A piezoelectric matrix built into the shell of the product, sprayed on like paint or applied like a sticker that causes the item to emit a mewling noise when sufficiently compressed. The greater the compression, the louder the tone. Variable sensitivities allow for customized applications.
Is the remote under the couch cushion? Sit down and find out. Avoid stepping on your favorite pair of Ray-Bans. The luggage scale at the airport can now (literally) squeal on you.
(Aftermarket consumer-level sales considered, but are probably too prone to mischief to be practical - squeaky shoes, anyone?)-- phoenix, Aug 27 2002 Stuff that squeals *before* it gets squished http://www.halfbake...27t_20Touch_20Me_21More useful, methinks. [DrCurry, Aug 27 2002, last modified Oct 05 2004] "Avoid stepping on your favorite pair of Ray-Burns" - apart from the fact that Ray-Burns are not exactly cheap plastic toys, you ain't gonna avoid *stepping* on them - that would require proximity sensors. You may, however, avoid crushing them.
That, however, gives *me* an idea...-- DrCurry, Aug 27 2002 Oy, I wish I'd known the tag line was going to set you off. I'll change it from: 'Or "How to avoid breaking that cheap plastic toy"' to: 'Or "How to make your mouse squeak"'.
And while you're technically correct that the idea won't stop you from stepping on your Ray-Bans, it might stop you from destroying them (which was, you know, the point).-- phoenix, Aug 27 2002 living with a household full of moggy tails and moggy paws carelessly lying around plus two dogs that I have to be wary of because they are both gradually going blind (gawd bless 'em): I have developed just the necessary foot-retrieval reflex to accompany this idea.-- po, Aug 27 2002 I'm not sure how you people treat ray-bans, but I don't leave them on the floor.
Like that joke: a marine and a sailor are taking a piss. The marine goes to leave without washing his hands, and the sailor says,
"In the navy they teach us to wash our hands."
The marine looks back at him and says:
"In the marines, they teach us not to piss on our hands."-- Macwarrior, Feb 10 2003 So what are you saying, that you piss on your Ray-Bans?-- egbert, Feb 11 2003 I use one of those little lens-cleaner towel thingies, am I doing something wrong ?-- 8th of 7, Feb 11 2003 random, halfbakery