Abstract: An electronic switch includes a rigid base, a circuit board supported by the base which includes an aperture therethrough defined, at least in part, by spaced apart conductive terminals of an electrically conductive circuit, a resiliently flexible casing attached to the base and overlying the circuit board, and a plunger attached to the casing and extending therefrom through the circuit board aperture. The plunger includes a conductive portion which is adjacent to the casing, and a non-conductive portion. The casing is resiliently biased so as to normally position the plunger such that the non-conductive portion thereof extends through the circuit board aperture. Depression of the casing, however, places the conductive portion within the aperture and into contact with the spaced apart conductive terminals to close the electrically conductive circuit. The electronic switch may be utilized in connection with, for example, a drowsiness warning device which includes a band securable about a wearer's neck.

Abstract: A drowsiness warning device includes a band which is securable about a wearer's neck, and an alarm positioned by the band below the wearer's chin for producing a tactile and an aural warning as the chin contacts the alarm device. The band includes a central section formed with a vertically stiff plastic material which is capable of holding a lower elongated body of the alarm therein. An upper rounded dome section of the alarm extends above the central section. The band also includes a pair of straps having hook and loop tape fasteners, and intermediate sections between the straps and the central section lined with a fibrous material for wearer comfort. In one embodiment, the alarm includes a hollow elastomeric ball having a mechanical noisemaker disposed within an air inlet/outlet aperture for the ball. In another embodiment, the alarm includes an electrically actuated speaker connectable to a battery on depression of the upper rounded dome.