Patent Publication Number: US-11660735-B1

Title: Wrench assemblies

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 62/279,331, filed Jan. 15, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to hand tools, and, more particularly, to wrenches useful for gripping and turning objects, such as bolts and nuts. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Wrenches are useful hand tools used to provide grip and mechanical advantage in applying torque to turn objects, especially rotary fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, or keep them from turning. A typical single-ended wrench includes an open-end wrenching head at one end of a handle. Another typical single-ended wrench includes a closed-end or box-end wrenching head at one end of handle. Double-ended wrenches are also well known. A double-ended open-end wrench is a one-piece wrench with differently sized open-end wrenching heads at either end. A double-ended closed-end or box-end wrench is a one-piece with differently sized closed-end or box-end wrenching heads at either end. A combination wrench is a one-piece double-ended wrench with an open-end wrenching head at one end and a closed-end or box-end wrenching head at the other end. 
     In an effort to improve single-ended wrenches and double-ended wrenches, skilled artisans have developed a variety of wrench assemblies consisting of single-ended wrenches that can be used independently and that are configured to be connected to form a double-ended wrench in the absence of the need to independently employ the single-ended wrenches. Although such prior art wrench assemblies are useful, they are expensive, structurally complex, difficult to assemble and disassemble, employ fastening mechanisms do not satisfactorily connect the single-ended wrenches and that are susceptible to deformation when objects are torqued aggressively. Given these and other deficiencies in the art, the need for continued improvement in the art is evident. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the principle of the invention, a wrench assembly includes a first member, a second member, and a switch. The first member includes a first wrenching component and a first handle. The second member includes a second wrenching component and a second handle. The first handle is sufficiently hollow to enable the second handle to be inserted into the first handle. The switch is mounted to the first handle and includes a proximal extremity, a distal extremity, and an engagement member. The switch moves between an engaging position of the engagement member and a disengaging position of the engagement member. The proximal extremity is in an undepressed position, when the engagement member is in the engaging position. The proximal extremity is in a depressed position, when the engagement member is in the disengaging position. The proximal extremity is exteriorly operable by hand for movement between the undepressed position and the depressed position. A complemental engagement member is carried by the second handle. The second handle acts on the distal extremity of the switch to move the switch from the engaging position of the engagement member to the disengaging position of the engagement member, when the second handle is inserted into the first handle to a partially installed position. The switch moves from the disengaging position of the engagement member to the engaging position of the engagement member releasably engaging the engagement member to the complemental engagement member disabling the second handle from being withdrawn from the first handle, when the engagement member registers with the complemental engagement member when the second handle is inserted into the first handle beyond the partially installed position to an installed position. The switch moves from the engaging position of the engagement member to the disengaging position of the engagement member releasing the engagement member from the complemental engagement member enabling the second handle to be withdrawn from the first handle, when the second handle is in the installed position and when the proximal extremity of the switch is moved from the undepressed position to the depressed position. A spring keeps tension on the switch urging the switch toward the engaging position of the engagement member. The engagement member is one of a strike and a penetrator, and the complemental engagement member is the other one of the strike and the penetrator. The switch is mounted pivotally to the first handle for pivotal movement between the engaging position of the engagement member and the disengaging position of the engagement member. The switch further includes an intermediate part between the proximal extremity and the distal extremity, wherein the switch is mounted pivotally to the first handle at the intermediate part. The second handle engages the intermediate part when the second handle advances through the first handle to the installed position from the partially installed position before the switch moves from the disengaging position of the engagement member to the engaging position of the engagement member, disabling the second handle from advancing through the first handle beyond the installed position. The intermediate part is in direct contact against an inner surface of the first handle, when the switch is in the engaging position of the engagement member, when the switch is in the disengaging position of the engagement member, and when the switch moves between the engaging position of the engagement member and the disengaging position of the engagement member. The first wrenching component is one of an open-end wrench head and a box-end wrench head. The second wrenching component is the other one of the open-end wrench head and the box-end wrench head. 
     According to the principle of the invention a wrench assembly includes a first member, a second member, and a switch. The first member includes a first wrenching component and a first handle. The first handle includes a hollow section, a switch opening to the hollow section, and the switch opening is proximate to the first wrenching component. The second member includes a second wrenching component and a second handle. The switch mounted to the hollow section at the switch opening. The switch includes a proximal extremity, a distal extremity, and an engagement member. The switch moves between an engaging position of the engagement member and a disengaging position of the engagement member. The proximal extremity is in an undepressed position, when the engagement member is in the engaging position. The proximal extremity is in a depressed position, when the engagement member is in the disengaging position. The proximal extremity is exteriorly operable by hand for movement between the undepressed position and the depressed position. The proximal extremity and the distal extremity of the switch concurrently extend outwardly from the switch opening, when the switch is in the engaging position of the engagement member. The switch is inclined from the proximal extremity of the switch to the distal extremity of the switch, the proximal extremity of the switch extends through the switch opening into the hollow section, and the distal extremity of the switch extends outwardly from the hollow section through the switch opening, when the switch is in the disengaging position of the engagement member. A complemental engagement member is carried by the second handle. The second handle acts on the distal extremity of the switch to move the switch from the engaging position of the engagement member to the disengaging position of the engagement member, when the second handle is inserted into the hollow section to a partially installed position. The switch moves from the disengaging position of the engagement member to the engaging position of the engagement member releasably engaging the engagement member to the complemental engagement member disabling the second handle from being withdrawn from the hollow section, when the engagement member registers with the complemental engagement member when the second handle is inserted into the hollow section beyond the partially installed position to an installed position. The switch moves from the engaging position of the engagement member to the disengaging position of the engagement member releasing the engagement member from the complemental engagement member enabling the second handle to be withdrawn from the hollow section, when the second handle is in the installed position and when the proximal extremity of the switch is moved from the undepressed position to the depressed position. A spring keeps tension on the switch urging the switch toward the engaging position of the engagement member. The engagement member is one of a strike and a penetrator, and the complemental engagement member is the other one of the strike and the penetrator. The switch is mounted pivotally to the hollow section for pivotal movement between the engaging position of the engagement member and the disengaging position of the engagement member. The switch further includes an intermediate part between the proximal extremity and the distal extremity, wherein the switch is mounted pivotally to the hollow section at the intermediate part. The second handle engages the intermediate part when the second handle advances through the hollow section to the installed position from the partially installed position before the switch moves from the disengaging position of the engagement member to the engaging position of the engagement member, disabling the second handle from advancing through the hollow section beyond the installed position. The intermediate part is in direct contact against an inner surface of the hollow section, when the switch is in the engaging position of the engagement member, when the switch is in the disengaging position of the engagement member, and when the switch moves between the engaging position of the engagement member and the disengaging position of the engagement member. The first wrenching component is one of an open-end wrench head and a box-end wrench head. The second wrenching component is the other one of the open-end wrench head and the box-end wrench head. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring to the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a top perspective view of a wrench assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the wrench assembly includes a first wrench member, a second wrench member installed into the first wrench member, a switch coupled between the first wrench member and the second wrench member, and the switch is shown in a locking position disabling the second wrench member from being withdrawn from the first wrench member; 
         FIG.  2    is a side perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is an enlarged fragmentary view corresponding to the illustrations of  FIGS.  1  and  2    showing the switch in greater detail; 
         FIG.  4    is a view corresponding to the illustration of  FIG.  1    showing the switch in an unlocking position enabling the second wrench member to be withdrawn from the first wrench member; 
         FIG.  5    is a side perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    is an enlarged fragmentary view corresponding to the illustrations in  FIGS.  4  and  5    showing the switch in greater detail; 
         FIGS.  7  and  8    are perspective views corresponding to the illustrations of  FIGS.  4  and  5    illustrating the second wrench member withdrawn from the first wrench member; 
         FIG.  9    is an enlarged, fragmentary, partially exploded view of the first wrench member of  FIG.  1    illustrating the switch and a spring removed from the first wrench member; 
         FIG.  10    is an underside perspective view of the switch corresponding to the illustration of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a view corresponding to the illustration of  FIG.  9    illustrating the spring registered with a recess formed in an underside of the switch; 
         FIGS.  12 - 15    are enlarged section views illustrating a sequence of events for connecting the second wrench member to the first wrench member to form the embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 3   ; 
         FIG.  16    is perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a wrench assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the wrench assembly includes a first wrench member, a second wrench member installed into the first wrench member, and a switch coupled between the first wrench member and the second wrench member for disabling the second wrench member from being withdrawn from the first wrench member; 
         FIG.  17    is an exploded perspective view of the wrench assembly of  FIG.  16   ; 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view corresponding to  FIG.  16    illustrating the first wrench member in phantom line to better illustrate the switch therein; 
         FIG.  19    is an enlarged perspective view of the switch corresponding to the illustration of  FIG.  18   ; 
         FIGS.  20 - 23    are enlarged section views illustrating a sequence of events for connecting and disconnecting wrench members corresponding to the embodiment in  FIG.  16   ; and 
         FIG.  24    is longitudinal section view similar to that of  FIG.  22    illustrating an alternate embodiment of a switch useful for releasably connecting the first wrench member to the second wrench member corresponding to the illustration of  FIG.  16   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed in relevant part to  FIGS.  1 - 6    in which there is seen a wrench assembly  50  including first member  51 , second member  52 , and switch  53 . First member  51 , a wrench member, includes first wrenching component  60  and first handle  61 . Second member  52 , also a wrench member, includes second wrenching component  70  and second handle  71 . First handle  61  is sufficiently hollow to enable second handle  71  to be inserted longitudinally into first handle  61 . Switch  53  is mounted to first handle  61  of first member  51 , and includes proximal extremity  80  and distal extremity  81 . Switch  53  moves between a locking position in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , and an unlocking position in  FIGS.  4 - 6   . Proximal extremity  80  is in an undepressed position, when switch  53  is in the locking position in  FIGS.  1 - 3   . Proximal extremity  80  is in a depressed position, when switch  53  is in the unlocking position in  FIGS.  4 - 6   . Proximal extremity  80  is exteriorly operable by hand for movement between the undepressed and depressed positions. Second handle  71  acts on distal extremity  81  of switch  53  in  FIGS.  12  and  13    to move switch  53  from its locking position in  FIG.  12    to its unlocking position in  FIG.  13   , when second handle  71  is inserted into first handle  61  to a partially installed position. Switch  53  moves from its unlocking position in  FIG.  14    to its locking position in  FIG.  15    releasably engaging second handle  71  to switch  53  disabling second handle  71  from being withdrawn from first handle  61 , when second handle  71  is inserted into first handle  61  beyond its partially installed position in  FIG.  13    to its installed position into first handle  61  in  FIGS.  14  and  15   . Switch  53  moves from its locking position in  FIG.  15    to its unlocking position in  FIG.  14    releasing switch  53  from second handle  71  enabling second handle  71  to be withdrawn from first handle  61  in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , when second handle  71  is in the installed position in first handle  61  and when proximal extremity  80  of switch  53  is moved from its undepressed position in  FIG.  15    to its depressed position in  FIG.  14   . When first and second members  51  and  52  are interconnected in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , wrench assembly  50  is an assembled double-ended wrench, being exemplary of an assembled combination wrench in this example. The overall length of the overlapping first and second handles  61  and  71 , concurrently aligned along a longitudinal axis, of wrench assembly  50  is sufficiently long to enable gripping by hand for using wrench assembly  50  to selectively grip or turn objects. When first and second members  51  and  52  are separated in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , first and second members  51  and  52  can be taken up by hand by their respective first and second handles  61  and  71  and used independently for selectively gripping and twisting or turning objects. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , which illustrate first and second members  51  and  52  disassembled, first and second members  51  and  52  are each preferably formed from metal, a metal allow, a sintered powdered material, a high-strength plastic or similar material, or other material or combination of materials known by the skilled artisan to make it suitable for use as a tool. First member  51  includes first wrenching component  60  and first handle  61 . First wrenching component  60  is a wrenching head in the form of a conventional box-end wrench head useful for gripping an object to be turned or twisted, such as nut or a bolt. First handle  61  is elongate and rectangular in cross-section and extends longitudinally from first wrenching component  60  to outer or free end  62 . Second member  52  includes second wrenching component  70  and second handle  71 . Second wrenching component  70  is a wrenching head in the form of a conventional open-end wrench head useful for gripping an object to be turned or twisted, such as nut or a bolt. First and second wrenching components  60  and  70  can be similarly sized, or differently sized. Second handle  71  is elongate and rectangular in cross-section and extends longitudinally from second wrenching component  70  to outer or free end  72 . Strike  73 , a groove or recess, is formed adjacent to free end  72 . 
     As explained above, first handle  61  is sufficiently hollow to enable second handle  71  to be inserted into first handle  61  longitudinally. In particular, first handle  61  includes hollow section  90 , which has a hollow rectangular internal cross-section corresponding to the rectangular cross-section of second handle  71  and which extends from proximate to first wrenching component  60  in  FIGS.  9  and  12 - 15    to free end  62  in  FIG.  7   . Hollow section  90  is formed with switch opening  91  in  FIG.  9   . Switch opening  91  to hollow section  90  is proximate to first wrenching component  60 . The corresponding rectangular shapes of second handle  71  and hollow section  90  produces a close sliding fit between second handle  71  and hollow section  90 , and disables first and second members  51  and  52  from rotating relative to one another, when second handle  71  is inserted into hollow section  90 . 
     Switch  53  is mounted to hollow section  90  at switch opening  91  in  FIGS.  12 - 15   . In  FIGS.  9 - 11   , switch  53  is an integral, unitary body, fashioned of the same material or combination of materials as first and second members  51  and  52 , including main part  79  having proximal extremity  80 , distal extremity  81 , opposed sides  82  and  83  that extend from proximal extremity  80  to distal extremity  81 , upper or top surface  84 , and bottom surface or undersurface  85 . Intermediate part  86 , a projection, is between proximal and distal extremities  80  and  81  and depends downwardly from undersurface  85  to outer end  86 A. Intermediate part  86 , including outer end  86 A, extends from side  82  to side  83 . Outer end  86 A is blunt-pointed. A pin-receiving channel  86 B extends through intermediate part  86  from side  82  to side  83  of switch  53 . Engagement member  87 , a nose or penetrator, is part of distal extremity  81  and depends downwardly from undersurface  85  at distal extremity  81  to outer end  87 A, and extends from side  82  to side  83  like intermediate part  86 . Recess  88  is formed in undersurface  85  between intermediate part  86  and proximal extremity  80  and between sides  82  and  83 .  FIG.  11    illustrates spring  100 , which is a compression spring having an innermost coil  101 , an outermost coil  102 , and a plurality of active coils  103  therebetween. Recess  88  is shaped to accept outermost coil  102 . 
     In  FIG.  12   , switch  53  is positioned in hollow section  90  through switch opening and extends upright through hollow section  90  from outer end  86 A of intermediate part  86  positioned direction against inner surface  90 A of hollow section  90  opposite to switch opening  91  to main part  79  at switch opening  91 . Main part  79  extends exteriorly outwardly from hollow section  90  of first handle  61  from switch opening  91 . Spring  100  is positioned in hollow section  90  between inner surface  90 A of hollow section  90  and recess  88  of switch  52 . Innermost coil  101  is in direct contact against inner surface  90 A of hollow section  90 , and outermost coil  102  is in, and is in direct contact against, recess  88  of switch  53 . Switch  53  is mounted pivotally to hollow section  90  of first handle  61  at intermediate part  86  via pivot pin  110  applied through pin-receiving channel  86 B for movement between its locking position in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , and its unlocking position in  FIGS.  4 - 6   . The opposed ends of pivot pin  110  are affixed to either side of hollow section  90 . In this example, switch  53  pivots relative to pivot pin  110 . Outer end  86 A of intermediate part  86  is in direct contact against inner surface  90 A of hollow section  90  of first handle  61 , when switch is in its locking position in  FIGS.  12  and  15   , when switch  53  is in its unlocking position in  FIGS.  13  and  14   , and when switch  53  moves between its locking position in  FIGS.  12  and  15    and its unlocking position in  FIGS.  13  and  14   . Spring  100  acts against inner surface  90 A of hollow section  90  and recess  88  of switch  52 , wherein spring  100  keeps constant tension on switch  53  constantly urging switch  53  toward its locking position. Switch  53  is, therefore, spring-loaded, being constantly spring-tensioned toward its locking position. 
     Engagement member  87  is in an engaging position when switch  53  is in its locking position in  FIGS.  12  and  15   . Engagement member  87  is in a disengaging position when switch  53  is in its unlocking position in  FIGS.  13  and  14   . Accordingly, switch  53  moves between the engaging position of engagement member  87  in  FIGS.  12  and  15    when switch  53  is in its locking position, and the disengaging position of engagement member  87  in  FIGS.  13  and  14    when switch  53  is in its unlocking position. 
     When first and second members  51  and  52  are separated from one another in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , they can be taken up by hand by their respective first and second handles  61  and  71  and used independently from one another for gripping and turning objects, such as bolts and nuts. In particular, first handle  61  of first member  51  is sufficiently long to enable a skilled worker to take up first handle  61  by hand and use first member  51  to grip and turn or twist a chosen object, and second handle  71  of second member  52  is sufficiently long to enable a skilled worker to take up second handle  71  by hand and use second member  52  to grip and turn or twist a chosen object. 
     To interconnect first and second members  51  and  52  to form an assembled double-ended wrench, the embodiment depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , first and second handles  61  and  71  are aligned end  62  to end  72  longitudinally in  FIG.  7    and second member  51  is moved in the direction of arrowed line A inserting free end  72  of second member  51  into hollow section  90  through free end  62  of first handle  61 . Second handle  71  is forcibly advanced through hollow section  90  in the direction of arrowed line A in  FIG.  12    and free end  72  strikes engagement member  87  when second handle  71  is advanced through hollow section  90  of first handle  61  to a partially installed position in  FIG.  12   , which pivots switch  53  from its locking position in  FIG.  12    to its unlocking position in  FIG.  13    in response, displacing engagement member  87  of distal extremity  81  upwardly into switch opening  91  out of the way of free end  72  enabling free end  72  to pass beyond engagement member  87  to enable continued advancement of second handle  71  through hollow section  90  of first handle  61  in the direction of arrowed line A beyond the partially installed position in  FIGS.  12  and  13    to the installed position of second handle  71  in  FIG.  14   , while at the same time displacing proximal extremity  80  downwardly into hollow section  90  from switch opening  91  compressing spring  100  between recess  88  and inner surface  90 A of hollow section  90 . The leading surface of engagement member  87  against which free end  72  initially contacts is in-turned in the direction toward wrenching component  60  away from free end  62  to promote deflection of switch  53  from its locking position to its unlocking position when free end  72  strikes engagement element  87  when second handle  71  is advanced into hollow section  90  of first handle  61  to its partially installed position in  FIG.  12   . In  FIG.  14   , free end  72  of second handle  71  engages intermediate part  86  when second handle  71  advances through hollow section  90  of first handle  61  to its installed position from its partially installed position in  FIG.  13    before switch  53  moves from its locking position corresponding to the disengaging position of engagement member  87  in  FIG.  14    to the locking position of switch  53  corresponding to the engaging position of engagement member  87  in  FIG.  15   , disabling second handle  71  from advancing through hollow section  90  of first handle  61  beyond its installed position. And so advancement of second handle  71  through hollow section  90  in the direction of arrowed line A in  FIG.  13    is arrested when free end  72  of second handle  71  strikes intermediate part  86 . When free end  72  strikes intermediate part  86 , second handle  71  is installed into hollow section  90  of first handle  61 , and engagement member  87 , a nose or penetrator, registers with strike  73 , a complemental engagement element. When engagement member  87  registers or otherwise aligns with strike  73  in  FIG.  14    when second handle  71  is installed into hollow section  90  of first handle  61 , the constant spring  100  tension against switch  53  forcibly pivots switch  53  from its unlocking position in  FIG.  14    to its locking position in  FIG.  15    displacing engagement member  87  of distal extremity  81  downwardly into strike  73  and into hollow section  90  from switch opening  91 , while at the same time displacing proximal extremity  80  upwardly into switch opening  91  from hollow section  90  decompressing spring  100  between recess  88  and inner surface  90 A of hollow section  90 . When engagement member  87  is inserted into, i.e. penetrates, strike  73 , engagement member  87  and strike  73  are releasably engaged, which releasably engages second handle  71  to switch  53  disabling second handle  71  from being withdrawn from first handle  61 . Engagement member  87 , a nose or penetrator, and strike  73 , a corresponding groove, form a detent, a device used to mechanically secure second handle  71  to switch  53  for, in turn, connecting first handle  61  of first member  51  to second handle  71  of second member  52 , thereby forming wrench assembly  50  in  FIGS.  1 - 3   , an assembled double-ended wrench, being exemplary of an assembled combination wrench in this example. 
     To separate first member  51  from second member  52  when second handle  71  is in its installed position in first handle  61  and when switch  53  is in its locking position, switch  53  is pivoted from its locking position in  FIG.  15    to its unlocking position in  FIG.  14    by pushing forcibly down on proximal extremity  80  by hand displacing engagement member  87  of distal extremity  81  upwardly from hollow section  90  and into switch opening  91  out of the way of free end  72  withdrawing engagement member  87  from strike  73 , while at the same time displacing proximal extremity  80  downwardly into hollow section  90  from switch opening  91  compressing spring  100  between recess  88  and inner surface  90 A of hollow section  90 , enabling second handle  71  to be withdrawn from hollow section  90  of first handle  61  in the direction of arrowed line B in  FIG.  14    until fully withdrawn from first handle  61  in  FIG.  7   . The process of coupling and decoupling first and second members  51  and  52  is repeated as necessary depending on whether the skilled worker selects to utilize wrench assembly  50  as an assembled double-ended wrench in  FIGS.  1 - 3    or to use first and second members  51  and  52  separately. 
     In sum, and referring in relevant part to  FIGS.  1 - 15   , wrench assembly  50  includes first member  51 , second member  52 , and switch  53 . First member  51  includes first wrenching component  60  and first handle  61 . First handle  61  includes hollow section  90 , and switch opening  91  to hollow section  90 . Switch opening  91  is proximate to first wrenching component  60 . Second member  52  includes second wrenching component  70  and second handle  71 . Switch  53 , a non-electric, unpowered, manually-operated mechanical switch, is mounted to hollow section  90  at switch opening  91 . Switch  53  includes proximal extremity  80 , distal extremity  81 , and engagement member  87 . Switch  53  moves between the engaging position of engagement member  87  when switch  53  is in its locking position and the disengaging position of engagement member  87  when switch  53  is in the unlocking position. Proximal extremity  80  is in its undepressed position, when engagement member  87  is in the engaging position. Proximal extremity  80  is in a depressed position, when engagement member  87  is in the disengaging position, in  FIGS.  13  and  14   . Proximal extremity  80  is exteriorly operable by hand for movement between the undepressed position and the depressed position. Proximal extremity  80  and distal extremity  81  of switch  53  concurrently extend outwardly from switch opening  91 , when switch  53  is in the engaging position of engagement member  87  in  FIGS.  12  and  15   . Switch  53  is inclined from proximal extremity  80  of switch  53  to distal extremity  81  of switch  53 , proximal extremity  80  of switch  53  extends through switch opening  91  into hollow section  90 , and distal extremity  81  of switch  53  extends outwardly from hollow section  90  through switch opening  91 , when switch  53  is in the disengaging position of engagement member  87  in  FIGS.  13  and  14   . The complemental engagement member, strike  73 , is carried by second handle  71 . Second handle  71  acts on distal extremity  81  of switch  53  to move switch  53  from the engaging position of engagement member  87  to the disengaging position of engagement member  87 , when second handle  71  is inserted into hollow section  90  of first handle  61  to its partially installed position in  FIGS.  12  and  13   . Switch  53  moves from the disengaging position of engagement member  87  to the engaging position of engagement member  87  releasably engaging engagement member  87  to the complemental engagement member, strike  73 , disabling second handle  71  from being withdrawn from hollow section  90  of first handle  61 , when engagement member  87  registers with the complemental engagement member, strike  73 , when second handle  71  is inserted into hollow section  90  of first handle  61  beyond its partially installed position in  FIG.  13    to its installed position into hollow section  90  of first handle  61  in  FIGS.  14  and  15   . Switch  53  moves from engaging position of engagement member  87  to the disengaging position of engagement member  87  releasing engagement member  87  from the complemental engagement member, strike  73 , enabling second handle  71  to be withdrawn from hollow section  90  of first handle  61 , when second handle  71  is in its installed position in hollow section  90  of first handle  61  and when proximal extremity  80  of switch  53  is moved from the undepressed position in  FIG.  15    to the depressed position in  FIG.  14   . Spring  100  keeps tension on switch  53  urging switch  53  toward the engaging position of engagement member  87 . Engagement member  87  is a nose or penetrator, complemental engagement member is strike  73 , and this arrangement can be reversed in an alternate embodiment. Switch  53  is mounted pivotally to hollow section  90  for pivotal movement between the engaging position of engagement member  87  and the disengaging position of engagement member  87 . Specifically, intermediate part  86  of switch  53  is mounted pivotally to hollow section  90 . In  FIG.  14   , free end  72  of second handle  71  engages intermediate part  86  when second handle  71  advances through hollow section  90  of first handle  61  to its installed position from its partially installed position in  FIG.  13    before switch  53  moves from its locking position corresponding to the disengaging position of engagement member  87  in  FIG.  14    to the locking position of switch  53  corresponding to the engaging position of engagement member  87  in  FIG.  15   , disabling second handle  71  from advancing through hollow section  90  of first handle  61  beyond its installed position. Intermediate part  86  is in direct contact against inner surface  90 A of hollow section  90 , when switch  53  is in the engaging position of engagement member  87 , when switch  53  is in the disengaging position of engagement member  87 , and when switch  53  moves between the engaging position of engagement member  87  and the disengaging position of engagement member  87 . This constant contact of engagement member  87 , specifically outer end  86 A of engagement member  87 , against inner surface  90 A of hollow section  90  produces a frictional contact that disables excessive play between switch  53  hollow section  90 . 
       FIG.  16    is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a wrench assembly  200  including first member  201 , second member  202 , and switch  203 . First member  201 , a wrench member, includes first wrenching component  210  and first handle  211 . Second member  202 , also a wrench member, includes second wrenching component  220  and second handle  221 . First handle  211  is sufficiently hollow to enable second handle  221  to be inserted longitudinally into first handle  211 . Switch  223  is mounted to first handle  211  of first member  201 , and is for releasably securing first handle  211  to second handle  221  when second handle  221  is inserted into first handle  211  in an installed position. Switch  203  is exteriorly operable by hand for movement between an undepressed position corresponding to a locking position of switch  203  for releasably securing first handle  211  to second handle  221  when second handle  221  is inserted into first handle  211  in the installed position, and a depressed position corresponding to an unlocking position of switch  203  for enabling second handle  221  to be withdrawn from first handle  211 . When first and second members  201  and  202  are interconnected in  FIG.  6   , wrench assembly  200  is an assembled double-ended wrench, being exemplary of an assembled combination wrench in this example. The overall length of the joined first and second handles  211  and  221 , concurrently aligned along a longitudinal axis, of wrench assembly  200  is sufficiently long to enable gripping by hand. When first and second members  201  and  202  are separated in  FIG.  17   , first and second members  201  and  202  can be taken up by hand by their respective first and second handles  211  and  221  and used independently for gripping and twisting or turning objects. 
     Referring to  FIG.  17   , first and second members  201  and  202  are each preferably formed from metal, a metal allow, a sintered powdered material, a high-strength plastic or similar material, or other material or combination of materials known by the skilled artisan to make it suitable for use as a tool. First member  201  includes first wrenching component  210  and first handle  211 . First wrenching component  210  is a wrenching head in the form of a box-end wrench head useful for gripping an object to be turned or twisted, such as nut or a bolt. First handle  211  is elongate and rectangular in cross-section and extends longitudinally from first wrenching component  210  to outer or free end  212 . Second member  202  includes second wrenching component  220  and second handle  221 . Second wrenching component  220  is a wrenching head in the form of an open-end wrench head useful for gripping an object to be turned or twisted, such as nut or a bolt. First and second wrenching components  210  and  220  can be similarly sized, or differently sized. Second handle  221  is elongate and rectangular in cross-section and extends longitudinally from second wrenching component  220  to outer extremity  222 , formed with tongue  224  having opening  225  therethrough so as to define an outermost crosspiece or transom  226 , which is an engagement element of second member  202 . 
     As explained above, first handle  211  is sufficiently hollow to enable second handle  221  to be inserted into first handle  211  longitudinally. In particular, first handle  211  includes hollow section  230 , which has a hollow rectangular internal cross-section corresponding to the rectangular cross-section of outer extremity  222  of second handle  221  and which extends partially inwardly into first handle  211  from free end  212 . Hollow section  90  is formed with switch opening  91  in  FIG.  9   . Switch opening  231  to hollow section  230  is between first wrenching member  220  and free end  212 . The corresponding rectangular shapes of outer extremity  222  of second handle  221  and hollow section  230  produces a close sliding fit between outer extremity  222  of second handle  221  and hollow section  230  and disables first and second members  201  and  202  from rotating relative to one another, when outer extremity  222  of second handle  221  is inserted into hollow section  230 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  18  and  19    in relevant part, switch  203  is a non-electric, unpowered, manually-operated mechanical switch. Switch  203  is an elongate integral body, fashioned of the same material or combination of materials as first and second members  201  and  202  discussed above, including button  240 , having upper and lower ends  241  and  242 , and arm  245  that projects outwardly from button  240  to distal extremity  246 . Arm  245  has opposed top and bottom sides  250  and  251 . A complemental engagement element of switch  203 , strike  253  is formed in top side  250  between button  240  and distal extremity  246 . Ramp  255  formed in top side  250  declines downwardly from strike  253  to proximate to distal extremity  246 . Flyleaf spring  257  projects downwardly from bottom side  251  of arm  245  under strike  253  and ramp  255 . 
     Button  240  is circular in this example, as is switch opening  231  in  FIGS.  16  and  17   . In  FIGS.  18  and  20   , C-shaped collar  261  is formed in hollow section  230  and is affixed rigidly in place via welding, heat bonding, or the like. Collar  261  projects upright from lower inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230  to switch opening  231 , which is circular in this example. Switch  203  is positioned in hollow section  230  and extends upright through hollow section  230 , and extends from button  240  forwardly to distal extremity  246  toward free end  212 . Button  203  is within and is captively held or otherwise retained by collar  261  and extends upright in collar  261  from lower end  242  to upper end  241  proximate to switch opening  231 . Spring  270 , a compression spring having an innermost coil  271 , an outermost coil  272 , and a plurality of active coils  273  therebetween, is positioned in hollow section  230  within collar  261  between inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230  and recess  244  formed in lower end  242  of button  240 . Innermost coil  271  is in direct contact against inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230 , and outermost coil  272  is in, and is in direct contact against, recess  244  formed in lower end  242  of button  240 . Arm  245  projects outwardly through opening  261  of collar  261  in the direction of free end  62  (not shown) of first arm  61  to distal extremity  246 . Button  240  is larger than collar  260  opening  261 , whereby button  240  is captively held by collar  260  and button  240  is disabled from withdrawing from collar  260  through opening  261 . This retains switch  203  in place. Spring  257 , a flyleaf spring, is embedded in switch  203  and projects downwardly from bottom side  251  of arm  245  under strike  253  and ramp  255  to against inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230 . Spring  270  concurrently acts against inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230  and recess  244  of switch  203 , and at the same time flyleaf spring  257  acts against inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230  and bottom side  251  of arm  245 , wherein spring  270  and flyleaf spring  257  concurrently keep constant tension on switch  203  constantly urging switch  203  upwardly away from inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230  to opposed inner surface  230 B of hollow section toward its locking position. Switch  203  is, therefore, spring-loaded, being constantly spring-tensioned toward its locking position. Upper end  241  of button  240  is applied to switch opening  231  and does not extend exteriorly of hollow section  230  beyond switch opening  231  for disabling inadvertent contact with upper end  241  of switch  203  and top side  250  of arm  245  is juxtaposed with inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230 , when switch  203  is in its locking position in  FIG.  20   . 
     To interconnect first and second members  201  and  202  to form an assembled double-ended wrench in  FIG.  16   , first and second members  201  and  201  are aligned longitudinally free end  212  to outer extremity  222  and second member  201  is moved in the direction of arrowed line A in  FIGS.  20  and  21    inserting outer extremity  222  tongue  224  first into hollow section  230  of first handle  211  through free end  212 . Second handle  221  is forcibly advanced through hollow section  230  in the direction of arrowed line A in  FIG.  21    so as to bring tongue  224 , which is aligned with ramp  255 , in contact with ramp  255 . Tongue  224  acts on ramp  255  in response to the continued advancement of second handle  221  into hollow section  230  of first handle  211 , which overcomes flyleaf spring  257  and displaces arm  245  of switch  250  downwardly from its locking position in  FIG.  20    away from inner surface  230 B toward inner surface  230 A in  FIG.  21   . Continued advancement of second handle  221  in the direction of arrowed line A continues to drive tongue  224  against ramp  255  and deflect arm  245  downwardly in response until transom  226  clears ramp  255  and registers with strike  253  and ramp  255  concurrently registers with opening  225  of tongue  224  in  FIG.  22   , which enables flyleaf spring  257  to snap the downwardly-displaced arm  245  upwardly from its unlocked position back to its locked position in  FIG.  22    in response, driving strike  253 , the complemental engagement element of switch  203 , over transom  226 , the engagement element of second handle  221 , while at the same time driving ramp  255  through opening  225 . When transom  226  and registers with strike  253  and ramp  255  concurrently registers with opening  225  in  FIG.  22   , second handle  221  is in an installed position in hollow section  230  of first handle  211 . When transom  226  is inserted into, i.e. penetrates, strike  253 , transom  226  is releasably engaged to switch  203 , which releasably engages second handle  221  to switch  203  disabling second handle  221  from being withdrawn from hollow section  230  of first handle  211 . Strike  253  and transom  226  form a detent, a device used to mechanically secure second handle  221  to switch  203  for, in turn, connecting first handle  211  of first member  201  to second handle  221  of second member  202 , thereby forming an assembled double-ended wrench in  FIG.  16   . 
     To separate first member  201  from second member  202  when second handle  221  is in its installed position in first handle  211  and when switch  203  is in its locking position, switch  203  is lowered away from its locking position toward inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230  by pushing forcibly down on upper end  241  of button  240  at switch opening  231  by hand withdrawing strike  253  from transom  246  while at the same time withdrawing ramp  255  from opening  225  of tongue and concurrently compressing spring  270  between recess  244  and inner surface  230 A and flyleaf spring  257  between bottom side  251  of arm  245  and inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230 , enabling second handle  221  to be withdrawn from hollow section  230  of first handle  211  in the direction of arrowed line B in  FIG.  23    until fully withdrawn from first handle  211 . The process of coupling and decoupling first and second members  201  and  202  with switch  203  is repeated as necessary depending on whether the skilled worker selects to utilize an assembled double-ended wrench in  FIG.  16    or to use first and second members  201  and  202  separately. 
       FIG.  24    is longitudinal section view similar to that of  FIG.  22    illustrating an alternate embodiment of a switch  300 , a non-electric, unpowered, manually-operated mechanical switch, useful for releasably connecting first wrench member  201  to second wrench member  202  corresponding to the illustration of  FIG.  16   . In  FIG.  24   , collar  260  discussed in the embodiment denoted at  200  is absent, and is replaced with socket  301 , which is forward of switch opening  231  to hollow section  230  and which projects upright from inner surface  230 A. In common with switch  200 , switch  300  shares button  240 , upper end  241 , lower end  242  absent recess  244 , arm  245 , distal extremity  246 , opposed top and bottom sides  250  and  251 , strike  253 , and ramp  255 . In switch  300 , a single spring  305 , a flyleaf spring, is embedded in switch  300  and projects downwardly from lower end  242  of button  240  under strike  253  and ramp  255 , and a pin  306  depends downwardly from bottom side  251  of arm  245  proximate to distal extremity  246  into socket  301 , which holds switch  300  in place in hollow section  230  of first handle  211 . 
     Switch  300  is positioned in hollow section  230  and extends upright through hollow section  230 , and extends from button  240  forwardly to distal extremity  246  toward free end  212  (not shown). Button  300  and extends upright from lower end  242  to upper end  241  proximate to switch opening  231 . Flyleaf spring  305  projects downwardly from switch  300  centrally under arm  245  and strike  253  to against inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230 . Flyleaf spring  305  acts against inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230  and switch  300 , wherein flyleaf spring  305  keep constant tension on switch  300  constantly urging switch  300  upwardly away from inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230  to opposed inner surface  230 B of hollow section toward its locking position. Switch  300  is, therefore, spring-loaded, being constantly spring-tensioned toward its locking position. Upper end  241  of button  240  is applied to switch opening  231  and does not extend exteriorly of hollow section  230  beyond switch opening  231  for disabling inadvertent contact with upper end  241  of switch  300  and top side  250  of arm  245  is in contact against inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230 , when switch  300  is in its locking position in  FIG.  24   . 
     The operation of switch  300  for interconnecting first handle  211  of first member  201  to second handle  221  of second member  202  is substantially the same as switch  203  discussed above. Unlike switch  203 , only one spring, flyleaf spring  305 , spring loads switch  300 . Briefly, second handle  221  is forcibly advanced through hollow section  230  in the direction of arrowed line A in  FIG.  24    so as to bring tongue  224  in contact with ramp  255 . Tongue  224  acts on ramp  255  in response to the continued advancement of second handle  221  into hollow section  230  of first handle  211 , which overcomes flyleaf spring  305  and pivots switch  300  downwardly at pin  306  from its locking position in  FIG.  24    away from inner surface  230 B toward inner surface  230 A, while at the same time withdrawing button  240  from switch opening  231  inwardly into hollow section  230 . Continued advancement of second handle  221  in the direction of arrowed line A continues to drive tongue  224  against ramp  255  and pivot switch  300  downwardly at pin  306  in response until transom  226  clears ramp  255  and registers with strike  253  and ramp  255  concurrently registers with opening  225  of tongue  224 , which enables flyleaf spring  305  to snap the downwardly-displaced arm  245  pivotally upwardly at pin  306  from its unlocked position back to its locked position in  FIG.  24    in response, driving strike  253 , the complemental engagement element of switch  300 , over transom  226 , the engagement element of second handle  221 , while at the same time driving ramp  255  through opening  225 . When transom  226  and registers with strike  253  and ramp  255  concurrently registers with opening  225 , second handle  221  is in an installed position in hollow section  230  of first handle  211 . When transom  226  is inserted into, i.e. penetrates, strike  253 , transom  226  is releasably engaged to switch  300 , which releasably engages second handle  221  to switch  300  disabling second handle  221  from being withdrawn from hollow section  230  of first handle  211 . Strike  253  and transom  226  form a detent, a device used to mechanically secure second handle  221  to switch  300  for, in turn, connecting first handle  211  of first member  201  to second handle  221  of second member  202 , thereby forming an assembled double-ended wrench corresponding to the embodiment of  FIG.  16   . There is sufficient clearance between pin  306  and socket  301  to enable pin  306  to pivot between the locked and unlocked position of switch  300 , while at the same time retaining switch  300  in place to hollow section  230 . 
     To separate first member  201  from second member  202  when second handle  221  is in its installed position in first handle  211  and when switch  300  is in its locking position, switch  300  is lowered pivotally away from its locking position toward inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230  by pushing forcibly down on upper end  241  of button  240  at switch opening  231  by hand withdrawing strike  253  from transom  246  while at the same time withdrawing ramp  255  from opening  225  of tongue  224  and compressing flyleaf spring  257  between switch  300  and inner surface  230 A of hollow section  230 , enabling second handle  221  to be withdrawn from hollow section  230  of first handle  211  in the direction of arrowed line B in  FIG.  24    until fully withdrawn from first handle  211 . The process of coupling and decoupling first and second members  201  and  202  with switch  300  is repeated as necessary depending on whether the skilled worker selects to utilize an assembled double-ended wrench or to use first and second members  201  and  202  separately. 
     The present invention is described above with reference to illustrative embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes and modifications may be made in the described embodiments without departing from the nature and scope of the present invention. Various further changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof.