Tension-adjustable mechanism for stethoscope earpieces

A tension-adjusting mechanism for an elongated stethoscope earpiece having a proximal end, comprising:

• a stethoscope neckpiece;
• a pivot mechanism portion interposed between the proximal end of the earpiece and the neckpiece, and defining a pivot axis about which the earpiece pivots relative to the neckpiece;
• a spring mechanism portion interposed between the proximal end of the earpiece and the neckpiece, said spring mechanism portion comprising a spring member which deforms upon pivoting of the earpiece about the neckpiece in an outward direction, wherein deformation of the spring member produces a tension on the earpiece opposing to further pivoting of the earpiece in the outward direction;
• and
• a tension-adjusting mechanism portion interposed between the spring member and the neckpiece and defining a plurality of interchangeable point of contacts with the spring member, said points of contacts with the spring member having different positions relative to the neckpiece.