External Flash Device for Mobile Devices

Abstract

Apparatuses and systems are provided for enabling a user to connect an external flash device to a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Non-conductive tips may be provided, either as an integrated component of a housing of an external flash device or via an adaptor receiving region and adaptor. The availability of different tips and/or adaptors enables the user to utilize multiple accessories (e.g., a microphone) in combination with the external flash. The non-conductive tips may be 3.5 millimeter audio jacks or Universal Serial Bus (USB) type male connectors or device/manufacturer specific connectors. The non-conductivity of the tip prevents power from being drawn from the mobile device, improving the battery life of the mobile device. Power may be provided to the external flash device from a replaceable or rechargeable battery. An adaptor configured to receive a conductive tip and provide a non-conductive tip is also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a housing comprising one or more light-emitting sources and a power source configured to power the one or more light-emitting sources; and   a non-conductive tip extending from a surface of the housing, wherein the non-conductive tip is dimensioned for insertion into and frictional engagement with a port of a mobile device.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the non-conductive tip comprises a shape of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) male connector. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein non-conductive tip comprises a shape of a micro-USB male connector. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein non-conductive tip comprises a shape of a Lightning connector. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the non-conductive tip and a portion of the housing are formed as a single piece. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the non-conductive tip comprises a type of plastic. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is formed from a first material, and wherein the non-conductive tip is formed from a second material. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the first material comprises a first type of plastic, and wherein the second material comprises a second type of plastic different from the first type. 
     
     
         9 . An external flash device comprising:
 a base;   one or more light-emitting sources positioned on a surface of the base;   a power source in the base and configured to power the one or more light-emitting sources; and   a non-conductive tip extending from a surface of the base and dimensioned for insertion into and frictional engagement with a portion of a device.   
     
     
         10 . The external flash device of  claim 9 , wherein the one or more light-emitting sources comprise a plurality of light-emitting sources and the plurality of light-emitting sources are arranged in a grid format on the base. 
     
     
         11 . The external flash device of  claim 9 , wherein the one or more light-emitting sources comprise at least one of planar light-emitting sources and three-dimensional light-emitting sources. 
     
     
         12 . The external flash device of  claim 9 , wherein the non-conductive tip comprises a type of plastic. 
     
     
         13 . The external flash device of  claim 9 , wherein the non-conductive tip and the base are formed as a single piece. 
     
     
         14 . The external flash device of  claim 13 , wherein the base is formed from a first material, and wherein the non-conductive tip is formed from a second material. 
     
     
         15 . The external flash device of  claim 9 , further comprising a device configured to reflect or direct light emitted from the one or more light-emitting sources. 
     
     
         16 . The external flash device of  claim 9 , further comprising a control input configured to control a brightness of the one or more light-emitting sources. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus comprising:
 a housing comprising one or more light-emitting sources and a power source configured to power the one or more light-emitting sources;   a non-conductive tip extending from a first side of the housing, wherein the non-conductive tip is dimensioned for frictional engagement with a portion of a mobile device; and   a control input on a second side of the housing and configured to control the one or more light-emitting sources.   
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the first side of the housing is opposite of the second side of the housing. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , further comprising a removable power source cover configured to allow access to the power source when in an open cover position. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the non-conductive tip comprises a shape of an audio jack.