WO2006125463A1

WO2006125463A1 - Electronic squaring tool

Info

Publication number: WO2006125463A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/006509
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabrice Malard
Original assignee: I-Concepts & Marketing Sarl
Priority date: 2005-05-27
Filing date: 2005-05-27
Publication date: 2006-11-30

Abstract

An electronic squaring tool includes a first laser (66) cooperating with a first optical lens (68) to project a first laser line along a first axis, a second laser (80) cooperating with a second optical lens (82) to project a second laser line along a second axis that forms a 90° angle with the first axis, and a third laser (86) cooperating with a third optical lens to project a, third laser line along a third axis that forms a 90° angle with the first axis and a 180° angle with the second axis. The tool also includes a housing containing the first, second and third lasers, and a measuring instrument connected with the housing and arranged to intersect one of the laser lines. The three laser lines are projected in vertical planes.

Description

ELECTRONIC SQUARING TOOL

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to tools used for making straight lines and is more particularly related to squaring tools for making straight, perpendicular and angled lines.

In certain craft and construction trades, it is extremely important to produce lines that are straight and level. For example, carpenters frequently use a taut string to align rafters, or a metal square for accurately outlining the rise and run of a staircase. Electricians generate straight lines for laying electrical wire by placing chalk dust on a string, and then snapping the string against a wall to produce the outline of a straight line on the wall.

In one craft, tile laying, it is extremely important to use straight and perpendicular lines for positioning the tiles on a floor, ceiling or wall. FIGS. 1A-1 C show a typical squaring operating for laying tile. Referring to FIG. 1A, a room 20 includes a doorway 22, a door 24 that selectively closes the doorway and walls surrounding a floor 26. Before positioning tiles on the floor 26, at least two perpendicular lines must be defined on the floor 26. This may be accomplished by using a square 28 having first and second legs 28, 30 that are perpendicular to one another, i.e. legs that form a 90° angle. The edge of the first leg 30 of the square 28 is used to form a first axis 34 and the edge of the second leg 32 of the square 28 is used to form a second axis 36 that is perpendicular to the first axis 34. A chalk line or marker may be used for marking the first and second axes 34, 36 on the floor 26. Referring to FIG. 1 B, a test layout of tiles 37 is then made along the first and second lines 34, 36. During the test layout, no cement or adhesive is used, which allows the tiles to be moved and repositioned. The ability to reposition tiles enables an installer to choose an aesthetically pleasing layout and/or select a layout that minimizes the number of tile cuts. Referring to FIG. 1C, after a satisfactory test layout, the tiles 37 are cemented to the floor 26. In one installation method, a first row (Row 1 ) opposite the main door 24 is cemented in place, followed by a second row (Row 2) having cut tiles.

There have been a number of advances related to squaring tools. For example, United States Patent No. 6,230,416 to Trigilio discloses a square having four different lasers for simultaneously transmitting laser beams in different directions. Referring to FIGS. 1-3 thereof, the square 1 includes a T-bar 7 having a groove 33 that contains two lasers directed in opposite directions, an on/off switch 39 for activating the lasers and a bubble level 45 for leveling the T-bar 7. The square 1 also has a ruler edge 15 having two lasers that are directed in opposite directions and a bubble level for leveling the edge 15.

United States Patent Application Publication No. 2001/0049879 to Moore, Jr. discloses a laser level and square including an L-shaped member. Referring to FIG. 1 thereof, the device includes an L-shaped square 20 having a first leg 22 with a first laser mounting member 34, a first laser 50, and a first bubble level 60. The L-shaped member 20 also has a second leg 24 perpendicular to the first leg 22, the second leg having a second laser mounting member 36, a second laser 52 and a second bubble level 62.

United States Patent No. 6,167,630 to Webb discloses a laser system having a combined level and square device, which may be used on a surface to provide angular measurements with respect to the selected surface. The angle may take the form of a 90° angle, a 45° angle or any other selected angle.

United States Patent No. 6,453,568 to Hymer discloses a laser protractor including two laser pointers fixed in a body to point exactly 90° apart in the same plane and a third laser pointed on a movable arm rotatable between the two fixed laser pointers. The laser protractor includes leveling bubbles and degree scales permitting the protractor to be accurately positioned relative to the two fixed lasers. United States Patent No. 5,864,967 to Dong discloses a stackable unit for producing level line (i.e. horizontal) and plumb line (i.e. vertical) combinations. The top and bottom surfaces of the units are precisely machined so that multiple units may be stacked one atop another. Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C thereof, each unit includes a laser diode 2 and a glass lens 1 that generates a laser line. Each unit also includes two bubble levels 8 that are visible from both the top and bottom of the unit. The unit includes a housing 7 having precisely machined surfaces, with three corners 9 of the housing forming right angles, and a fourth corner 13 forming a 45° angle. In operation, a plurality of units are stacked one atop another. Typically, a base unit is placed atop a surface for generating a horizontal reference plane, and a second unit is installed atop the base unit to generate a vertical cross line as shown in FIG. 2. A third unit may be stacked atop the first two units and rotated 90° relative to the first two units to form vertical cross lines, as shown in FIG. 3.

United States Patent No. 5,897,675 to Cericola and United States Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0059735 to Ponce disclose combination tools that combine a laser beam with a tape measure.

In spite of the above advances, there remains a need for a tool that easily and efficiently forms straight and perpendicular lines on surfaces such as floors, walls and ceilings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, an electronic squaring tool includes a first laser cooperating with a first optical lens to project a first laser line along a first axis, a second laser cooperating with a second optical lens to project a second laser line along a second axis that forms a 90° angle with the first axis, and a third laser cooperating with a third optical lens to project a third laser line along a third axis that forms a 90° angle with the first axis and a 180° angle with the second axis. In certain embodiments, the laser lines are desirably projected in vertical planes. The tool preferably includes a housing containing the first, second and third lasers. The tool also includes a measuring instrument connected with the housing and arranged to intersect one of the laser lines. In preferred embodiments, the measuring instrument is contained in the housing. The measuring instrument may include an extendable element such as a tape measure having an extendable measuring tape. The measuring instrument is desirably oriented relative to the housing so that one of the laser lines impinges upon the extendable measuring tape when the extendable measuring tape is extended from the measuring instrument. In other preferred embodiments, the measuring instrument may be optically projected onto a surface, whereby one of the laser lines intersects the optically projected measuring instrument. The tool may include support elements connected to the housing for supporting the housing over a surface. The support elements are desirably height adjustable for leveling the tool over the surface. The tool may also include a level adjuster for leveling the tool in horizontal and vertical planes. In one preferred embodiment, the tool may be leveled over a horizontally extending surface such as a floor or ceiling. In another preferred embodiment, the tool may be leveled over a vertically extending surface such as a wall. The level adjuster may include at least one level device, such as a bubble level, and height adjustable support elements, such as height adjustable feet, connected with the housing. The tool may also include rotatable knobs for controlling the height of the adjustable support elements.

In certain preferred embodiments, the housing includes a subassembly having a first chassis with the first laser at a first end of the first chassis, and a second chassis with the second laser at a first end of the second chassis and the third laser at a second end of the second chassis. The subassembly may also include an L-shaped member interconnecting the first and second chassis. In other preferred embodiments, the subassembly is made of one piece and the lasers are mounted in the subassembly to direct laser light in the directions indicated above.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electronic squaring tool includes a housing, and a level adjuster coupled with the housing for controlling vertical and horizontal alignment of the tool. The tool also desirably includes a first laser and optical lens combination connected with the housing for projecting a first laser line along a first axis, and a second laser and optical lens combination connected with the housing for projecting a second laser line along a second axis, the second axis forming a 90° angle with the first axis. The tool also desirably includes a third laser and optical lens combination connected with the housing for projecting a third laser line along a third axis, the third axis forming a 90° angle with the first axis and a 180° angle with the second axis. The laser lines are preferably projected as vertical lines that extend through vertical planes. The tool may also include a measuring instrument connected with the housing and arranged to intersect one of the laser lines. The measuring instrument desirably includes an extendable measuring tape, whereby the measuring instrument is oriented so that one of the laser lines impinges upon the extendable measuring tape when the extendable measuring tape is extended from the measuring instrument.

In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electronic squaring tool includes a housing, a first laser and optical lens combination connected to the housing for projecting a first laser line along a first axis, and a second laser and optical lens combination connected to the housing for projecting a second laser line along a second axis that forms a 90° angle with the first axis. The tool also desirably has a measuring instrument coupled with the housing and arranged to intersect one of the first and second laser lines. The laser lines are desirably projected as vertical lines that extend through vertical planes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1 C show a conventional method for laying tile on a surface. FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of an electronic squaring tool, in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a front elevational view of the electronic squaring tool of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows a side elevational view of the electronic squaring tool of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a subassembly of the electronic squaring tool of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 shows a top plan view of the subassembly shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a side elevational view of the subassembly shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 8 shows a side elevational view of the electronic squaring tool of FIG. 4 projecting a laser line on a floor surface and a wall surface. FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the electronic squaring tool of FIG.

8 projecting three laser lines that extend in vertical planes.

FIG. 10 shows a top plan view of the electronic squaring tool of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a top plan view of an electronic squaring tool including a measuring device, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 shows a side elevational view of the electronic squaring tool of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows the internal components of the electronic squaring tool of FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 14 shows an electronic squaring tool including a measuring device, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows an electronic squaring tool including a measuring device, in accordance with still further preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows a front elevational view of an electronic squaring tool, in accordance with yet further preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a side view of a laser passing a laser beam through a shaped lens, in accordance with yet further preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 18A-18G show the shaped lens of FIG. 17. FIG. 19A shows a top plan view of a laser for passing a laser beam through a rod lens, in accordance with other preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 19B shows the assembly of FIG. 19A taken along the line designated 19B-19B thereof.

FIG. 19C shows the assembly of FIG. 19A taken along the line designated 19C-19C thereof.

FIG. 20 shows the assembly of FIG. 17 projecting laser light on a floor and wall. FIG. 21 shows the assembly of FIGS. 19A-19C projecting laser light onto a floor, wall and ceiling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 2-4 show an electronic squaring tool 38, in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. The electronic squaring tool 38 includes a housing 40 having an upper surface 42 and a bottom surface 44. The housing includes support elements 46a, 46b and 46c attached to the bottom surface 44 of housing 40. The support elements are preferably height adjustable so that the tool 38 may be leveled in horizontal and vertical planes. The electronic squaring tool 38 includes a first lens 48 that is optically coupled with a first laser (not shown) for projecting a first laser line (not shown) along a first axis. The electronic squaring tool 38 also includes a second lens 50 that is optically coupled with a second laser (not shown) for projecting a second laser line along a second axis that forms a 90° with the first axis, and a third lens 52 that is optically coupled with a third laser (not shown) for projecting a third laser line along a third axis that forms a 90° angle with the first axis of the first laser line and a 180° with the second axis of the second laser line. As will be explained in more detail below, the first, second and third laser lines are preferably projected as vertical lines that extend in vertical planes. The electronic squaring tool 38 also desirably includes a first leveling device 54 for vertically leveling the tool 38 and a second leveling device 56 for horizontally leveling the tool. Preferably, the support elements 46A-46C are height adjusted so that the leveling devices 54, 56 indicate that the tool is leveled in horizontal and vertical planes. As a result, the tool may be leveled over a horizontally extending surface such as a floor or ceiling, and a vertically extending surface such as a wall.

FIG. 5 shows a subassembly 58 of the electronic squaring tool 38 shown in FIGS. 2-4. The subassembly 58 includes a first chassis 60 having a first end 62 and a second end 64 remote from the first end 62. The first chassis 60 includes a first laser 66 that projects a first light beam from the first end 62 thereof. The first chassis 60 also includes a first optical lens 68 that is optically aligned with the light-projecting end of first laser 66. A lens holder 70 holds the first lens 68 over the first end 62 of first chassis 60. The first lens 68 is preferably adapted to transform a pointed light beam from the first laser into a laser line. The laser line is preferably projected as a vertical laser line or plumb laser line that extends in a vertical plane. The first chassis 60 also desirably includes a leveling device 72, such as a bubble level, for leveling the first chassis 60. The subassembly 58 includes a second chassis 74 having a first end

76 and a second end 78 remote from the first end 76. The second chassis 74 includes a second laser 80 projecting light from the first end 76 thereof. The second laser 80 is optically aligned with a second optical lens 82 that is held over the first end 76 of second chassis 74 by lens holder 84. The second lens 82 is preferably adapted to transform a pointed light beam from the second laser into a laser line. The second laser line is preferably a vertical line that is projected along a second axis that forms a 90° angle with the first axis of the first laser line of the first laser 66.

Second chassis 74 also includes a third laser 86 that is optically aligned with a third optical lens (not shown) that is held over the second end preferably adapted to transform a pointed light beam from the third laser into a laser line. The second laser line is preferably a vertical line that is projected along a third axis that forms a 90° angle with the first axis of the first laser line and a 180° angle with the second axis of the second laser line. The second chassis 74 also includes a level 90 attached thereto for horizontally or vertically aligning the tool 38.

Although highly preferred embodiments of the present invention include a tool that projects vertical laser lines, other preferred embodiments may include adjustable optical lenses that project horizontal lines, laser lines between horizontal and vertical, light beams having a single point and light having a series of points that extend along a line. The series of light points may be projected vertically, horizontally or at an angle between vertical and horizontal.

The first and second chassis 60, 74 are connected to one another by an L-shaped plate 92 having a first leg 94 connected with the first chassis 60 and a second leg 96 connected with a second chassis 74. The respective legs 94, 96 of L-shaped plate 92 form a 90° angle. In other preferred embodiments, the subassembly is made of a single substrate, with mounting features that enable the laser lines to be projected in the directions outlined above.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first chassis 60 extends in a first direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second chassis 74. The first chassis 60 includes first optical lens 68 held over the first end 62 of the first chassis by a lens holder 70. The second chassis 74 includes first end 76 and second end 78. A second lens holder 84 holds the second lens 82 over the first end 76 of the second chassis. A third lens holder 88 holds the third lens 87 over the second end 78. In operation, a first laser (not shown) contained within first chassis 60 projects a light beam that is transformed by first lens 68 into a first laser line 98 directed along a first axis designated "A". A second laser (not shown) contained within second chassis 74 projects a second light beam that is transformed by second lens 82 into a second laser line 100 directed along a second axis "B" that forms a 90° angle with the first axis "A". A third laser (not shown) contained within second chassis 74 projects a third light beam that is transformed by third lens 87 into a third laser line 102 directed along a third axis "C" that forms a 90° angle with the first axis "A" and a 180° angle with the second axis "B". In highly preferred embodiments, the three laser lines 98, 100 and 102 are projected as vertical lines. In other preferred embodiments, the laser lines may be projected as horizontal lines or in planes that are between horizontal and vertical. Referring to FIG. 7, first chassis 60 includes level device 72 that may be used for leveling first chassis 60. Second chassis 74 includes second level device 90 that facilitates leveling second chassis 74. The ends of the respective chassis 60, 74 may have attachment flanges 104, whereby the lens holders 70, 84, 88 are connected to the attachment flanges. FIG. 8 shows the electronic squaring tool 38 projecting a laser line 98 onto a floor 26 and a wall 25. Due to the nature of the optical lens covering the laser, the light is projected as a vertical laser line that extends in a vertical plane, the plane having a length and a height. The light is visible to the human eye when it strikes an object such as a floor or wall. FIG. 9 shows electronic squaring tool 38 projecting a first laser line 98 in a first vertical plane onto floor 26 and first wall 25A. The electronic squaring tool 38 also projects a second laser line 100 in a second vertical plane onto floor 26 and a distant wall (not shown). The second laser line 100 forms a 90° angle with the first laser line 98. The electronic squaring tool 38 also projects a third laser line 102 onto floor 26 and second wall 25B. The third laser line forms a 90° angle with the first laser line 98 and a 180° angle with the second laser line 100. As noted above, the three laser lines are preferably vertical lines that extend in vertical planes.

FIG. 10 shows a top plan view of the electronic squaring tool of FIGS. 8 and 9. The electronic squaring tool 38 projects a first laser line 98 and a second laser line 100 that forms a 90° angle with the first laser line 98. The electronic squaring tool 38 also projects a third laser line 102 that forms a 90° angle with first laser line 98 and a 180° angle with second laser line 100.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show an electronic squaring tool in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The electronic squaring tool 138 is substantially similar to that described above and includes a measuring instrument 204 attached thereto. The measuring device 204 may be attached to the housing 140, such as by clipping a tape measure onto the housing, or may be integrated inside the housing 140. In certain preferred embodiments, the measuring instrument 204 includes a tape measure having an extendable measuring tape (not shown) that may be withdrawn from the measuring device and retracted into the measuring instrument.

Fig. 13 shows a subassembly 158 for the electronic squaring tool 138 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The subassembly 158 includes a first chassis 160 having a first end 162 that is covered by a first optical lens 168 held in place by a lens holder 170. The first chassis 160 includes a first laser (not shown) that produces a first laser line 198. The second chassis 174 has a first end 176 and a second end 178. The first end 176 includes a second optical lens 182 held by a second lens holder 184. The chassis 174 also includes a third optical lens 187 held by a third lens holder 188. The second chassis 174 includes a second laser (not shown) that produces a second laser line 200 that forms a 90° angle with first laser line 198. The second chassis also includes a third laser (not shown) that produces a third laser line 202 that forms a 90° angle with first laser line 198 and a 180° with the second laser line 200. The subassembly 198 also includes a tape measure 204 having an extendable measuring tape 206 including indicia 208 for indicating exact measurement units such as centimeters or inches. The tape measure 204 is preferably oriented relative to the projected laser lines so that one of the laser lines crosses the extendable measuring tape. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the first laser line 198 impinges upon and crosses the extended measuring tape 206 for obtaining an accurate distance measurement.

FIG. 14 shows another subassembly 258 for an electronic squaring tool including first chassis 260 having a first level vial 272 and a second level vial 290. The first chassis 260 also includes a first laser 263 optically coupled with a first lens 268 for projecting a first laser line 298. The subassembly 258 also includes a second chassis 274 holding a second laser 275 and a third laser 286. The second laser 275 is optically coupled with a second lens 282 for projecting a second laser line 300 that forms a 90° angle with the first laser line 298. The third laser 286 is optically coupled with a third lens 287 for projecting a third laser line 302 that forms a 90° angle with the first laser line 298 and a 180° angle with the second laser line 300. The three laser lines 298, 300 and 302 are preferably vertical lines that extend in vertical planes. The subassembly 258 also desirably includes a measuring instrument 304 having an extendable measuring tape 306 with measuring units or indicia 308 marked thereon. When the measuring tape 306 is withdrawn from the measuring instrument 304, the first light beam 298 is arranged to intersect the measuring tape 306 so that accurate distance measurements may be made. FIG. 15 shows an electronic squaring tool 238, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The electronic squaring tool 238 includes a housing 240 and a measuring instrument 304 connected with the housing. The housing includes level devices 254, 256 that are used for vertically and horizontally leveling the tool. The housing also includes vertical control knob 312 for controlling vertical leveling of the tool and horizontal control knob 314 for controlling horizontal leveling of the tool. In preferred embodiments, the knobs 312, 314 may be moved or rotated for making adjustments while observing the level devices 254, 256.

FIG. 16 shows an electronic squaring tool 338, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The electronic squaring tool 338 includes a housing 340 having level devices (not shown) that are used for vertically and horizontally leveling the tool. The housing also includes vertical control knob 412 for controlling vertical leveling of the tool and horizontal control knob 414 for controlling horizontal leveling of the tool. In preferred embodiments, the knobs 412, 414 may be moved or rotated for making adjustments while observing the level devices. Movement of the knobs 412, 414 preferably adjusts the height of support feet 346A, 346B and 346C for leveling the tool.

FIG. 17 shows an assembly for projecting a laser line, in accordance with other preferred embodiments of the present invention. The assembly includes a laser 430 that generates a laser beam 432 that is directed through a shaped lens 434. Referring to FIGS. 18A-18G, the shaped lens 434 has a front face 436, a rear face 438, a first lateral face 440 and a second lateral face 442. The distance between the front face 436 and the rear face 438 is designated by the distance T. In certain preferred embodiments, the thickness is between about 2-3 cm. The shaped lens also includes an upper end 444 and a lower end 446 remote therefrom. Shaped lens 434 also includes a projection that extends from the front face 436. The projection 448 extends between upper end 444 and lower end 446 of lens 434. The projection 448 has a lower end that tapers outwardly away from the rear face 438 of the lens. Referring to FIGS. 18D and 18F, the side walls of lens 434 taper outwardly between upper end 444 and lower end 446. Referring to FIG. 18D and in certain preferred embodiments, the upper end of the lens has a width Wi of approximately 8-9 cm. and the bottom end has a width W₂ that is greater than W-i. FIG. 19A shows an assembly in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention including a laser 530 and a cylindrical or rod shaped lens 534 that is optically coupled with the laser 530. Referring to FIG. 19B, laser 530 generates laser beam 532 having a width W₃. The cylindrical or rod shaped lens 434 is optically coupled with the laser 530 so that the laser beam 532 passes through the rod shaped lens 534. The rod shaped lens 534 is spaced from the front end of the laser 530 by a distance D₂ of approximately 1-2 cm. The width of the laser beam 532 is desirably narrower than the diameter of the rod shaped lens 534. Referring to FIG. 19B, as the laser beam 532 strikes the lens 534, the lens causes the light to diverge to an angle designated α. In certain preferred embodiments, the angle α is 100° or greater.

FIG. 19C shows laser beam 532 passing through rod shaped lens 534. The width of the laser beam 532 is less than the diameter of the rod shaped lens 534.

FIG. 20 shows a side elevational view of the assembly shown in FIG. 17. Laser 430 generates a laser beam 432 that passes through shaped lens 434. The tapered profile at the front face of lens 434 produces a vertical plane of light 435 having a divergent path that projects onto a floor and a wall. FIG. 21 shows the assembly shown in FIGS. 19A-19C, whereby laser 530 projects laser beam 532 through lens 534. The cylindrical or rod shaped lens 534 diverges the light over a much greater angle than the shaped lens 434 of FIG. 20. As a result, the projected light 535 projects onto the floor, the wall and the ceiling.

In certain preferred embodiments, the electronic squaring tool has shaped lenses in optical communication with each of the three lasers. In other preferred embodiments, however, one of the lasers may be in optical communication with a shaped lens, while another of the lasers may be in optical communication with a rod shaped lens. In one particular preferred embodiment, two of the lasers are in optical communication with shaped lenses respectively, while the third laser in optical communication with the rod shaped lens.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. For example, in certain preferred embodiments, the measuring instrument may be a sonic measuring instrument that uses acoustic waves for measuring distances. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic squaring tool comprising: a first laser (66, 263,...) cooperating with a first optical lens (48, 168,...) to project a first laser line (98) along a first axis; a second laser (80, 275,...) cooperating with a second optical lens (50, 182, ...) to project a second laser line (100) along a second axis that forms a 90° angle with the first axis; a third laser (86, 286,...) cooperating with a third optical lens (52, 187,...) to project a third laser line (102) along a third axis that forms a 90° angle with the first axis and a 180° angle with the second axis; and a measuring instrument (204, 304) arranged to intersect one of said laser lines.

2. The tool as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said laser lines (98, 100, 102) are vertical lines projected in vertical planes.

3. The tool as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a housing (40, 140) containing said first, second and third lasers, wherein said measuring instrument (204, 304) is connected with said housing.

4. The tool as claimed in claim 3, wherein said measuring instrument (204, 304) is contained in said housing (140).

5. The tool as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said measuring instrument (204) includes an extendable element.

6. The tool as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said measuring instrument (204) comprises an extendable measuring tape (206) and is oriented so that one (198) of said laser lines impinges upon said extendable measuring tape (206) when said extendable measuring tape is extended from said measuring instrument.

7. The tool as claimed in claim 3, further comprising support elements (46a, 46b, 46c) connected to said housing (40) for supporting said housing over a surface.

8. The tool as claimed in claim 7, wherein said support elements (46a, 46b, 46c) are height adjustable for leveling said tool over the surface.

9. The tool as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a level adjuster (54, 56) for leveling said tool in horizontal and vertical planes.

10. The tool as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a level adjuster for leveling said tool in horizontal and vertical planes, wherein said level adjuster includes at least one level device (90) and height adjustable support elements (46a, 46b, 46c) connected with said housing.

11. The tool as claimed in claim 10, wherein said at least one level device (90) includes a bubble level.

12. The tool as claimed in claim 3, wherein said housing comprises: a first chassis (60) containing said first laser (66) at a first end of said first chassis; a second chassis (74) containing said second laser (80) at a first end of said second chassis and said third laser (86) at a second end of said second chassis; and an L-shaped member (92) interconnecting said first and second chassis.

13. The tool as claimed in claim 3, further comprising leveling devices carried by said housing for making vertical and horizontal adjustments.

14. The tool as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising: a first optical lens (68) in optical alignment with the first laser (66); a second optical lens (82) in optical alignment with the second laser (80); and a third optical lens in optical alignment with the third laser (86).

15. An electronic squaring tool comprising: a housing (40, 140,...); a level adjuster (54, 56 ; 72, 90 ;...) coupled with said housing for controlling vertical and horizontal alignment of said tool; a first laser (66) and optical lens (68) combination connected with said housing for projecting a first laser line along a first axis; a second laser (80) and optical lens (82) combination connected with said housing for projecting a second laser line along a second axis, the second axis forming a 90° angle with the first axis; and a third laser (86) and optical lens combination connected with said housing for projecting a third laser line along a third axis, the third axis forming a 90° angle with the first axis and a 180° angle with the second axis.

16. The tool as claimed in claim 15, wherein said laser lines (98, 100, 102) are vertical lines projected in vertical planes.

17. The tool as claimed in claim 15, further comprising:

a measuring instrument (204, 304) connected with said housing and arranged to intersect one of said laser lines.

18. The tool as claimed in claim 17, wherein said measuring instrument (204) comprises an extendable measuring tape (206) and is oriented so that one of said laser lines impinges upon said extendable measuring tape when said extendable measuring tape is extended from said measuring instrument.

19. The tool as claimed in claim 15, wherein said level adjuster comprises support elements (46a, 46b, 46c) connected with said housing for supporting said housing over a surface, wherein said support elements are height adjustable for leveling said tool over a surface.

20. An electronic squaring tool comprising: a housing (40, 140,...); a first laser (66) and optical lens (68) combination connected to said housing for projecting a first laser line along a first axis; a second laser (80) and optical lens (82) combination connected to said housing for projecting a second laser line along a second axis that forms a 90° angle with the first axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis; and a measuring instrument (204, 304) coupled with said housing and arranged to intersect one of said first and second laser lines.

21. The tool as claimed in claim 20, wherein said laser lines (98, 100, 102) are vertical lines projected into vertical planes.

22. The tool as claimed in claim 20, further comprising:

a third laser (86) and optical lens (52) combination connected to said housing for projecting a third laser line along a third axis that forms a 90° angle with the first axis and a 180° angle with the second axis.

23. The tool as claimed in claim 22, wherein said third laser line (102) is a vertical line projected into vertical planes.

24. The tool as claimed in claim 20, wherein said measuring instrument (204) comprises an extendable measuring tape (206) and is oriented relative to said housing so that one of said laser lines impinges upon said extendable measuring tape when said extendable measuring tape is extended from said measuring instrument.