Line fitting orientation guide for a fitting manipulating tool including a split socket and combination thereof

Line fitting orientation guides for use with a split socket and socket drive assembly are disclosed, the guides including an opening for receiving and abutting the line on which the fitting is maintained as the fitting is received and properly positioned in the socket. The orientation guide may be integral to either the socket or the drive assembly structure, or may be a separate unit mounted to the drive assembly structure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to fitting manipulating tools such as wrenches, 
sockets and socket drivers, and, more particularly, relates to slotted 
wrenches, sockets and drivers. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Wrenches and sockets having a gap at one part thereof to allow passage of a 
line into the tool are well known (in the case of sockets, being 
generically referred to as split, or slotted, sockets). In the actual use 
of many now known slotted sockets on a line fitting, a sequence of 
specific steps is required to use the tool. First, the slot in the socket 
and the slot in a socket driver housing must be brought into 
correspondence to allow proper positioning of the fitting in the socket. 
The continuous line is then introduced to the center of the socket and the 
tool is moved axially until the multi-faceted annulus of the socket is 
engaged on the nut. The operator of the tool may then actuate rotation of 
the socket to rotate the fitting as desired, after which the tool is moved 
axially off the fitting. Typically the slot of the socket and the slot of 
the housing are not in agreement after the operation thus often requiring 
the operator to again bring the slots into correspondence for removal of 
the tool from the line. 
The principal disadvantage to the current method of use of such tools is 
the need for clearance above or below the fitting for maneuvering the tool 
into operative position (with the socket engaged on the fitting) and for 
moving the socket off the fitting to realign the gaps so that the tool can 
be removed from the line without continuing to turn the fitting (necessary 
to prevent over or under torquing, accidental reengagement or the like). 
Such clearances are not always available, or, if made available (of 
necessity for maintenance in a particular application), may have inhibited 
optimal design of the structure. 
Moreover, the diameter of a hydraulic line needs to be smaller than the 
flat to flat dimension of the socket (i.e., the distance between directly 
opposite fitting engaging facets) in order for many heretofore known tools 
to be used. This has been due to the necessity for movement of the socket 
along the line to achieve engagement and/or disengagement from the 
fitting. It is thus apparent that further improvement of such tools could 
be utilized to achieve greater flexibility and ease of use. 
One solution to some of the foregoing problems involves ratcheting type 
tools which are configured to turn the fitting when moved in one direction 
but not when rotated in the other (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 
2,712,259, 2,537,175, 2,578,686, 2,649,823, 2,551,669 and 3,927,582). 
These tools, however, have often involved numerous parts, cumbersome, 
complex and/or easily damaged structure, and have not always been easily 
adapted for use in confined spaces and/or with power driving mechanisms. 
Various other tools have been suggested which use gear driven sockets or 
the like (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,050,463, 3,620,105, 4,374,479, 2,630,731 
and 1,648,134). These tools, however, also do not always provide for 
minimal manual manipulation of the tool during use, and/or do not always 
optimize flexibility and ease of utility (in the application, withdrawal 
and/or proper alignment of the tool during use), mechanical durability and 
thus reliability, and compactness of structure. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
This invention provides a line fitting orientation guide claimed either 
alone or in combination with a tool. The guide aids in the provision of 
minimal manual manipulation of the tool during use, and safety, 
flexibility and ease of utility of the tool (in the application, 
withdrawal and/or proper alignment of the tool relative to the fitting 
during use). 
The orientation guide is adapted for use with a fitting manipulating tool 
that includes a split socket for rotating a threaded line fitting while 
the fitting is in place around a line and a drive transfer assembly having 
the socket rotatably mounted therein. The socket has an inner periphery 
configured to hold the fitting during manipulation thereof and an outer 
periphery, a fitting receiving gap in the socket being provided from the 
outer periphery to the inner periphery, the gap of a size to permit 
passage of the fitting therethrough. The guide is particularly useful with 
a split socket having movable facets for gripping the fitting. 
The guide comprises structure at either the socket or the drive transfer 
assembly having a line receiving opening aligned with the gap in the 
socket but of a size different from the gap in the socket and configured 
to snugly receive the line therethrough when the fitting is being passed 
through the gap in the socket. An abutment at one end of the opening 
contacts the line when the fitting is properly positioned at the inner 
periphery of the socket. The orientation guide may be formed by (i.e., 
integral to) either the housing of the drive transfer assembly or a planar 
surface section of the socket, or may be a separate structure including 
means for attachment to a wall of the housing adjacent to a fitting 
receiving gap thereat, with the opening in alignment with the gap, and 
with one surface of the structure adjacent to the inner periphery of the 
split socket. 
The orientation guide may be sized for use with a particular line size, or 
may be provided with relatively movable members having the line receiving 
opening defined therebetween, the opening size being variable with 
relative movement between the movable members. In either case, the line 
fitting orientation guide is configured to allow "straight on" application 
of the socket to a fitting (and "straight off" removal) independent of 
orientation of the facets of the fitting relative to the socket. 
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved line 
fitting orientation guide for use with a tool including a split socket for 
manipulating the fitting and combination thereof. 
It is another object of this invention to provide an improved line fitting 
orientation guide for use with a split socket drive tool that aids in the 
provision of minimal manual manipulation of the tool during use, and 
safety, flexibility and ease of utility of the tool (in the application, 
withdrawal and/or proper alignment of the tool relative to the fitting 
during use). 
It is another object of this invention to provide an orientation guide for 
use with a split socket having a movable facet or facets. 
It is still another object of this invention to provide a line fitting 
orientation guide for use with a split socket and drive assembly 
configured to allow "straight on" application of the socket to a fitting 
(and "straight off" removal) independent of orientation of the facets of 
the fitting relative to the socket. 
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a line fitting 
orientation guide for use with a fitting manipulating mechanism, the 
mechanism including a split socket for rotating a threaded line fitting 
while the fitting is in place around a line and a drive transfer assembly 
having the socket rotatably mounted therein and engageable with drive 
means for rotating the socket, the socket having an inner periphery 
configured to hold the fitting during manipulation thereof and an outer 
periphery, a fitting receiving gap in the socket being provided from the 
outer periphery to the inner periphery, the gap of a size to permit 
passage of the fitting therethrough, the guide comprising structure at one 
of the socket and the drive transfer assembly having a line receiving 
opening aligned with the gap in the socket but of a size different from 
the gap in the socket and configured to snugly receive the line 
therethrough when the fitting is being passed through the gap in the 
socket, the structure including an abutment at one end of the opening for 
contacting the line when the fitting is properly positioned at the inner 
periphery or the socket. 
It is still another object of this invention to provide a line fitting 
orientation guide for use with a fitting manipulating tool that is either 
integral to the tool's structure or attachable to the tool. 
It is still another object of this invention to provide a line fitting 
orientation guide used with a fitting manipulating tool that includes 
first and second relatively movable members having a line receiving 
opening defined therebetween, the opening size being variable with 
relative movement between the movable members. 
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a line fitting 
orientation guide for use with a device for manipulating a threaded line 
fitting while the fitting is in place around the line, the device for 
releasable engagement with a power driver and including a split socket 
having an inner periphery and an engageable outer periphery together 
defining a part of a side wall, the side wall having a gap large enough to 
allow passage of the fitting therethrough to the inner periphery of the 
socket, the inner periphery having first and second opposing surfaces and 
an arcuate surface extending between the first and second surfaces from 
one end of each surface, the device further including a drive transfer 
assembly with a housing having the split socket rotatably mounted therein, 
the housing having a gap at one part thereof substantially corresponding 
in one dimension to the gap in the side wall of the socket, the gaps being 
in register when the socket is rotated to a selected position, the guide 
including structure defining a surface and a line receiving opening 
through the surface of a size different from the gaps in the socket and 
housing and configured to snugly receive the line therethrough, the 
structure including an abutment at one end of the opening for contacting 
the line and means for attachment of the structure to the housing of the 
drive transfer assembly adjacent to the gap thereat, with the opening in 
alignment with the gap thereat, and with the surface adjacent to the inner 
periphery of the split socket. 
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a device for 
manipulating a threaded line fitting while the fitting is in place around 
the line, the device for releasable engagement with a power driver, the 
device including a split socket having an inner periphery and an 
engageable outer periphery together defining a part of a side wall, the 
side wall having a gap therein to allow positioning of the fitting at the 
inner periphery of the socket, the inner periphery having first and second 
opposing surfaces with a first member movably maintained adjacent to the 
first surface and a second member movably maintained adjacent to the 
second surface, and a drive transfer assembly including a housing having 
the split socket rotatably mounted therein, the housing having a gap at 
one part thereof substantially corresponding in one dimension to the gap 
in the side wall of the socket, and drive means mounted in the housing for 
imparting rotational motion to the socket and having a portion configured 
to be releasably engaged with the driver, the gaps being in register when 
the socket is rotated to a selected position, the housing having a 
structure adjacent to the gap of the housing with an opening of a size 
configured to receive the line therethrough but of a size different than 
the gaps.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
A first embodiment 15 of the split socket and drive transfer assembly of 
this invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3. Device 15 is shown in 
FIG. 1 in use to manipulate line fitting 17 around line segment 19 into 
engagement or disengagement with a matable fitting (not shown) around line 
segment 23. Device 15 is releasably engaged with power driver 25 using 
flexible shaft 27 (any suitable connection could be utilized). 
Device 15 includes split socket 30 and drive transfer assembly 31. Drive 
transfer assembly 31 includes housing 33, formed by main housing body 35 
and cover section 37, and gear train 38 including main drive gear 40 and 
linkage gears 42 and 44 for imparting rotational motion to socket 30 when 
driven by driver 25. Housing body 35 has indented structure 39 formed 
therein and openings 41, 43, 45 and 47 through rear wall 49 for housing 
socket 30 and gear train 38. Cover section 37 includes openings 53, 55, 57 
and 59, the corresponding openings in body 35 and cover section 37 
receiving arcuate shoulders 60, 60', 62, 62', 64, 64', and 66, 66' (66' 
not shown but being substantially the same as 64') of socket 30 and gears 
40, 42 and 44, respectively, thus eliminating any need for axles, shafts, 
bearings and the like. 
Both cover section 37 and main body 35 include gaps 68 and 70, respectively 
extending from openings 59 and 47, respectively, the thus formed gap 72 in 
housing 33 (when assembled, utilizing, for example, machine screws 73) 
corresponding in size to gap 74 formed in side wall 76 of socket 30 
between spaced edges, or surfaces, 78 and 80 thereof. Side wall 76 is 
defined between inner periphery 82 for receiving the connector to be 
manipulated (as shown herein a hex fitting configuration with a plurality 
of facets 84) and the outer periphery of the socket which includes 
engagable outer periphery 86 as well as the outer periphery of shoulders 
60 and 60'. 
Drive gear 40 includes power driver attachment opening 88 for receipt of a 
rotatable shaft (such as flex shaft 27 or rigid shaft 90). Gear 40 and 
socket 30 may be sized relative to one another as desired, for example to 
provide gear reduction. The housing, socket and gears are preferably 
formed of metals, though various plastics could be utilized in some 
applications for some of the parts of the device. While various sizes of 
device 15 are employed depending upon the size of connector involved, all 
are compact relative to the task, compactness, as well as durability, 
being achieved because of the particular relationship of gap size and gear 
sizes and/or placement of gears. 
In one particularly useful embodiment of the device, gap 74 in socket 30 
and gap 72 in housing 33 are equal to or, preferably, greater than the 
greatest diameter of fitting 17 (i.e., the distance between opposite 
points 92 and 94 of the fitting for a hex nut, for example, in FIG. 1). In 
this manner, the fitting can be passed directly through the gaps into or 
out of inner periphery 82 of socket 30. Thus, no clearance above or below 
the fitting is required to achieve socket engagement or disengagement when 
gaps 74 and 72 are aligned. 
FIGS. 4A and 5 show a preferred alternative design for main body 35 of 
housing 33 which is usable with threaded connector manipulating devices as 
heretofore described. Many features of main body 35 remain the same, 
including indented structure 39 and opening 41. However, instead of 
openings for gears 42 and 44, cavities 104 and 106 are provided which are 
closed at ends 108 and 110, respectively. In addition, line opening 112 
(part of the structure forming a first embodiment of the line fitting 
orientation guide of this invention) has a dimension greater than line 19 
but less than gap 70 to its terminus at end 114. Webbed fitting receiving 
pocket 116 is thus provided having back wall 118. Together, increased 
housing strength against flexure at shoulders 120 and 122 under applied 
torque (about 100% greater than the other design shown herein) and/or the 
ability to construct the housing of less expensive materials is provided 
by this alternative design. Moreover, wall 118 provides a positive stop 
for fasteners received in socket 30 and the bottom end of line opening 112 
provides a surface against which line 19 is maintained during user 
operation of the device. Thus proper alignment of the fastener therein is 
assured both initially and during operation of the device of this 
invention (i.e., the opportunity for the user to push socket 30 free of 
proper positioning in engagement with the fastener during part of the 
rotation of the socket is avoided by providing the line abutting surface 
at the bottom end of opening 112, and the fastener is squarely oriented 
and properly positioned in socket 30 initially by contacting the line at 
the bottom of the opening and bringing the fastener flush with wall 118). 
FIG. 4B illustrates an alternative design for cover section 37, again with 
many similarities to that heretofore described. Again, cavities 124 and 
126 may be provided for linkage gears 42 and 44 rather than openings, and 
line opening 128 (like opening 112) provides increased strength and a 
positive line and fastener stop (it should be noted, of course, that while 
both could be so constructed for application in a single housing, only one 
or the other of openings 112 and 128 of housing body 33 and cover 37 is 
provided in this fashion for most applications). 
FIG. 5 illustrates the relationship of gap 74 in socket 30 to gears 42 and 
44 to assure constant running of socket 30 (i.e., one or the other of 
gears 42 and 44, and for most of a rotation both, will always be in 
driving engagement with socket 30), as well is the relationship of gap 74 
to wall 118 and line opening 112. The particular socket and drive assembly 
housing shown in FIG. 5 is sized for a small line fitting, for example as 
are used for electrical and cable connectors and some other lines. 
FIG. 6 shows the preferred embodiment of split socket 30, including socket 
body 130 and cover portion 132 connectable by connectors 134. Socket body 
130 includes indented structures 136 and 138 at surfaces 78 and 80, 
respectively, of side wall 76. Surfaces 78 and 80 terminate at arcuate 
surface 139 below indented structures 136 and 138, surface 139 serving as 
a positive stop (and, in part, a bearing surface) for fitting 17 at inner 
periphery 82 of socket 30. Dog members 140 and 142 are pivotably mounted 
on shafts 144 and 146, respectively, in structures 136 and 138, 
respectively, shafts 144 and 146 being maintained in cavities 148 in 
indented structures 136 and 138 in socket body 130 (only one of which is 
shown in FIG. 6 in structure 136, a like cavity being positioned in 
structure 138) and cavities 152 and 154, respectively, in cover portion 
132. 
Dog members 140 and 142 are biased toward stop walls 156 and 158 of 
structures 136 and 138, respectively, by torsion springs 160 and 162, 
respectively, mounted around their respective shafts and housed in gaps 
164 of the respective dog member. Springs 160 and 162 each have one end 
maintained in holes 166 of the respective dog member and the other end 
maintained in holes 168 of their respective indented structure (only one 
of which is shown in structure 136 in FIG. 6). 
FIG. 7 illustrates the preferred relative placement and angles of the 
indented structures, dog members and pivot points in wall 76 of socket 
body 130 for any particular size of fitting 17 to be manipulated (other 
angles, placement, facet sizes and the like could, of course, be 
utilized). Shafts 144 and 146 are mounted so that pivot points A and B 
define line C which is substantially perpendicular to surfaces 78 and 80. 
Proper joint positioning of the pivot points along the surfaces is 
determined by the size of the fitting 17 to be manipulated by socket 30. 
Line D (terminating at arcuate surface 139) is equal in length to line E, 
which is one-half of the widest diameter of fitting 17 (in FIG. 7 shown as 
the point 92 to point 94 diameter of a hex fitting). Line D is defined by 
the dashed line bisecting gap 74 and arcuate surface 139 (running through 
arcuate surface center point F). Thus, line C (when the pivot points are 
properly positioned) is perpendicular to line D, the lines intersecting at 
approximately the center of a fitting to be inserted in socket 30. 
Facets 170 and 172 of members 140 and 142 for engaging to rotate fitting 17 
are preferably fully contacted by facets 84 of fitting 17 at about zero to 
20.degree. (preferably about 15.degree.) of relative rotation 15.degree. 
of movement of point F of arcuate surface 139 relative to point 94 of 
fitting 17). Thus, where the fitting is a hex fitting, when the facets 
fully contact the sides of the fitting to rotate the fitting, about zero 
to 20.degree. (preferably about 15.degree.) of relative rotation between 
surfaces 78 and 80 of inner periphery 82 of socket 30 and the contacted 
sides, or facets 84, of the hex fitting is maintained (plus or minus 
15.degree. in FIG. 7 depending on the surface 78/80 and facet 84 pair 
being considered). 
This relationship may be brought about using the preferred angles G of 
facets 170 and 172 relative to line C (about 90.degree. to 110.degree., 
preferably about 105.degree.). Facets 170 and 172 are of a length less 
than one-half the length of one facet 84 of fitting 17. Members 140 and 
142 are of a length from pivot points A and B to facets 170 and 172, 
respectively, sufficient to allow a meeting along the entire facets 
170/172 surfaces with facets 84 of the fitting when fully engaged 
(preferably, the length of members 140 and 142 is equal to about one-half 
of the distance between points H and I, each defined as a midpoint of a 
facet 84). Stop walls 156 and 158 are positioned so that, upon full 
engagement of fitting 17 by facets 170/172, the facets are located at one 
side of midpoints H and I of fitting 17 (one above and one below the 
midpoints as shown in FIG. 7). 
Angles J represent the angular relationship between facets 174 and 176 of 
members 140 and 142 and line C (preferably about 135.degree.). Facets 174 
and 176 are contacted by fitting 17 when rotation of socket 30 is opposite 
that illustrated in FIG. 7, being then pivoted away toward walls 178 and 
180 of structures 136 and 138, respectively. Walls 178 and 180 are 
positioned to allow sufficient pivoting of members 140 and 142 so that 
facets 174 and 176 are at least about aligned with surfaces 78 and 80, 
respectively, when fully pivoted (see FIG. 8C). 
FIGS. 8A through 8C illustrate operation of split socket 30 of this 
invention in a housing 182 which is similar in most regards to that 
heretofore described except for overall shape. In FIG. 8A, fitting 17 is 
being received in socket 30 directly through gaps 70 and 74 in housing 182 
and socket 30, respectively. As illustrated, alignment of facets 84 of 
fitting 17 to allow receipt at inner periphery 82 of socket 30 is 
unnecessary, since member 142 will pivot to allow receipt of fitting 17 
where necessary irrespective of orientation of the facets of fitting 17. 
FIG. 8B illustrates the fitting in place contacting arcuate surface 139 and 
wall 118 thus assuring proper alignment, and with socket 30 having been 
rotated about 15.degree. (by a driver as illustrated in FIG. 1) bringing 
facets 170 and 172 of members 140 and 142 into full contact with facets 84 
of fitting 17 and with the members at stop walls 156 and 158. Continued 
rotation in the direction illustrated thus will rotate fitting 17 (the 
directions of fitting rotation can be reversed simply by reversing the 
tool on the fitting). 
FIG. 8C illustrates the contact by members 140 and 142 at facets 174 and 
176 with the fitting to thereby pivot members 140 and 142 toward walls 178 
and 180 when socket 30 is rotated in the opposite direction to that shown 
in FIG. 8B. In this manner, the socket may be rotated (for example to 
achieve correspondence of gaps 70 and 74 of the housing and socket, 
respectively) while fitting 17 remains substantially still. 
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of this invention similar in 
most regards to those discussed hereinabove, but with housing body 200 and 
cover section 202 adapted for larger fittings (and thus the larger gap 
necessary between linkage gears 42 and 44). In addition, unitary shaft and 
dog member assemblies 204 and 206 are utilized, with torsion springs 208 
and 210 being engaged at the top of the assemblies and indented structures 
212 and 214. 
FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of this invention, with device 216 
configured so that socket 218 is directly driven by drive gear 220. Split 
socket 218 is the same in most regards as that illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 
7, but with stop cogs 222 and 224 at outer engageable periphery 86 thereby 
disallowing engagement of drive gear 220, and thus travel of the socket, 
therebeyond. Cog 222 is positioned so that gap 74 in socket 218 and gap 70 
in housing 226 (defined by housing body 228 and cover section 230) are 
aligned as shown in the FIGURE when socket 218 is driven in the 
counterclockwise direction (directions are relative to the orientation of 
the tool on the fitting), thus providing automatic centering of the gaps. 
Cog 224 is positioned to allow the maximum rotation of the socket in the 
clockwise direction without disengagement of socket 218 and drive gear 
220. When cog 224 blocks further rotation, the direction of rotation is 
reversed, the fitting remaining substantially still during counter 
rotation to cog 222 as heretofore discussed. 
This device can be driven manually (with a rotatable ratchet handle engaged 
at opening 88) or with a power driver to manipulate fittings in a 
ratcheting fashion. Furthermore, microswitches or the like could be 
employed to automatically reverse a power driver's direction of rotation 
when cogs 222 and/or 224 have been engaged at drive gear 220. 
FIG. 12 illustrates the simplest embodiment of the split socket of this 
invention configured as a ratchet wrench 232. As before, gap 74 is sized, 
and members 140 and 142, structures 136 and 138 and inner periphery 82 are 
positioned in wrench head 234 connected with handle 236, as described for 
socket 30 and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Cover section 238 is attached to 
wrench head 234 utilizing screws or the like through openings 240. 
As may be appreciated, where eccentric running of the socket is no problem, 
for example in manually driven applications as discussed herein or in slow 
speed power applications, the socket (or wrench head) of this invention 
may be utilized with only one dog member 140 or 142 (with gap 74 being 
appropriately sized) and utilizing surface 78 or 80 opposite the one dog 
member (or other appropriately configured fixed structure) to hold the 
fitting once engaged between the dog member and surface for rotation. As 
heretofore described, the one pivoting member 140 or 142, provided with 
sufficient range of arc, could in such case be contacted and moved away 
from the fitting upon opposite rotation so that the fitting remains 
substantially still. 
Used in conjunction with any type of mechanism for bringing the gaps in the 
housing and in the socket into correspondence, either automatically or 
manually (as shown, for example, in FIG. 11 for ratcheting type 
applications; see also U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/299,211 filed 
Aug. 31, 1994 and entitled "Mechanism For Locating A Slotted Socket 
Relative To A Drive Transfer Housing And Combination Thereof" by David 
Wilson Jr. and Bruce D. Stefen, the contents of which are incorporated 
hereinto by this reference, which illustrates auto-centering mechanisms 
for a drive transfer assembly similar to that shown in FIG. 1), this 
invention allows alignment of the gaps while the socket remains on the 
line fitting without significant movement of the fitting during the 
operation. In addition, gap size and socket configuration as taught herein 
allow "straight on" application of the socket to the fitting (and 
"straight off" removal) independent of orientation of the facets of the 
fitting relative to the socket, thus significantly enhancing flexibility 
and ease of use of the tool, particularly in confined fitting 
environments. 
A second embodiment of the line fitting orientation guide of this invention 
is shown in FIGS. 13 through 15, this embodiment (unlike the embodiment 
illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5) being an independent structural unit 
242 attachable to the housing of the drive transfer assembly (for example, 
and as illustrated, to housing body 200 or cover section 202 of the drive 
assembly and socket embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, it being 
understood that guide unit 242 may be adapted for use with any of the 
embodiments of drive unit illustrated herein). 
Guide unit 242 includes mounting body 244 having mounting openings 246 and 
248 therethrough for mounting to housing body 200 (utilizing machine 
screws or the like). Opening 250 is provided in body 244 and extends from 
mouth 252 to end 254. Abutment 256 is thus defined at body 244. 
Opening 250 is of a size at least equal to the diameter of line 19 and, 
when mounted, is aligned with gap 72 of housing body 200 and cover section 
202 so as to snugly receive the line therethrough as fitting 17 is being 
passed through gaps 72 and 74 of the drive housing and socket. When 
fitting 17 is properly positioned in socket 30 for manipulation thereof, 
line 19 is in contact with abutment 256 (see FIG. 18 which is illustrative 
of this arrangement but with respect to another embodiment of the guide). 
Abutment 256 thus provides a bearing surface for line 19, and against 
which the user may apply pressure during rotation of fitting 17, to 
prevent accidental dislodgement of the fitting from the socket. When 
attached to housing body 200, the guide adds strength to the housing, 
protects line 19 from damage during operation, and locates (i.e., centers) 
fitting 17 relative to socket 30 precisely, both initially and during 
operation, for assurance that the fitting will not be rotated 
eccentrically. This is particularly valuable when using movable members 
(only one of which, 206, is shown) to grip the fitting as taught 
hereinabove, or with any other socket utilized which may be prone to being 
pushed of the fitting by the user during portions of the rotation of the 
socket. 
Arcuate wall 258 extends from body 244 and defines raised portion 260. 
Opening 250 extends into raised portion 260 with end 254 thereof centrally 
positioned therethrough. When mounted, arcuate wall 258 is adjacent to 
arcuate surface 139 of inner periphery 82 of socket 30. Thus abutment 256 
is spaced from arcuate surface 139 (a distance about equal to or slightly 
greater than the radius of a fitting 17 to be manipulated). Wall surface 
262 of raised portion 260 provides a positive stop surface for fitting 17 
to further assure proper alignment of the fitting. 
FIGS. 16 through 20 illustrate a third embodiment 264 of the line fitting 
orientation guide of this invention offering all of the advantages 
heretofore set forth while also allowing use with lines of more than one 
size (19 and 19' in FIGS. 18 and 19). Guide 264 includes first and second 
relatively moveable members 266 and 268 having fitting receiving opening 
270 defined therebetween (the overall character of which is as heretofore 
described). For use with guide 264, housing body 200 is provided with stop 
posts 272 and 274. 
Member 266 includes arcuate cavity 276 concentrically formed with opening 
278. Member 268 includes arcuate ledge 280 concentrically formed with 
pivot post 282. Spring 284 is mounted over post 282 with one end leg held 
in aperture 286 in cavity 276 and the other end leg held in aperture 288 
in ledge 280. Post 280 is mounted through opening 278 and is held by clip 
290 in arcuate slot 292. Spring 284 thus biases surfaces 294 and 296 of 
members 266 and 268, respectively, toward contact with one another. 
Each of the members is free to pivot relative to one another due to 
mounting on common pivot screw 298 through aperture 300 of post 280, screw 
298 being secured in threaded aperture 302 of housing body 200. Washer 304 
is provided to assure relative movement when the members are urged apart. 
As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19, when members 266 and 268 are biased 
together with surfaces 294 and 296 in contact with one another, line 19 of 
a first size is snugly receivable in opening 270. However, larger line 19' 
may be snugly received in opening 270 by relative rotation of members 266 
and 268 caused by urging line 19' into opening 270 (i.e., by pressure 
initially introduced at lips 306 and 308 of members 266 and 268, 
respectively). 
A fourth embodiment of the line fitting orientation guide of this invention 
is illustrated in FIG. 21, in this case the guide being integral to the 
structure of socket 30 (of the type shown in FIG. 6). Cover portion 310 of 
socket 30 has been reconfigured with opening 312 therein of a size 
selected to accommodate a snug line fit. Abutment surface 314, when in 
contact with line 19, provides the user bearing surface and alignment of a 
fitting in socket 30 as heretofore described. Back wall 316 adjacent to 
opening 312 provides a stop surface (similar to that set forth with 
respect to wall 118 (FIG. 4A) and surface 162 (FIG. 13)) for further 
orientation control of the fitting in socket 30. 
As may be appreciated, this invention provides a line fitting orientation 
guide for a fitting manipulating tool including a split socket which 
better assures proper orientation of the fitting in the split socket 
during operation, thus preventing eccentric running of the fitting, 
potential dislodgement of the fitting from the socket, and consequential 
harm to the line, line fitting or operator. The guides may be configured 
as required for application to a particular drive or socket, and may be 
made of any material selected for the task (for example, metal or 
plastic).