Pepp your smartphone

It's fair to say that the pain of accidentally rubbing your eyes after chopping chillies is matched by no other, unless, that is, you've been doused with pepperspray.

While we hope you've never had it used on you (this is getting a little dark, so we'll say no more on the matter), there are times when it's a necessity. Hence a new personal safety device using the substance has been created.

Spraytect, designed by Scott McPherson, is a protective case for a smartphone with a removable pepper spray cartridge attached to the back of the phone case.

Scott, who's from Arizona, created the device so his daughter would be safer at college. Scott said: "I was disheartened after an exhaustive search for personal protection devices. There were no easy-to-carry or socially acceptable options available in the marketplace.

"There were many pepper sprays and other various safety devices for her backpack, but none that were easily accessible. Then the dots were connected. Most co-eds don't go anywhere without their smartphone so the optimal solution was to combine her phone and a safety device."

The design took one year to create and is now available in four colours black, white, pink and turquoise at a price of £24.90 ($39.95).

(Image: Rex Features)