PERSONAL DEFENSE DEVICE

Abstract

A non-lethal personal defense device is disclosed comprising a deterrent compound contained within a breakable outer body. The deterrent compound includes at least one of the following features: an unpleasant odor, the ability to induce nausea or vomiting, staining properties for skin and clothing, and skin and/or eye irritation or burning. The outer body has at least one hollow component designed to hold the deterrent compound and is formed from a material that is easily breakable by hand. The device is attachable to a body part or clothing of the user, or accessory such as a purse, mobile phone, keychain, or the like, allowing the deterrent compound to be released upon breaking the hollow body, thereby providing a method of personal defense without causing permanent harm.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to personal defense devices, and in particular to a personal defense device that can be worn by a user and that is broken to release a material that will cause discomfort to an individual threatening the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Non-lethal personal defense devices, such as pepper spray and electroshock weapons, have been developed to enhance personal safety by deterring potential attackers without causing permanent harm. These devices serve as a crucial means for individuals to protect themselves in dangerous situations. Pepper spray emits a substance that causes intense irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system of an attacker, while electroshock weapons deliver a high-voltage electric shock that temporarily incapacitates an assailant.

Despite their effectiveness, these traditional personal defense devices exhibit notable limitations. One significant drawback is their method of carrying. Typically, such devices must be physically held in the hand, stored in a bag or purse, or carried in a dedicated holster. When the device is carried in a bag or purse, the user may encounter critical delays in accessing it during a sudden or unexpected threat. This delay can severely diminish the device's effectiveness, as quick response is often crucial in self-defense situations.

The need for a more accessible and immediately deployable personal defense mechanism is apparent. Devices that require physical handling or retrieval from a storage location may not be optimal for users who face rapid or spontaneous threats. Therefore, there is a pressing need for an improved personal defense solution that addresses these accessibility challenges, allowing users to respond swiftly and effectively in high-pressure situations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been recognized by the inventors herein that it is desirable to have a personal defense that can be worn by a user and be accessed quickly upon being threatened by a person or animal.

Accordingly, a non-lethal personal defense device has a deterrent compound held in or on an outer body. The deterrent compound includes a deterrent compound that has at least one of an unpleasant odor, induces nausea or vomiting in a person, stains the person's skin and clothing, and causes the person's skin and/or eyes to be irritated or burned. The outer body having at least one hollow component therein, wherein the deterrent compound is stored in within the hollow component and a user may easily break the outer body causing the deterrent compound to be released.

In one aspect, a non-lethal personal defense device is provided. The device comprises a deterrent compound. The deterrent compound comprises a component that has at least one of an unpleasant odor, induces nausea or vomiting in a person or animal, stains skin and clothing, and/or causes skin and/or eyes to be irritated or burned. The device further comprises an outer body having at least one hollow component therein, or thereon. The deterrent compound is stored within the hollow component and a user may break the hollow component, causing the deterrent compound to be released. The hollow component is formed of a material that is readily breakable by hand, and the outer body is attachable to a body part or clothing of a user.

In another aspect, a method of non-lethal personal defense is provided. The method involves providing a personal defense device having an outer body and a deterrent compound stored within a hollow cavity of the outer body. The deterrent compound comprises a component that has at least one of an unpleasant odor, induces nausea or vomiting in a person, stains the person's skin and clothing, and causes the person's skin and/or eyes to be irritated or burned. The hollow component is formed of a material that is readily breakable by hand. The outer body is attachable to a body part or clothing of a user. The method further involves attaching the personal defense device to a body part or the clothing or an accessory such as a purse, mobile phone, keychain, or the like. When threatened, the method further involves the step of breaking the hollow component, such that the step of breaking the hollow component causes release of the deterrent compound.

These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read in conjunction with the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIGS. 1A-B illustrate an exemplary non-lethal personal defense device;

FIG. 2 illustrates a non-lethal personal defense device worn a belt loop of a pair of pants or shorts;

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary non-lethal personal defense device; and

FIGS. 4A-O illustrate exemplary non-lethal personal defense device intended to be worn by a person as jewelry;

FIG. 5 illustrates multiple objects and additional exemplary shapes for the non-lethal personal defense device;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary non-lethal personal defense device attached to a mobile telephone; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary non-lethal personal defense device attached to a strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As discussed briefly above, a non-lethal personal defense device that is easily accessible by a person is used to release a deterrent compound when the person is threatened or attacked. The non-lethal personal defense device (hereinafter “defense device”) has an outer body which is broken to release the deterrent compound.

As such, illustrated FIGS. 1-4 illustrate various concepts and components adaptable for use in employing defense device as contemplated herein. The defense device includes an outer body 100 having a hollow component 110. The hollow component 110 contains a deterrent compound therein. The outer body 100 comprises a material that is readily breakable by hand, namely between thumb and forefinger, and/or by a forcible impact by a hand or on a hard surface, such materials include, but are not limited to a glass, ceramic, metal, a plastic, or other polymer. Such materials are preferably somewhat rigid such that they break open to release the contents, rather than deforming or cracking without coming open. When a person having the defense device feels threatened, the person squeezes the outer body 100, or hollow component directly 110, either of which may cause the hollow component 110 to break, releasing the deterrent compound. The deterrent compound, which will be described in more detail below, causes discomfort to the individual (or animal) that is threatening (hereinafter “the assailant”) the person causing the assailant to flee the individual.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a defense device configured to be worn as a bracelet around a person's wrist or a hair accessory. The defense device of this embodiment has a coiled, polymeric outer body 100 which contains a hollow component 110 along a portion of its length. Within the hollow component 110 is deterrent compound 102. The coiled polymer is flexible enough to stretch and move and be used as, e.g. a bracelet, but upon a rapid pulling or impact to the hollow component 110, it will break and release the deterrent compound 102. In some embodiments, the outer body 100 and hollow component 110 may be made of the same material, while in other embodiments, they may be made of different materials. In some cases, a rubber or other flexible material runs through the inside of the outer body and also the hollow component 110 such that, even when broken, the outer body 100 may remain on the user's wrist. In other cases, though, it may break off and come away from the user's wrist when broken.

FIG. 2 illustrates a defense device configured to be worn on a belt loop 201 of pants 202 or shorts, or around shoelaces. As can be seen, the coil shaped outer body 100 can be wrapped or twisted around the belt loop etc., thus connecting it through the center open space 203 defined by the coiled outer body 100. In the devices shown in FIGS. 1-2, the hollow component located in an interior portion of the outer body of the defense device.

Spiral embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 may, in similar embodiments, be wrapped around the straps of a bikini top/bra, bikini bottom/underwear, and a purse strap, along with any other elongate and thin clothing item, jewelry, or personal accessory such as a purse, mobile phone, keychain, or the like. Another spiral or elasticized embodiment may be used with long hair to tie a pony tail. Of course, other configurations and embodiments may also be easily connectable to clothing, accessories, hair, and the like—such as by having the outer body attached or integrated with a clip, clasp, hair clip, band, elastic, and the like. In a particular embodiment, the personal defense device could be added to or integrated with a hair clip or other hair accessories.

In some embodiments, the hollow component can be located on an exterior of the outer body, as shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the outer body 100 is formed in a spiral shape, defining an interior area at 203. The hollow component 310 comprises a breakable material and contains the deterrent compound 102 therein. In this embodiment, when the individual wishes to release the deterrent compound the individual squeezes or otherwise breaks or compresses the hollow component 310 to release the compound 102. In a particular embodiment, which may be applied to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, a user may squeeze a hollow component made of a flexible material, causing deterrent compound contained therein to be urged outward through a nozzle or valve, dispersing the deterrent compound in a directed manner and without breaking the hollow component.

FIGS. 4A-O illustrate some exemplary shapes the defense device can have. FIGS. 4A-H illustrate exemplary shapes where the defense device is configured to be worn as ring on the individual's finger. In these exemplary shapes, the “stones” are hollow bodies that contain the deterrent compound therein. In FIG. 4A, the outer body is at least partially hollow and holds the deterrent compound therein. In FIGS. 4B-H, the hollow component is located on the exterior of the outer body. Also, there may be more than one hollow component as shown in FIG. 4C and FIG. 4H. Turning to FIGS. 4A-D, along with FIGS. 4G and 4H, various embodiments of rings are shown. The views have the outer body 100 of the personal defense device formed as a ring defining an interior space 203. A hollow component 110 is positioned on each, in various locations and generally incorporated as a jewel or primary larger area or section. Deterrent compound 102 is stored within hollow component 110 and upon breaking the hollow component 110 by, e.g. the wearer, the deterrent compound 102 is released. The views shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F are similar to those of FIGS. 4A-4D, but in these cases, the hollow components 110 may be removable from the outer body 100. Removal may be via a twist lock structure, threaded connection, adhesive, snap connection, Velcro® or similar hook and loop configuration, friction fit, and the like. Removable embodiments allow a user to pull off the hollow component 110 and easily manipulate it such as by throwing it at an assailant or the ground nearby to break it, to break it on the assailants body or clothing, to break it with the user's fingers and then throw it at, near, or on the assailant, and the like.

FIGS. 4I-L illustrate exemplary shapes where the defense device is configured to be worn as earrings on the individual's ears. In these examples, one or both of the earrings may have the deterrent compound contained in a therein. In these embodiments, a protective compound is also contained on or in the outer body 100 of the defense device. Of course, a protective compound may be utilized in any other embodiment disclosed herein as well. The outer body 100 is formed as an earring. The earrings have one or more hollow portion or component 110 which contains the deterrent compound 102. These embodiments further comprise a second hollow component 401 which, like the hollow component 110 is breakable. Within the second hollow component 401 is a protective compound 402 which can be used to neutralize, cover, or otherwise minimize and/or remedy the effects of the deterrent compound 102 on the user.

FIGS. 4M-N illustrate exemplary shapes where the defense device is configured to be worn a bracelet around the individual's wrist. In these figures, the outer body 100 is formed as a bracelet 403. The hollow portion/component 110 contains deterrent compound 102.

FIG. 4O illustrates an example where the individual 404 wears matching jewelry, a bracelet 405 and necklace 406, where one or both of the jewelry worn is a defense device. When two or more defense devices are worn, one of the devices may contain the deterrent compound 102 while another device contains a protective compound/material 402 or an antidote 402 to the deterrent compound 102. In other words, the protective compound may be on a separate item in some embodiments, or in certain of the embodiments discussed above, the protective component may be on the same outer body as the deterrent compound. For example, the individual may wear a bracelet 405 containing a protective material 402 and necklace 406 that contains the deterrent compound 102. The individual may first release the protective material and place it in the individual's nostrils before releasing the deterrent material on the assailant.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a capsule that is filled with the deterrent compound. As shown in the figure, a capsule 101 filled with chemical compound 102 may be inserted into a cap such as 501, 502, 504 having a clip 503 that may be clipped to a pocket, a belt, a belt loop, a waste band, or a strap. Alternatively, the capsule 101 may be placed in packaging that resembles a pill container 505, lip balm 506, lip stick, or other makeup. Cap 508 may be removed to retrieve the capsule which may then be broken.

In another embodiment, the device is configured so that turning the cap 508 or the bottom circle 507 (which in the case of lip balm or lip stick causes the balm to rise) causes the capsule 101 to break allowing the deterrent compound 102 to be released when the cap is opened. This results in a two-step process to release the deterrent compound so as to provide a safety measure reducing inadvertent exposure. In many embodiments, the deterrent compound is selected to be a highly volatile compound or mixture, so as to disperse in the surrounding air rapidly and effectively. However, in other embodiments, the deterrent compound may be less volatile when it is intended to be directly exposed to an assailant or assailant's skin, body, or clothing, but not the user or the surrounding area. In another embodiment, the cap 508 may have a nozzle, vents, or other openings such that upon a rotation of the bottom 507, the capsule 101 may break, releasing the deterrent compound 102 through this nozzle in a directed manner.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary non-lethal personal defense device 601 attached to a mobile telephone. The hollow component 110 contains the deterrent compound 102. Although the figures illustrate a clip attached to a cylinder, the device may be attached to the mobile telephone by other suitable means such as magnets or Velcro®. In operation, the user may unclip the device 601 and then break it in any manner desirable. Of course, other similar embodiments may clip the device to clothing item, pocket, other carried item such as a purse or wallet, and the like, without straying from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary non-lethal personal defense device attached to a strap. In this embodiment, the casing containing the deterrent compound therein is formed with an opening, such as a slot, configured to enable a strap to go through the casing. In another embodiment, the strap is magnetic, and the casing includes a metal to attach to the magnetic strap. The personal defense device 702 of this embodiment has the hollow component 110 mounted or otherwise connected to the base 701. Base 701 has an adjustable and openable strap 704 which connects with bracket 703 and is securable in place and openable via clasp or magnet 705. This configuration allows the device to be easily attached to various items, including a user's body and/or clothing or accessories. The configuration provides a very modular and adaptable embodiment.

Although specific manners and devices have been described for attaching the non-lethal personal defense device to a person or other object, any other suitable means or devices may be utilized to attach the device such as it me be stuck with a sticker, glued, or another adhesive. In other embodiments, the outer body may have a clasp, pin, clip, magnet, or hook and loop connector configured to attach the outer body to an object such as an article of clothing.

The individual releases the deterrent compound by squeezing the portion of the defense device that contains the deterrent compound. For example, when the individual is threatened by an assailant, the individual squeezes the hollow portion releasing the deterrent compound causing great discomfort to the assailant. Of course, other actions such as hitting the hollow portion against an object or the assailant, hitting the hollow portion with a hand, or against an object, and the like. In another example, the individual snaps or squeezes the coil 100 which breaks at the hollow portion 110, releasing the deterrent compound.

The outer body of the defense device comprises a material that is robust enough to not break upon impact if the device is dropped or impacts against a surface such as a wall. Furthermore, the device should not break if it is under a small amount of pressure, such as if it is squeezed by a small child. In order to release the deterrent, the individual provides a moderate amount of pressure by squeezing the device or by forcibly impacting the device against a surface or the ground by forcibly throwing the device.

The outer body may be comprised of any material that is suitable to meet the breaking requirements described above. For example, the outer body comprises a glass, ceramic, metal material, a plastic material, or a polymer material. A plastic or polymer material may have a color that is aesthetically pleasing when worn by an individual or may be clear to show the contents of the deterrent compound. The deterrent compound may have a color that is seen through a clear outer body. In a further embodiment, the deterrent compound may be in a pressurized vessel, such that upon breaking, the deterrent compound is forcefully ejected.

As described above, the defense device can be worn by the user as jewelry, worn in the hair as a hair band or hair clip, or attached to an article of clothing, such as belt loop, bra, bikini strap, underwear strap, and the like. The defense device could also be worn as a pin attached to the individual's clothing, or attached to a strap of a bag, purse, or backpack. Other suitable shapes include coils, cylinders, or capsules that can be easily carried in a pocket or placed inside a jacket, shirt, or bra. Additionally, clothing may be designed to have a small pocket, hidden or otherwise, that holds the defense device.

In one embodiment, the defense device is part of eyeglasses. The temple, the arm that goes over the ear, may include the outer body with the deterrent compound held within. Alternatively, the nose pads may have the deterrent compound held within. In yet another embodiment, the nose pads hold a protective compound while the temples hold a deterrent compound. In another embodiment, the temple holds a protective compound while the nose pads hold deterrent compound. In another embodiment, one of the temples and/or one of the nose pads holds the deterrent compound while the other temple and/or nose pad holds a protective compound.

In one embodiment, the outer body is configured to create a sharp edge or point when the outer body is broken and releases the deterrent compound. This sharp edge or point can be utilized as a weapon to further help defend against attacks from the assailant, and also to scratch the assailant's skin to retrieve and hold skin cells with DNA from the assailant. In a particular embodiment, usable in any embodiment disclosed herein, the hollow portion may comprise one or more score lines which aids in a controlled and clean break of the hollow portion. In a further embodiment, the score lines may be formed so as to leave a sharp and pointed side of the hollow portion which can form the sharp edge or point noted above.

The deterrent compound is a liquid, gel, solid such as a powder, or gas that when released causes an unpleasant reaction to the assailant. The deterrent compound may consist of a single chemical or a group of chemicals. The characteristics of the deterrent compound may include one or more of foul odor, induces nausea and vomiting, stain skin or clothing marking the assailant, sticky and difficult to remove, burns skin or eyes, cause skin reactions such as hives, welts, or erythema, and may be absorbed by the assailant and detected in a blood test.

In one embodiment, the deterrent compound may comprise a chemical such as skunk spray, which contains (E)-2-butene-1-thiol and 3-methyl-1-butanethiol. Other examples of deterrent compounds may include, but are not limited to: pepper spray and the like, strong acids or bases which irritates or burns skin, Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S), Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂), Ammonium Sulfide, Dimethyl Disulfide (CH₃SSCH₃), Methyl Mercaptan (CH₃SH), Ethyl Mercaptan (C₂H₅SH) and other mercaptans, aldehydes such as Butyraldehyde, amines such as cadaverine, ethanolamine, putrescine, triethylamine, and the like; carboxylic acids such as butyric acid, caproic acid, propionic acid, valeric acid, and the like; heterocyclics such as indole or skatole and the like; and sulfur compounds such as Butanethiol, Ethanethiol, Methanethiol, Propanethiol and the like, and combinations thereof. Also, the deterrent compound may comprise components which react together to form compounds listed above.

In further embodiments, the personal defense device may comprise a separate and different protective compound attached to or integrated into the outer body. The protective compound may comprise petroleum jelly, or another compound, to block the nostrils preventing the odor from bothering the individual releasing the deterrent compound. The protective compound may also be something to plug the nose or filter air into the nose, such as a cotton or other soft fibrous material either alone or having a protective compound disclosed therein to neutralize or minimize the negative effects of the deterrent compound. The protective compound may include a reactant to the skunk spray or other deterrent compound, such as baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, which is used to neutralize the skunk spray. The protective compound may be a single component, solution, or mixture of components. Similarly, the deterrent compound may be a single component, solution, or a mixture of components. In various embodiments, the outer body may comprise a second breakable chamber comprising the protective compound. In operation, the hollow component having the deterrent compound may be broken, releasing the deterrent compound. Once the assailant has been warded off, or the situation otherwise becomes less dangerous, the user may then break the hollow component containing the protective compound to neutralize deterrent compound in the vicinity. In a further embodiment, the protective compound may be in a pressurized vessel, such that upon breaking, the protective compound is forcefully ejected.

The deterrent compound may contain an adhesive portion to adhere to the assailant's skin or clothing, thus making it difficult for the assailant to remove the deterrent compound. For example, the deterrent compound may contain Matisol® or any other adhesive, or thick, tacky substance, binder, or polymer, suitable to stick to a person's skin.

In other embodiments, the deterrent compound may contain an ink, stain, or dye, which stains the assailant's skin or clothing. This may be in addition to or instead of the other deterrent compounds disclosed herein. The stain may be visible to the naked eye, invisible to the naked eye or both. For example, the deterrent compound may contain a red ink that is visible to the naked eye and a fluorescent dye that is only visible under infrared light, blue light, or other enhanced technologies. The assailant will not be aware of the “invisible” fluorescent stain that can be used to that law enforcement authorities can detect to identify the assailant.

The deterrent compound may include a chemical that is absorbed through the skin. The chemical may cause a reaction in the assailant or be detectable in a blood test, allowing law enforcement to identify the assailant.

Although some exemplary chemicals and compounds are described above, any suitable chemical or compound may be provided as the deterrent compound, and the deterrent compound may contain multiple chemicals or compounds. For example, the deterrent compound may contain skunk spray, pepper spray, a fluorescent dye, and an adhesive.

In one embodiment, it is desired that the defense device should not be carried or worn on an airplane as releasing the deterrent compound in airplane would trigger a security issue. Accordingly, the defense device comprises an indication device that indicates to airport security that the device should not be allowed in the passenger compartment of the airplane. The indication device may be a strip of metal that triggers a metal detector, a special shape that indicates what the device is, or a chemical that is detected by airport security.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, any features or aspects of a particular embodiment can be used or combined with any features or aspects of any other embodiment where appropriate.

Claims

1. A non-lethal personal defense device comprising: a deterrent compound, wherein the deterrent compound comprises a component that has at least one of an unpleasant odor, induces nausea or vomiting in a person or animal, stains skin and clothing, and causes skin and/or eyes to be irritated or burned; andan outer body having a hollow component, wherein the deterrent compound is stored within the hollow component and a user may break the hollow component, causing the deterrent compound to be released;wherein the hollow component is formed of a material that is readily breakable by hand, and wherein the outer body is attachable to a body part or clothing of a user.

2. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 1, wherein the outer body is configured to be worn on a belt loop of a pants or shorts, a bra, a bikini strap, and or underwear strap.

3. The non-lethal personal defense of claim 1, wherein the outer body comprises a loop and is configured to be worn on a person's finger.

4. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 1, wherein the outer body connects with a wrist strap and wherein the wrist strap is configured to be worn on a person's wrist.

5. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 1, wherein the outer body comprises a necklace attached thereto, and wherein the necklace is configured to be worn around a person's neck.

6. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 1, wherein the outer body comprises a clasp, pin, clip, magnet, or hook and loop connector, configured to attach the outer body to an article of clothing.

7. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 1, wherein the deterrent compound comprises skunk spray.

8. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 1, wherein the deterrent compound comprises a compound that adheres to a person's skin or clothing.

9. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 8, wherein the deterrent compound comprises an ink or dye that stains skin or clothing.

10. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 8, wherein the ink or dye is fluorescent.

11. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 8, wherein the ink or dye is not visible to a naked eye under visible lighting conditions.

12. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 1 further comprising a second hollow component, the second hollow component formed of a material that is readily breakable by hand, a quantity of a protective compound stored within the second hollow component, the protective compound being a compound that reacts with the deterrent compound.

13. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 1 wherein the outer body is formed in a spiral shape.

14. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 13 wherein the outer body has at least one flexible portion.

15. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 1 wherein the hollow component is on an outside of the outer body.

16. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 1 wherein the hollow component is detachable from the outer body.

17. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 1 wherein the outer body is formed as a jewelry item, and wherein the hollow component is formed as a decorative portion of the jewelry item, and wherein the hollow component is detachable from the jewelry item.

18. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 17 wherein the hollow component is detachable from the jewelry item by a twist lock structure.

19. The non-lethal personal defense device of claim 18 further comprising a second hollow component, the second hollow component formed of a material that is readily breakable by hand, a quantity of a protective compound stored within the second hollow component, the protective compound being a compound that reacts with the deterrent compound.

20. A method of non-lethal personal defense comprising: providing a personal defense device having an outer body and a deterrent compound stored within a hollow cavity of the outer body, wherein the deterrent compound comprises a component that has at least one of an unpleasant odor, induces nausea or vomiting in a person, stains the person's skin and clothing, and causes the person's skin and/or eyes to be irritated or burned;wherein the hollow component is formed of a material that is readily breakable by hand, and wherein the outer body is attachable to a body part or clothing of a user;attaching the personal defense device to a body part, a clothing, or an accessory; andbreaking the hollow component when an individual is threatened by a person or an animal, wherein the step of breaking the hollow component causes release of the deterrent compound.