The iPhone Case That Doubles as an Electrifying Defense Tool

Aside from being used to call for help, a smartphone can't really be considered a defensive tool. In fact, smartphones can actually make someone a target for theft.

Enter the stun gun iPhone case.

The Yellow Jacket case turns an iPhone into a stun gun. (Image source: YouTube)

The Yellow Jacket, an idea drummed up by a former Army soldier, became one of the crowd-funding site Indigogo's most funded projects in 2012. Now, the literally shocking case is being featured at the Consumer Electronics Show going on this week in Las Vegas.

Watch Popular Science's video of the device at the tech show:

"According to an FBI report in 2011, over 3.1 million violent crimes are committed annually and CTIA states that 'most smartphone users are never more than three feet away from their phone.' Customers that familiarize themselves with Yellow Jacket’s functionality will find themselves with a stronger sense of security than if they were to be completely unarmed," Yellow Jacket's website explained.

Watch this demonstration video of Yellow Jacket's shock value:

C0-founder Seth Froom called it "a defense unit at your finger tips" in the video.

The phone case has a dual safety switch so a user doesn't accidentally shock himself or herself while the phone in his or her pocket.

"Before use, you must flip off the sturdy electrode cover to deliver a shock," Yellow Jacket's website explained.

The company also emphasized that the case is designed in a way that it doesn't interfere with the phone's functionality.

As an added bonus, Yellow Jacket can charge the phone as well.

(Image source: Yellow Jacket)

"Yellow Jacket has a charging dock that remains plugged in to your phone when the case is assembled. When the charging switch is flipped, power flows through this dock into the phone," the company wrote in a Q&A.

As a defense device, it also apparently pairs well with Krav Maga:

Unfortunately for those who wish to protect themselves with stun guns, the electrifying devices are not legal for carry by civilians in some states and cities. This is why Yellow Jacket recently began to advocate for states, specifically New York, which has a significant smartphone theft problem, to legalize stun guns.

"With the emergence of 'Apple picking' in the New York area we felt that it was time for us to take a stand on behalf of the state's constituents," Sean Simone, Yellow Jacket CEO, said in a statement. "We hope by launching this Change.org petition, a law will go into effect allowing the use of stun guns in the state for residents to further protect themselves."

The Yellow Jacket case is currently available for iPhone 4 and 4S for $99. At the Consumer Electronics Show, the company showed off its upcoming iPhone 5 an 5S models that will be available later in 2014.

Learn more about the case on Yellow Jacket's website or check out company's original Indigogo video for more information: