FIG. 35  are plan views of a single and multiple blade assemblies of two LED boards each showing the various connectors of  FIG. 30-34  as deployed in multiple blades to assemble the electronic display. In  FIG. 35A  blade assemblies  114  and  114 ′ are connected at the vertical edges by hinge  120 ′, and blade assemblies  114  and  114 ″′ are connected at the vertical edges by hinge  120 ″. 
     In  FIG. 35A  blade assemblies  114 ″ and  114 ′ are each connected at the opposite vertical edges of the display  110  to the horizontally adjacent blade assemblies disposed above and below by hinge  120 ′″ and  120 ″ respectively. 
     In  FIG. 36A  a single column of elongated blade assemblies  114  are mounted in tiled fashion to a larger frame. In  FIG. 36B  a plurality of assembly  114  are mounted in tiled fashion to a larger frame  420  having intermediate vertical struts  425 . A perspective view of such a display  100  in shown in  FIG. 33  in which the assembly  114  on the left side is exploded to show the components in  FIG. 31C , and the right side is completed assembly except for the lower assembly  114  showing the LED side only. 
       FIG. 36B  mounted to hinges  120  that connect the vertical sides of adjacent tiled assemblies  114  in the display  100 . 
     it should be appreciated that signal-power distribution module  140  has at least one terminal connector on the front for mating engagement with the first terminal connector on the back of at least one of the elongated display boards  130  wherein at least one of a first and second signal-power connectors  151  and  152  optionally pass through the at least one elongated blade  110  to the engage the other of the first and second power connectors of the LED boards, 
       FIGS. 36A and 36B  are plan views of a single and multiple blade assemblies which illustrated the attachment of the blade assembly to a supporting rectangular frame  420  without the use of hinges. The frame  420  can support multiple columns of elongated blades, shown in this diagram as each blade supporting a pair of LED display board  130 . The lateral sides of the frame can have a series of threaded holes or straight holes to receive the opposing sides of the elongated blades  110 . As also shown in  FIGS. 36B and 37 , when 2 or more column of elongated blades are connected or coupled to frame  420  it is preferable to provide a least one vertical strut  425  that similarly has a array of holes for receiving the elongated blades  110 . This diagram also shows one of the signal-power distribution module  160 . 
       FIG. 38A  is a front elevation view of a protective cover  3800  that is preferably applied over some subset of the display boards  130  to protect the LED&#39;s  131  arrayed thereof. The front face  3800   a  of cover  3800  extends above the LED&#39;s  131  as shown in the sectional elevation in  FIG. 38B . The LED&#39;s  131  are disposed in the square apertures  3802  formed in cover  3800 , which is secured to the display board  130  via screws or like fastening members inserted through circular holes  3801  that extend from the from face  3800   a  to the rear face  3800   b . As the cover  3800  is preferably made of a durable yet non-abrasive plastic or polymeric material it does not damage other display  100  components, but rather protects them as it is intended to be placed at the same regular lateral intervals along the front of the display  100  as the hinges  120  that have the cap plate  174  are attached to or form the back of the display. Hence, when the display  100  is rolled up as illustrated in other embodiments the hinge cap  175  and protective covers  3800  made contact spacing the front and back side of the elongated blades  100  and the electronic components attached thereto away from each other to prevent contact and potential damage from contact abrasion. 
     Thus it is most preferable to dispose protective cover  3800  to straddle the adjacent elongated blades  110  at common connecting hinge  120 . Likewise, the generally U-shaped end cap plate  175  shown in  FIG. 33  is connected to the rear surface of each corresponding hinge  120 . Thus when the flexible display is rolled up for storage and transport, non-adjacent blades in the roll, that is nearest neighbor blades in a different wrap of the roll and not connected by common hinges  120  are separated by the front and rear space, which contact each other. Most preferably, protective cover  3800  and end cap  475  should be used at each hinge  120 . 
     Further, it is preferable that the various connectors utilize flexible gaskets, as shown in  FIG. 39 ,  FIG. 40A  and  FIG. 40B  to enable sealing from the moisture and the elements, including liquid water when used outdoors or in otherwise wet environments. Gaskets  143  can be used as adjacent pairs that disposed in notches or channels associated with the different mating connector pairs, such as rear connector  141  on the elongated display boards  130  and the front connectors  154  and  155  on the power distribution board  160 . Gaskets  143  can be used to seal the connection between the connector  156  of bus connector  165  and rear power connector  153  on the power distribution board  160 . 
     While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.