Ladder stabilizing apparatus and system to prevent ladder from tilting or falling over

Abstract

A ladder stabilizing apparatus (10) and system (12) that is utilized to help stabilize a ladder (14 / 16) for safer use thereof. The apparatus (10) has a stabilizing mechanism (100) and a support leg (102), which is attached to the stabilizing mechanism (100). The stabilizing mechanism (100) has a mounting bracket (120), a rotating assembly (122), a pivoting assembly (124) and a securing mechanism (126). The mounting bracket (120) attaches the stabilizing mechanism (100) to a leg (106 / 108) of the ladder (14 / 16). The pivoting assembly (124) and securing mechanism (126) function together to allow rotation and pivoting of the support leg (102) to place the apparatus (10) in a stabilizing position (112). The securing mechanism (126) attaches the apparatus (10) to the ladder (14 / 16). The system (12) includes a ladder (14 / 16) and a pair of stabilizing assemblies (116 / 118) that are attached to or integral with the ladder (14 / 16). The apparatus (10) and system (12) can include an engaging mechanism (104) attached to or integral with the ladder (14 / 16) to secure the support legs (102) when the apparatus (10) is not in use.

Description

[0001] LADDER STABILIZING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

[0002] TO PREVENT LADDER FROM TILTING OR FALLING OVER

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No 18 / 670,658 filed May 21 , 2024.

[0005] DESCRIPTION

[0006] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0007] The present invention relates generally to ladders and to apparatuses, device and systems related to ladders that improve the safe use of the ladder. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatuses that are utilized with ladders and ladder systems that are utilized to help stabilize a ladder, particularly while a user moves up and down the ladder. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to such ladder stabilizing apparatuses and systems that are utilized to prevent a ladder from tilting or otherwise falling over.

[0008] BACKGROUND ART

[0009] Ladders are commonly utilized throughout the world for a wide variety of different purposes. In one common use, ladders are configured to be portable and for a person to step onto and move upward on the ladder when he or she needs to reach objects or locations that they could not or at least not safely and / or easily reach if they were standing on the floor, ground or other surface on which the ladder is utilized and then to move back down to the surface on which the ladder is supported. In one standard configuration, a ladder has a pair of parallel, or at least generally parallel, elongated side rails that are connected together by a plurality of spaced apart, perpendicularly disposed cross-members or rungs. The rungs are utilized as steps which the user of the ladder steps on as he or she moves upward along the length of the ladder to reach the desired or necessary height to accomplish his or her objectives and then moves down on to exit the ladder. Each of the rungs have an upwardly disposed surface on which the user places the bottom of his or her foot while using his or her hands to hold onto one or both of the side rails to safely move up or down the ladder.

[0010] Because a standard elongated ladder, commonly referred to as an extension ladder, does not have a mechanism which allows it to be self- supporting, during use the ladder must be supported in an inclined or angled position by leaning the upper end of the ladder against a surface of a generally upwardly extending object, such as a wall, edge of a roof, fence, tree or the like. Although these ladders can be provided with a single fixed length that produces a fixed maximum height, typically the standard ladder has a pair of ladder sections that are adjacently joined together in a manner which allows one ladder section to slide relative to the other ladder section so the user can raise the ladder, as may be needed, to reach higher positions or objects and to lower the ladder section for ease of storing and / or transporting the ladder. This type of adjustable ladder is commonly provided in lengths of ten, twelve, fourteen or even longer fully extended lengths. As well known in the art, extension ladders can be made out of a variety of materials, including wood, aluminum or other metal, fiberglass or other composite materials and the like.

[0011] For many situations where a person can or needs to utilize a ladder to reach a position or object that is too high for the user to reach without a ladder, it is necessary that the ladder be self-supporting so the user can place the ladder in a location where there is not an upwardly extending object against which the user can lean the ladder as he or she moves up and down the ladder. For instance, if the user needs to reach a light fixture, light bulb, sign or other object which is too high to reach from the floor, ground, porch or other surface and which is located away from a wall or roof, the user needs to use a self-supporting ladder that allows him or her to safely access the location or object. In one common configuration for a self-supporting ladder, the ladder has an A-shaped frame having a front section with a pair of elongated, slightly inward inclined front rails connected by a plurality of spaced apart, generally parallel rungs or steps, a back section with a pair of elongated, slightly inward inclined back rails connected by a plurality of spaced apart, generally parallel cross-members, a top cap to which the upper ends of the front and back sections are connected, a locking spreader mechanism connecting a front and back leg on each side of the ladder and a pivot mechanism which is typically configured to allow the back section to be pivoted away from or toward the front section to, respectively, place the ladder in an opened condition for use to reach higher locations or objects or in a closed position for ease of storing and transporting the ladder. This type of ladder is commonly referred to as a step or an A-frame ladder (due to the fact that in the opened condition, the step ladder has a generally A-shaped configuration). In the closed condition, the back section of the step ladder lies generally flat against the front section to significantly reduce the overall size of the step ladder. As with standard ladders, step ladders can be made out of a variety of materials, including wood, aluminum or other metal, fiberglass or other composite materials and the like.

[0012] Step ladders are provided in a wide variety of lengths that allow the user to select a step ladder which will be high enough for him or her to safely and easily accomplish the objective for which the step ladder is needed. As well known to persons who are skilled in the relevant arts, step ladders are provided in fixed lengths / heights and, as such, are not generally adjustable in height. Step ladders are available in a wide range of sizes from relatively short step ladders, such as only two or three feet, mid-range step ladders having lengths of six to ten feet and step ladders which are longer, such as twelve to sixteen feet in length. The varying range of step ladder lengths is due, at least substantially in part, to the typical or most common uses for step ladders, which is to reach an object or location and to accomplish a work objective pertaining to that object or location without having to move and otherwise handle a longer than necessary step ladder. To use an extension ladder or a step ladder, it is necessary that the bottom of the ladder be placed on a lower support surface, such as the ground or a sidewalk, driveway or other sufficiently hard surface that will support the ladder in its upward position, whether leaning against an object (extension ladder) or able to stand on its own (step ladder). Unfortunately, the surface on which the ladder is placed may not be able to provide the amount of stabilizing support that is desired to allow the user to safely move up and down the ladder, particularly an angularly disposed extension ladder. Likewise, the surface against which the upper section of the extension ladder is positioned may not provide the desired support to allow the user to be able to be at the top of the ladder and / or to comfortably move off the ladder and onto the upper support surface and then off the upper support surface and back onto the ladder. As will be readily appreciated by persons who utilize ladders, an extension ladder that is leaning against an object which is not securely positioned against the lower support surface and the upper support surface is in danger of falling while the user is moving up or down the ladder. Likewise, a step ladder that is not adequately positioned or supported on the surface on which it stands is also in danger of falling.

[0013] The danger of a ladder is particularly true with regard to the ladder tilting sideways, meaning to the left or right of the elongated centerline of the section of the ladder which the user moves up and down. The tilting of the ladder, whether the ladder actually falls down or not, can dislodge the user from the ladder and cause him or her to fall to the ground or other surface. Such tilting / fall ing could result in injury or death to the user. In fact, persons falling off of a ladder is one of the leading causes of injury and death for many workers, such as roofers, painters, electricians, construction workers, tree service workers and the like. In addition, many homeowners, renters, landlords and other “non- professional” people are injured at home or other non-work location. In fact, according the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, every year approximately 500,000 people are treated for ladder-related injuries and nearly 300 of these incidents prove to be fatal, with about 97% of such incidents occurring at a home or on a farm. Many, if not most, of the injuries and deaths are due to user error, often due to the poor support arrangement for the ladder. To reduce the likelihood of a ladder falling during its use or the user falling off of the ladder, often due to unintentional movement of the ladder, while on the ladder there have been apparatuses that are configured to help stabilize the ladder while the ladder is leaning against an object. One such apparatus is a generally U-shaped frame that is attached to, fixedly or removably, to the upper section of an elongated or extension-type ladder to support that portion of the ladder which is leaning against an object. These apparatuses straddle an area against which the ladder cannot lean, such as a window or the like, or to provide additional support for the ladder due to the wide stance of the apparatus. For better supporting a ladder against a lower support surface, the typical support apparatus is an enlarged footpad and / or a footpad that has tread or other features which are selected to increase the traction against a typical lower support surface. While the currently available stabilizing apparatuses do provide improved support for a ladder while it is leaning against an object, the improvement does not appear to significantly reduce the likelihood of injuries or death from ladders tilting or falling sideways (e.g., to the left or right). In addition, the U-shaped apparatus either creates issues for transport and storage of the ladder if the apparatus is left on the ladder or the user is required to attach and remove the apparatus for each use of the ladder.

[0014] What is needed, therefore, is an improved stabilizing apparatus for a ladder to stabilize an extension ladder as it leans against an object and an A- frame or step ladder self-supported on a surface while a user moves up and down the ladder. More specifically, what is needed is a ladder stabilizing apparatus for use with a ladder that better stabilizes the ladder when the ladder is positioned on a lower support surface, whether it is leaning against an upper support surface or standing on its own, to allow a user to more safely move up and down the ladder by lessening the risk the ladder will tilt to the user’s left or right or otherwise fall and / or cause the user to fall off the ladder. Preferably, any new ladder stabilizing apparatus should be structured and arranged for the user to easily and quickly deploy the stabilizing apparatus as needed for use of the ladder and to collapse the stabilizing apparatuses when it is not needed for ease of transporting and storing the ladder. The ladder stabilizing apparatus should be structured and arranged to engage a lower support surface, the surface on which the ladder stands upright or leaning against an object, in a manner which more securely positions the ladder on the surface to reduce the risk the ladder will tilt sideways or otherwise move away from its stabilizing position when the user is moving up or down the ladder. The new ladder stabilizing apparatus should be adaptable for use with a wide variety of different types of elongated ladders, specially extension-type ladders, and step ladders. Preferably, a new stabilizing apparatus for ladders should be relatively inexpensive to manufacture so it can be widely utilized with ladders to improve the safe use thereof.

[0015] DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure of the present invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention to the reader. As such, this Summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key / critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of this Summary is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0017] The use of terms such as “including”, “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof. The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. Further, the use of terms “first”, “second”, and “third”, and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element or feature of an element from another. The term “and / or,” when used herein with a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed.

[0018] The new ladder stabilizing apparatus and system of the present invention provides the benefits and solves the problems identified above. That is to say, the present invention is directed to a ladder stabilizing apparatus and system that substantially reduces the likelihood of the ladder tilting sideways or otherwise falling, either of which can cause the user of the ladder to fall to the ground or other surface on which the ladder is standing and result in injury or death to the user. The ladder stabilizing apparatus of the present invention better stabilizes the ladder when the ladder is standing on or positioned against a lower support surface to allow a user to more safely move up and down the ladder by substantially reducing the risk the ladder will tilt to the user’s left or right or otherwise fall and / or cause the user to fall off the ladder. The new ladder stabilizing apparatus and system engages a lower support surface, typically the surface on which the ladder either stands upright or from which it is leans against an object, in a manner which more securely stabilizes the ladder on the surface to reduce the risk the ladder will tilt sideways or otherwise move away from its desired position, particularly when the user is moving up or down the ladder. In the preferred configurations of the new ladder stabilizing apparatus and system, the apparatus is structured and arranged for the user to be able to easily and quickly deploy the apparatus, as may be needed for use with the ladder, and to collapse the stabilizing apparatus when it is not needed for ease of transporting and storing the ladder. The new ladder stabilizing apparatus and system of the present invention is readily adaptable for use with a wide variety of different types of ladders, including elongated (non-extension) ladders, extension ladders, and step ladders. In the preferred embodiments, the new ladder stabilizing apparatus and system is relatively inexpensive to manufacture so it can be widely utilized with ladders to improve the safe use thereof.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, the new ladder stabilizing apparatus generally comprises a stabilizing mechanism and a support leg that is attached to or integral with the support leg. The stabilizing mechanism has a mounting bracket, a rotating assembly and a pivoting assembly. The mounting bracket is configured to be attached to one of the legs of the ladder. The rotating assembly is structured and arranged to selectively rotate the support leg when the user desires to place the apparatus in a stabilizing position. The pivoting assembly is structured and arranged to selectively pivot the support leg when desired to place the apparatus in the stabilizing position. In a preferred embodiment, the support leg is configured to be adjustable in length (i.e. , telescopically configured) or to be foldable. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket has a mounting plate with one or more cutout areas, each of the one or more cut-out areas being sized and configured to receive a securing mechanism that is configured to removably attach the mounting bracket to the one of the legs of the ladder. The securing mechanism can be a strap that is sized configured to encircle the stabilizing mechanism at the cut-out areas and the leg of the ladder.

[0020] In the preferred configuration, the mounting bracket has a mounting plate and the rotating assembly has a control ring that is attached to or integral with the mounting plate and a rotating plate that is rotatably associated with the control ring so as to rotate relative to the control ring, with the support leg being connected to the rotating plate to allow rotation of the support leg. The rotating plate is received into a mounting area of the control ring to rotate therein and the rotating assembly comprises a rotation limiting mechanism that is structured and arranged to limit the rotation of the rotating plate in the mounting area of the control ring and a locking assembly that is configured to allow or prevent rotation of the rotating plate. In a preferred embodiment, the rotation limiting mechanism comprises one or more control areas in the rotating plate and one or more angle control members on the control ring, with one of the angle control members being sized and configured to be received in and move relative to one of the control areas. The control areas are sized to limit the amount of movement of the angle control member so as to limit the rotation of the rotating plate relative to the control ring and, thereby, to limit the amount of rotation allowed for the support leg.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the pivoting assembly is attached to or integral with the rotating plate of the rotating assembly so as to rotate with the rotating plate and the pivoting assembly interconnects the support leg and the rotating plate so as to pivot and rotate the support leg relative to the mounting bracket. The pivoting assembly has a pivot bracket which is attached to or integral with the rotating plate, a pivot rod that is supported by the pivot bracket, a clevis bracket which is pivotally disposed on the pivot rod and connected to the support leg, and a locking assembly that is associated with the pivot rod to allow or prevent pivoting of the clevis bracket and the support leg. In a preferred embodiment, the pivoting assembly also has a shoulder rod that is supported by the pivot bracket, with the clevis bracket being sized and configured to contact the shoulder rod to limit pivoting movement of the clevis bracket and the support leg.

[0022] In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus also has an engaging mechanism with a mounting bracket that is configured to be attached to the one of the legs of the ladder. The engaging mechanism has a leg engagement device which is sized and configured to engagedly receive the support leg in order to place the apparatus in a collapsed position with the support leg being secured at or near the leg of the ladder.

[0023] In another aspect of the present invention, the new ladder stabilizing system generally comprises a ladder, a first stabilizing assembly and a second stabilizing assembly. The ladder has a first side with a first ladder leg, a second side with a second ladder leg and a plurality of ladder steps that interconnect the first ladder leg and second ladder leg. The first stabilizing assembly has a stabilizing mechanism associated with the first ladder leg and a support leg that is attached to or integral with the stabilizing mechanism of the first stabilizing assembly. The stabilizing mechanism has a mounting bracket, a rotating assembly and a pivoting assembly, the mounting bracket being attached to or integral with the first ladder leg, the rotating assembly being structured and arranged to selectively rotate the support leg of the first stabilizing assembly to place the apparatus in a stabilizing position, and the pivoting assembly being structured and arranged to selectively pivot the support leg of the first stabilizing assembly to place the apparatus in the stabilizing position. The second stabilizing assembly has a stabilizing mechanism associated with the second ladder leg and a support leg that is attached to or integral with the stabilizing mechanism of the second stabilizing assembly. The stabilizing mechanism of the second stabilizing assembly also has a mounting bracket, a rotating assembly and a pivoting assembly, with the mounting bracket attached to or integral with the second ladder leg, the rotating assembly being structured and arranged to selectively rotate the support leg of the second stabilizing assembly to place the apparatus in a stabilizing position, and the pivoting assembly being structured and arranged to selectively pivot the support leg of the second stabilizing assembly to place the apparatus in the stabilizing position. The stabilizing mechanism of the first stabilizing assembly and the stabilizing mechanism of the second stabilizing assembly are utilized to move the apparatus between the stabilizing position for providing stabilizing support for the ladder and a collapsed position for ease of transporting or storing the ladder with the apparatus attached thereto. Alternatively, in the preferred embodiments, the first and second stabilizing assemblies can be removed from the ladder. In the preferred embodiments, the mounting bracket of each of the first stabilizing assembly and the second stabilizing assembly has a mounting plate and the rotating assembly of each of the first stabilizing assembly and the second stabilizing assembly has a control ring attached to or integral with the mounting plate and a rotating plate rotatably associated with the control ring so as to rotate relative to the control ring. The support leg of each of the first stabilizing assembly and the second stabilizing assembly is connected to the rotating plate so as to allow rotation of the support leg. The rotating plate is received into a mounting area of the control ring so as to rotate therein and the rotating assembly comprises a rotation limiting mechanism that is structured and arrange to limit the rotation of the rotating plate in the mounting area of the control ring and a locking assembly to allow or prevent rotation of the rotating plate. The pivoting assembly of each of the first stabilizing assembly and the second stabilizing assembly has a pivot bracket that is attached to or integral with the rotating plate, a shoulder rod supported by the pivot bracket, a pivot rod supported by the pivot bracket, a clevis bracket pivotally disposed on the pivot rod and connected to the support leg, and a locking assembly associated with the pivot rod to allow or prevent pivoting of the clevis bracket and the support leg. The clevis bracket is sized and configured to contact the shoulder rod to limit pivoting movement of the clevis bracket and the support leg.

[0024] Accordingly, the primary object of the present invention is to provide a new ladder stabilizing apparatus and system that has the various advantages which are set forth above and which overcomes the limitations of ladders and any presently available ladder stabilizing apparatuses and systems.

[0025] It is an important object of the present invention to provide a new ladder stabilizing apparatus and system that is utilized with ladders, including elongated non-extension ladders, extension ladders and step ladders, to better stabilize the ladder while a user is going up or down the ladder by reducing the risk the ladder will tilt or otherwise fall and / or cause the user of the ladder to fall off the ladder.

[0026] It is also an important object of the present invention to provide a new ladder stabilizing apparatus and system that better stabilizes a ladder by engaging the lower support surface on which the ladder is standing on or positioned against to allow a user to more safely move up and down the ladder by lessening the risk the ladder will tilt to the user’s left or right or otherwise fall and / or cause the user to fall off the ladder.

[0027] It is also an important object of the present invention to provide a new ladder stabilizing apparatus and system that is utilized with ladders in which the user is able to easily and quickly deploy the apparatus to help stabilize the ladder for use thereof and to collapse the apparatus when it is not needed for ease of transporting and storing the ladder.

[0028] An important aspect of the present invention is that it provides a new ladder stabilizing apparatus and system which accomplishes the objectives set forth above and elsewhere in the present disclosure.

[0029] Another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides a new ladder stabilizing apparatus and system for use to stabilize a ladder, including elongated non-extension ladders, extension ladders and step ladders, which substantially reduces the likelihood that the ladder will tilt sideways or otherwise fall, either of which can cause the user of the ladder to fall and result in injury or death to the user.

[0030] Another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides a new ladder stabilizing apparatus and system which is structured and arranged to better stabilize a ladder when the ladder is standing on or positioned against the ground or other lower support surface to allow a user to more safely move up and down the ladder by substantially reducing the risk the ladder will tilt sideways or will otherwise fall and / or cause the user to fall off the ladder, either of which can result in injury to or the death of the user.

[0031] Another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides a new ladder stabilizing apparatus and system for use with ladders which is allows the user to easily and quickly deploy the apparatus in order to better stabilize a ladder so he or she can more safely move up and down the ladder and to collapse the stabilizing apparatus when the apparatus is not needed for ease of transporting and storing the ladder, with the apparatus still attached thereto, or to remove the apparatus from the ladder so the user can utilize the apparatus with a different ladder.

[0032] Yet another important aspect of the present invention is that it provides a new ladder stabilizing apparatus and system for use with ladders which is readily adaptable for use with a wide variety of different types of ladders, including elongated (non-extension) ladders, extension ladders, and step ladders and which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture so it can be widely utilized with ladders to improve the safe use thereof.

[0033] As will be explained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiments which follow, the above and other objects and aspects are accomplished or provided by the present invention. As set forth herein and will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the art, the present invention resides in the novel features of form, construction and mode of operation presently described and understood by the claims. The description of the invention which follows is presented for purposes of illustrating one or more of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of the invention. As will be readily appreciated by those persons who are skilled in the relevant art, the scope of the invention is only limited by the claims which follow after the discussion.

[0034] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments and the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

[0036] FIG. 1 is a front view of a prior art extension ladder that can be utilized with the new stabilizing apparatus and system of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 2 is a side view of the extension ladder of FIG. 1 shown on a surface and leaning against and being supported by an object having a wall and a roof;

[0038] FIG. 3 is a right side perspective view of a step ladder that can be utilized with the new stabilizing apparatus and system of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 4 is a front view of the step ladder of FIG. 3 shown on a surface;

[0040] FIG. 5 is a left side perspective view of a stabilizing apparatus and system that are a configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in its stabilizing position stabilizing the step ladder of FIG. 3, which step ladder is shown on a surface;

[0041] FIG. 6 is a front view of the stabilizing apparatus and system of FIG. 5;

[0042] FIG. 7 is a side view of the stabilizing apparatus and system of FIG. 6;

[0043] FIG. 8 is a closeup view of the stabilizing mechanism of FIG. 5 that is mounted on the first ladder leg of the step ladder of FIG. 5;

[0044] FIG. 9 is a closeup view of the stabilizing mechanism of FIG. 5 that is mounted on the second ladder leg of the step ladder of FIG. 5;

[0045] FIG. 10 is a closeup view of the engaging mechanism of FIG. 5 that is mounted on the first ladder leg of the step ladder of FIG. 5;

[0046] FIG. 11 is a closeup view of the engaging mechanism of FIG. 5 that is mounted on the second ladder leg of the step ladder of FIG. 5;

[0047] FIG. 12 is a left side perspective view of the stabilizing apparatus of FIG.

[0048] 5 shown without the step ladder and surface of FIG. 5;

[0049] FIG. 13 is a left side perspective view of the stabilizing mechanism that is attached to the first ladder leg of FIG. 12, shown separate from a ladder and connected to a portion of the support leg; FIG. 14 is a right side perspective view of the stabilizing mechanism of

[0050] FIG. 13;

[0051] FIG. 15 is a back perspective view of the stabilizing mechanism of FIG. 14;

[0052] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the stabilizing mechanism of FIG. 13, shown without the portion of the support leg;

[0053] FIG. 17 is a front view of the stabilizing mechanism of FIG. 16;

[0054] FIG. 18 is a back view of the stabilizing mechanism of FIG. 17;

[0055] FIG. 19 is an exploded front perspective view of the stabilizing mechanism of FIG. 16;

[0056] FIG. 20 is a partially exploded view of the stabilizing mechanism of FIG. 16 showing the rotating assembly, the pivoting assembly and the securing mechanism separate from the mounting bracket and securing mechanism;

[0057] FIG. 21 is a left perspective view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 20;

[0058] FIG. 22 is a front view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 21 ;

[0059] FIG. 23 is a back view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 22;

[0060] FIG. 24 is an exploded front view of the rotating assembly of FIG. 20 showing the rotating plate separate from the angle control ring;

[0061] FIG. 25 is an exploded front perspective view of the pivoting assembly of FIG. 20, with the leg attachment tube attached to or integral with the clevis thereof;

[0062] FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of the engaging mechanism of the apparatus of FIG. 5 that is attached to the second ladder leg of the ladder of FIG. 5;

[0063] FIG. 27 is a back perspective view of the engaging mechanism of

[0064] FIG. 26;

[0065] FIG. 28 is an exploded front perspective view of the engaging mechanism of FIG. 26; and

[0066] FIG. 29 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 shown in its collapsed condition, with the apparatus shown attached to the step ladder of FIG. 6 without the surface. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0067] AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0068] With reference to the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader’s understanding of the present invention, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosed figures are illustrative of several potential preferred embodiments and, therefore, are included to represent several different ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses are illustrated, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and shown in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein. For instance, although the description and figures included herewith generally describe and show particular configurations for the new ladder stabilizing apparatus and system, persons who are skilled in the relevant art will readily appreciate that the present invention and situations in which the invention can be utilized are not so limited. For instance, the ladder stabilizing apparatus and system of the present invention may be utilized with a wide variety of different types and sizes of ladders and in a wide range of different types of situations where improved ladder stability is desired. In addition, the exemplary embodiments of the present device set forth herein are shown and described with only those components which are required to disclose the present invention. As such, many of the necessary components for manufacturing and using the present invention are not shown in the drawings or necessarily described below, but which are well known to persons who are skilled in the relevant art. As will be readily appreciated by such persons, the various elements of the present invention that are described below may take on any form that is consistent with forms which are readily realized by one of ordinary skill in the art having knowledge of prior art ladders and apparatuses and systems for stabilizing ladders.

[0069] A ladder stabilizing apparatus that is configured pursuant to one or more embodiments of the present invention is referenced as 10 in FIGS. 5-7, 12 and 29. A ladder stabilizing system that is configured pursuant to one or more embodiments of the present invention that includes ladder stabilizing apparatus 10 (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus 10") is shown as 12 in FIGS. 5-7 and 29. As shown in these figures and set forth in more detail below, in one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 10 and system are structured and arranged to be utilized with extension ladders 14, an example of which is shown in FIGS. 1-2, and step ladders 16, example of which is shown in FIGS. 3-7 and 29, that are utilized on a support surface 17, such as the ground or a sidewalk, patio, driveway, floor, or the like on which a ladder, including ladders 14 / 16 is positioned.

[0070] As will be readily understood by persons who are skilled in the art, the references to the extension ladders 14 below and in the relevant figures is also relevant to elongated, non-extension type ladders, which are generally configured similar to the extension ladder 14 shown in the figures except as to those components which are necessary for the extension ladder 14 to extend and retract, and that the present apparatus 10 and system 12 can also be used with such ladders. The new apparatus 10 and system 12 may also be utilized with other types of ladders. As set forth in more detail below, the new apparatus 10 and system 12 of the present invention increases the stability of a ladder (including ladders 14 / 16), particularly while a user moves up and down the ladder as the ladder is on surface 17, so as to substantially reduce the likelihood of the ladder tilting and (if the ladder tilts enough) falling and, therefore, reduces the likelihood the user will be injured or killed by falling off of a tilting or falling ladder or by falling to the surface 17 with the ladder.

[0071] A typical prior art extension ladder 14 is shown in FIGS. 1 -2. As is well known in the relevant art, an extension ladder 14 has a base section 18 and an upper or fly section 20 that are positioned in abutting relation to each other with the fly section 20 configured to slidably move against the base section 18 so that it may extend upward as needed for use and collapse downward when the additional length (height) is not needed for ease of transporting and storing extension ladder 14. As best shown in FIG. 1 , the base section 18 of the extension ladder 14 has a plurality of rungs 22 that each, independently, interconnect a first or left side rail 24 and a second or right side rail 26, which typically is at least substantially parallel to the first / left side rail 24. As also best shown in FIG. 1 , the fly section 20 of the extension ladder 14 also has a plurality of rungs 28 that each, independently, interconnect a first or left side rail 30 and a second or right side rail 32, which is typically at least substantially parallel to the first / left side rail 30. The ladder 14 has a lower end 34, which corresponds to the lower end of the side rails 24 / 26 of the base section 18, and an upper end 36, which corresponds to the upper end of the rails 30 / 32 the fly section 20. The first / left side rails 24 of the base section 18 and the first / left side rails 30 of the fly section 20 define a first or left side 38 of the extension ladder 14 and the second / right side rails 26 of the base section and the second / right side rails 32 of the fly section 20 define a second or right side 40 of the extension ladder 14.

[0072] As also well known in the art, the extension ladder 14 has a securing mechanism 42 that locks the position of the fly section 20 of the extension ladder 14 relative to its base section 18 when the fly section 20 is raised (extended) to increase the height of extension ladder 14. Various types of locking mechanisms 42 can be utilized with extension ladders 14. In the configuration shown in the figures, the securing mechanism 42 is referred to as a rung lock 44 that is attached to the fly section 20 and configured to engage a rung 22 of the base section 18 to securely hold the position of the fly section 10 relative to the base section 18, as best shown in FIG.

[0073] 1 . The lower end 34 of the ladder 14 has an anti-slip foot 46 at the bottom of each of the side rails 24 / 26 of the base section 18 that are sized and configured to be placed on a lower support surface 17, such as the ground or a driveway, patio or the like, when the extension ladder 14 is being leaned against an object 48, as shown in FIG.

[0074] 2, in a manner which allows the user of the ladder 14 to move up and down the ladder 14 using the rungs 22 / 28 thereof. In FIG. 2, the object 48 is a building or the like having a generally vertical wall 50 and an angled roof 52, with the extension ladder 14 being utilized to allow a user to access and, if desired, get onto and off of the angled roof 52 of the building 48. As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the art, the use of a building as the object 48 with regard to the use of the extension ladder 14 is for exemplary purposes only. For instance, in other uses of extension ladder 14, the object 48 may be a tree, pole or the like. The feet 46 at the lower end 34 of the ladder 14 are selected to prevent the extension ladder 14 slipping or otherwise moving (generally outward), which could cause the user to fall to the surface 17 and be injured or killed. Unfortunately, as set forth in the Background, the problem with use of the feet 46 as the stabilizing device to prevent undesirable movement of the ladder 14 is that, often, the feet 46 are not usually able to prevent tilting or other sideways movement of the extension ladder 14. As set forth below, the stabilizing apparatus 10 and system 12 of the present invention solve this problem.

[0075] For purposes of disclosing and describing the present invention, the terms “front”, “forward”, “forwardly” and the like, the terms “back”, “rearward” and “rearwardly” and the like, the terms “left” and “right”, the terms “top”, “upper”, “upward”, “upwardly and the like and the terms “bottom” are utilized to reference locations that are on or related to the prior art extension ladder 14 with regard to the position of the user when he or she is facing toward the rungs 22 / 28 of the base section 18 or fly section 20 of the extension ladder 14 either before or after moving upward or downward on the rungs 22 / 28. As such, the front side 54 of the ladder 14 is that side of the extension ladder 14 the user moves up and down using the rungs 22 / 28 and the back side 56 of the ladder 14 is that side of the extension ladder 14 which is leaning against the object 48 in FIG. 2. In use, the lower end 34 of the ladder 14 is placed against the lower support surface 17 (e.g., the ground) and the back side 56 of the ladder 14 leans against the object 48 such that the upper end 36 of the ladder 14 may be above the contact point of the object 48 against which the ladder 14 leans. The use of the extension ladder 14 with the apparatus 10 and system 12 of the present invention is substantially the same as use of the extension ladder 14 without apparatus 10 and system 12, except with significantly improved stabilization preventing tilting and the related falling which is provided by the apparatus 10 and system 12.

[0076] A typical prior art step ladder 16 is shown, separately, in FIGS. 3-4. As well known in the relevant art, the prior art step ladder 16 can be formed into a generally A-shaped frame 58 having a pair of elongated front legs that are shown as a first or left front leg 60 and a second or right front leg 62, a pair of elongated back legs that are shown as a first or left back leg 64 and a second or right leg 66, a pair of locking spreader mechanisms 68 and a top cap 70. The two front legs 60 / 62 define a front side 72 of the step ladder 16, the two back legs 64 / 66 define a back side 74 of the step ladder 16, the first / left front leg 60 and first / left back leg 64 define a first or left side 76 of the step ladder 16, and the second / right front leg 62 and right second back leg 66 define a second or right side 78 of the step ladder 16, as shown in FIGS. 3-4. Each of the front legs 60 / 62 have a lower end 80 and an upper end 82 and each of the back legs 64 / 66 have a lower end 84 and an upper end 86 when the step ladder 16 is in its upright position (as shown in FIGS. 3-4).

[0077] Each of the upper ends 82 of the front legs 60 / 62 and each of the upper ends 86 of the back legs 64 / 66 are connected to the top cap 70. Typically, the upper ends 82 of the front legs 60 / 62 are fixedly attached to the top cap 70 at a fixed angle relative to the horizontally positioned top cap 70 and the upper ends 86 of the back legs 64 / 66 are pivotally attached to the top cap 70 to allow the back legs 64 / 66 to pivot toward and away from the front legs 60 / 62 to support the step ladder 16 in its open position 88, as best shown in FIG. 3. Typically, the pivotal back legs 64 / 66 are shorter than the fixed front legs 60 / 62 so the step ladder 16 can be sturdily and safely placed on a surface 17, such as the ground or a floor, patio, porch and the like, when the step ladder 16 is in its opened position. In a common configuration, the lower ends 80 of the front legs 60 / 62 and the lower ends 84 of the back legs 64 / 66 are provided with a non-slip member (not shown), which may be a cap-like member or coated directly on the legs 60 / 62 / 64 / 66, that is selected to create friction with the surface 17 to reduce the likelihood of unwanted and potentially dangerous forward and rearward movement of the step ladder 16 when a person is moving up and down step ladder 16. As well known to persons who are skilled in the relevant art, the non- slip members do not offer much, if any, support with regard to preventing the step ladder 16 tilting or otherwise falling to the left or right while the user is on step ladder 16, which can cause the step ladder 16 to fall and / or result in injury or death of the user. As noted above, the apparatus 10 and system 12 of the present invention solves the problem with regard to tilting of a step ladder 16 and, as such, will substantially reduce the risk of injury to or death of the user using a step ladder 16.

[0078] The fixed connection of the front legs 60 / 62 and the pivotal connection of the back legs 64 / 66 to the top cap 70 are utilized to provide structural support for the step ladder 16 to hold the step ladder 16 in its closed position (not shown) and, more particularly, in its upright opened position 88 shown in FIG. 3. The locking spreader mechanisms 68, which connect the first / left front leg 60 to first / left back leg 64 and connect the second / right front leg 62 to the second / right back leg 66, are configured to allow the user to easily, quickly and securely move the step ladder 16 between its closed position and opened position 88 and to structurally support the step ladder 16 when the step ladder 16 is in its opened position 88. Specifically, as well known to persons who are skilled in the art, each of the locking spreader mechanisms 68 interconnect their respective front / back legs (i.e. , legs 60 / 64 and 62 / 66) and are structured and arranged to securely lock when they are placed in their elongated condition when the step ladder 16 is in its opened position 88, as shown in FIG. 1 , and to pivotally fold to allow the step ladder 16 to move to its folded closed position with the front legs 60 / 62 and back legs 64 / 66 being substantially adjacent to each other.

[0079] Additional structural support for the step ladder 16, specially when it is in its opened positioned 88, is provided by a plurality of perpendicularly disposed steps 90 between and interconnecting the front legs 60 / 62 on the front side 72 of the step ladder 16 and a plurality of perpendicularly disposed cross- members 92 between and interconnecting the back legs 64 / 66 on the back on back side 74 of the step ladder 16. In some configurations, the step ladder 16 may have (as may be necessary) a plurality of angularly disposed brace members that connect either a step 90 with a front leg 60 / 62 or connect a cross- member 92 with a back leg 64 / 66. As well known to persons who utilize step ladders 16, the steps 90 are utilized by the user as he or she moves upward along the front side 72 of the step ladder 16 to reach the desired or necessary height to accomplish his or her objective(s) and then moves down on to exit the step ladder 16 onto surface 17. Each step 90 has an upwardly disposed upper surface on which the user places his or her foot, typically while using his or her hands to hold onto one or both of the front legs 60 / 62, to safely move up or down the step ladder 16. The apparatus 10 and system 12 of the present invention are utilized to improve the safe use of the extension ladder 14 and step ladder 16 with which it is used so as to substantially reduce the likelihood the ladders 14 / 16 will tilt or fall while the user is on the ladder 14 / 16, which could result in injury to or death of the user. As will be readily apparent to persons who are skilled in the relevant art, the apparatus 10 and system 12 of the present invention can be used with either type of ladder 14 / 16, as well as other similarly configured ladders (e.g., non-extension, elongated ladders) to improve the safe use thereof. In one of the preferred embodiments of the apparatus 10 and system 12, the present invention generally comprises a stabilizing mechanism 100, an elongated support leg 102 (preferably being telescopically configured) and an engaging mechanism 104 associated with, such as being attached to or formed integrally with, each of the first / left side 38 / 76 and the second / right side 40 / 78 of the ladder 14 / 16, as shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 29 with regard to the step ladder 16. As will be readily understood by persons who are skilled in the art, during use of the ladders 14 / 16, the user moves up and down the front side 54 / 72 of the ladders 14 / 16 by stepping on the steps 22 / 28 / 90 between, respectively, the legs 24 / 26 of the base section 18 or legs 30 / 32 of the fly section 20 of the extension ladder 14, or on the legs 60 / 62 of the step ladder 16, as these components are best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, typically while he or she grasps or holds onto the legs 24 / 26, 30 / 32 or 60 / 62 with his or her hands. For purposes of describing the attachment and use of the apparatus 10 with the ladders 14 / 16 and to simplify the discussion with regard to the present disclosure, the first / left legs 24 / 30 / 60 are collectively referred to hereinafter as the first or left ladder legs 106, the second / right legs 26 / 32 / 62 are collectively referred to hereinafter as the second or right ladder legs 108 and the steps 22 / 28 / 90 are referred to as the ladder steps 110, as best shown in FIGS. 5-7.

[0080] As best shown in FIGS. 5-7, 12 and 29, the apparatus 10 of the present invention is attached to each of the first / left side 30 / 76 and second / right side 32 / 78 of a ladder 14 / 16, with the stabilizing mechanism 100 being attached to or integral with first / left ladder leg 106 and second / right ladder leg 108 toward the upper ends 36 / 82 thereof and the engaging mechanism 104 being attached to or integral with the ladder legs 106 / 108 toward the lower ends 34 / 84 thereof. The components of the stabilizing mechanism 100 function together to allow the user to, preferably, easily and quickly, adjustably move and position the support leg 102 associated therewith so as to place the apparatus 10 in its engaged or stabilizing position 112 (shown in FIGS. 5-7) to help stabilize a ladder 14 / 16 to prevent the ladder 14 / 16 from tilting or falling, which action could result in injury or death to a person who moving up or down the ladder 14 / 16 on ladder steps 110, and then to allow the user to move the support legs 102 to the engaging mechanism 104 to place the apparatus 10 in its collapsed position 114 (shown in FIG. 29) for ease of moving and / or storing the ladder 14 / 16 with the apparatus 10 thereon. Specifically, the components of the engaging mechanism 104 function together to secure the support legs 102 on each of the first / left side 30 / 76 and the second / right side 32 / 78 to the respective first / left ladder leg 106 and second / right ladder leg 108, as shown in FIG. 29 with regard to step ladder 16, to allow the user to leave the stabilizing apparatus 10 on the ladder 14 / 16 after use thereof to allow the user to more easily move, store or reposition the ladder 14 / 16. When the user wants to use the ladder 14 / 16 again, he or she merely has to disengage the support legs 102 from the engaging mechanisms 104 on each of the first / left side 30 / 76 and the second / right side 32 / 78 of the ladder 14 / 16 and, using the stabilizing mechanism 100, move the support legs 102 into the desired position to provide the stabilizing benefit for the ladder 14 / 16, such as shown in FIG. 5-7 with regard to use of the apparatus 10 with a step ladder 16.

[0081] As will be readily understood by persons who are skilled in the relevant art, the new apparatus 10 is subdivided into a first stabilizing assembly 116 and a second stabilizing assembly 118, as best shown in FIGS. 6 and 12. The first stabilizing assembly 116, comprising a stabilizing mechanism 100, support leg 102 and engaging mechanism 104, is structured and arranged to be attached to or otherwise associated with the first / left ladder leg 106 and the second stabilizing assembly 118, comprising a stabilizing mechanism 100, support leg 102 and engaging mechanism 104, is structured and arranged to be attached to or otherwise associated with the second / right ladder leg 108. For purposes of one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the components of the first stabilizing assembly 116 and second stabilizing assembly 118 are configured substantially the same, just placed on different ladder legs 106 / 108 of a ladder 14 / 16. These components function together to, as explained in more detail below, allow the stabilizing mechanism 100 to be attached to, integral with or otherwise associated with one of the ladder legs 106 / 108, connect to the support leg 102 and allow the user to easily and quickly rotate and pivot the support legs 102 of the apparatus 10 to move the apparatus 10 between the stabilizing position 112 and collapsed position 114, shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 29.

[0082] In one embodiment, the new apparatus 10 is structured and arranged to be removably attached to a ladder 14 / 16 so that the apparatus 10 can be placed on the ladder 14 / 16 when needed for improved stabilization and then removed when the apparatus 10 is not needed and, perhaps, place on a different ladder 14 / 16 for improved stabilization thereof. In other embodiments, the apparatus 10 can be fixedly attached to a ladder 14 / 16, such as being attached by screws, bolts, rivets or the like or by welding, use of adhesives or other mechanisms of fixedly securing the apparatus 10 to a ladder 14 / 16. In yet other embodiments, the new apparatus 10 may be integrally formed with a ladder 14 / 16, with the one or more of the components of the stabilizing mechanism 100 being integral with a ladder leg 106 / 108 of the ladder 14 / 16 to which the apparatus 10 is associated.

[0083] The stabilizing mechanism 100 of the new apparatus 10 of the present invention, best shown in FIGS. 8-9 and 13-25, generally comprises a mounting bracket 120, a rotating assembly 122, a pivoting assembly 124, a securing mechanism 126 and a leg attachment tube 128. The mounting bracket 120, which is structured and arranged to be attached to one of the first / left ladder leg 106 or the second / right ladder leg 108 (as part of the first stabilizing assembly 116 or the second stabilizing assembly 118), has a mounting plate 130 that is formed or otherwise provided with a U-shaped section 132 that defines an interior area 134, as best shown in FIGS. 13-16 and 18-23, in which a ladder leg 106 / 108 is received to mount the apparatus 10 on a ladder 14 / 16, as best shown in FIGS. 8-11 , to be held in place on the ladder legs 106 / 108 by the securing mechanism 126.

[0084] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the mounting plate 130 has a mounting section 136 and a securing section 138, as best shown in FIG. 21 , with the mounting section 136 being the upper area of the forward facing mounting face 140 of the mounting plate 130 and the securing section 138 being the lower area of the mounting plate 130. As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the art, however, the location of these two sections 136 / 138 can be switched or they can be combined in one area of the mounting plate 130. Both the rotating assembly 122 and pivoting assembly 124 are mounted to the mounting section 136 and the securing mechanism 126 engages the securing section 138 to hold the mounting bracket 120 on a ladder leg 106 / 108, as best shown in FIGS. 8-11 , 16-17 and 19-22. As set forth in more detail below, the rotating assembly 122 is attached in a manner that allows the support leg 102 to rotate relative to the mounting plate 130 of mounting bracket 120 and the pivoting assembly 124, which is attached to the rotating assembly 122, is configured to allow the support leg 102 to pivot relative to the mounting plate 130. The securing section 138 of the mounting plate 130 is configured to facilitate the use and operation of the securing mechanism 126. More specifically, the securing section 138 comprises one or more cut-out areas 142 that are cooperatively sized and configured with securing mechanism 126 to securely attach (in the embodiments where the apparatus 10 is removably attached to the ladder 14 / 16) the stabilizing mechanism 100 to one of the ladder legs 106 / 108 of ladder 14 / 16. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in the figures, the mounting plate 130 has two cut-out areas, shown as 142a and 142b, on generally opposite sides of the securing section 138 of the mounting plate 130, as best shown in FIGS. 19-20. As shown in FIGS. 8, 16 and 18, the securing mechanism 126 is received through the one or more cut-out areas 142 (e.g., cut-out areas 142a and 142b) to secure the stabilizing mechanism 100 to the support leg 106 / 108 of the relevant first stabilizing assembly 116 or second stabilizing assembly 118. As will be readily understood by persons who are skilled in the relevant art, the securing section 138 of the mounting plate 130 can be modified as necessary to better correspond to a different size or type of securing mechanism 126. As set forth above, the rotating assembly 122 of the stabilizing mechanism 100 is structured and arranged to rotate the support leg 102 from its collapsed position 114 to a desired stabilizing position 116, as best shown with regard to FIGS. 5-7 and 29. As set forth in more detail below, the support leg 102 attaches to the pivoting assembly 124 to be pivoted thereby and the pivoting assembly 124 attaches to the rotating assembly 122 to be rotated thereby, which allows rotating of the support leg. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotating assembly 122 comprises a control ring 144 and a rotating plate 146, as best shown in FIGS. 19-20 and 24. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the control ring 144 is fixed to the mounting plate 130 and the rotating plate 146 is allowed to, in a controllable manner, rotate relative to control ring 144 and, therefore, the mounting plate 130 of the mounting bracket 120. The control ring 144 is mounted directly to the mounting face 140 in the mounting section 136 of the mounting plate 130 using screws, bolts or other ring connectors 148 through ring mounting apertures 150 in the control ring 144, which are best shown in FIGS 19-20 and 24. The control ring 144, which is generally ring- shaped, defines an open mounting area 152 in which is received the rotating plate 146 to support the rotating plate 146 as it rotates relative to the control ring 144.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stabilizing mechanism 100 has a rotation limiting mechanism 154 that limits the amount of angular rotation which is allowed for the rotating plate 146 relative to the control ring 144. Due to the connection to the support leg 102, via the connection to the pivoting assembly 124, safely limits the amount of rotation which is allowed for the support leg 102. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotating limiting mechanism 154 comprises one or more angle control members 156, with three shown in the figures, that project inward into the open mounting area 152, as best shown in FIG. 24. The angle control members 156 are cooperatively sized and configured with the rotating plate 146 to control, by limiting, the amount of rotation which is allowed for the rotating plate 146. For the rotating limiting mechanism 154, the rotating plate 146 has one or more control areas 158 (in an equal number to the angle control members 156, as best shown in FIG. 24) that are cooperatively sized and configured with the angle control members 156 so they each receive one angle control member 156, as best shown in FIG. 20, and limit the amount which the angle control members 156 can move within the control areas 158 to limit the amount of rotation allowed for the rotating plate 146 and, therefore, the support leg 102 that is connected thereto. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the rotating limiting mechanism 154 limits the rotation of the rotating plate 146 to approximately thirty degrees, which allows the user to rotate the support leg 102 outward from being aligned with the ladder leg 106 / 108 in the collapsed position 114, as shown in FIG. 29, to the outward stabilizing position 112, as best shown in FIGS. 5-6. As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the angle control members 156 and the control areas 158 must be sufficiently rigid and strong to prevent any unwanted rotating movement of the rotating plate 146 relative to the control ring 144, such as might occur if either component were to break, which unwanted movement could allow the support leg 102 to undesirably rotate beyond what is safe and could result in failure of the new stabilizing apparatus 10 of the present invention, which could cause the ladder and the user to fall.

[0086] The rotating assembly 122 also has a locking assembly 160 to lock or otherwise prevent rotation of the rotating plate 146 and support leg 102 after the user moves support leg 102 outward to place the stabilizing mechanism 100 in its stabilizing position 112 to stabilize a ladder 14 / 16 or inward to place stabilizing mechanism 100 in its collapsed position 114. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking assembly 160 comprises an adjustment knob 162 that is attached to a connecting element 164, which components are best shown in FIGS. 16-17 and 19-20. In the figures, the connecting element 164 is a threaded bolt that passes through an locking aperture 166 in the mounting section 136 of the mounting plate 130, as best shown in FIGS. 19-22, and through an aperture 167 in the rotating plate 146. As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the relevant art, rotating the adjustment knob 162 one way tightens it against the rotating plate 146 to prevent rotation thereof and rotating the adjustment knob 162 the other way loosens it relative to the rotating plate 146 to allow the rotating plate 146, and support leg 102, to rotate. As set forth above, the new apparatus 10 has a pivoting assembly 124 that allows the support leg 102 to pivot from being generally against a ladder leg 106 / 108 when the apparatus 10 is in its collapsed position 114 to being away from the ladder legs 106 / 108 when in its stabilizing position 112, as best shown relative to FIGS. 5-6 and 29. The pivoting assembly 124 generally comprises a pivot bracket 168 that attaches to the rotating plate 146 to rotate therewith, a shoulder rod 170 through the pivot bracket 168, a clevis bracket 172 that pivots on the shoulder rod 170 relative to the pivot bracket 168, a pivot rod 169 about which the clevis bracket 172 pivots and a locking assembly 174 that allows or prevents pivoting of the clevis bracket 172, as best shown in FIGS. 19 and 25. The pivot bracket 168 attaches to the rotating plate 146 using one or more, preferably a plurality of, bracket connectors 176 that pass through the plate mounting apertures 178 in rotating plate 146 and into threaded bracket apertures 180 of the pivot bracket 168, as best shown in FIGS. 20 and 24-25. The pivot bracket 168 also has a knob aperture 182 through which the adjustment knob 162 passes to engage the rotating plate 146 and allow or prevent rotation thereof (as described above).

[0087] The clevis bracket 172 has one or more semi-rounded pivot shoulders 184 which rotatably abut the shoulder rod 170, as best shown in FIGS. 16 and 20, when the pivot assembly 124 is operated to pivot the support leg 102 attached thereto. As also shown in these figures, the clevis bracket 172 pivots about the pivot rod 169, which passes through and is supported by the pivot bracket 168. The locking assembly 174 is at one end of the pivot rod 169 and a pivot rod nut 186 is at the opposite end of the pivot rod 169. The locking assembly 174 in the figures, as best shown in FIGS. 19-20 and 25, comprises clamping handle 188 that is pivoted up or down on the pivot rod 169, as held in place by the pivot rod nut 186, to clamp or unclamp (engage or disengage) the locking assembly 174 and either prevent or allow the clevis bracket 172 to pivot relative to the pivot bracket 168, which will pivot outward or inward the support leg 102 when the stabilizing mechanism 100 is moved between its stabilizing position 112 and its collapsed position 114. Because the pivot bracket 168 is attached to the rotating plate 146, when the rotating plate 146 is allowed to rotate relative to the fixed control ring 144, upon loosening of the adjustment knob 162, the pivoting assembly 124 will also rotate, thereby allowing the support leg 102 to both rotate and pivot relative to the mounting bracket 120 of the stabilizing mechanism 100 that is attached to the ladder leg 106 / 108. Likewise, when the adjustment knob 162 is tightened to prevent rotation of the rotating plate 146, the pivoting assembly 124 and, therefore, the support leg 102 will not rotate relative to the mounting bracket 120. The use of a shoulder rod 170, clevis bracket 172 and clamping handle 188, as described above and shown in the figures, are generally well known items to persons who are skilled in the relevant art.

[0088] As set forth above, in a preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10 of the present invention, the stabilizing mechanism 100 has a securing mechanism 126 that securely attaches the stabilizing mechanism 100 to a ladder leg 106 / 108, but which allows the user to easily and quickly remove the stabilizing mechanism 100 when he or she desires to place it on a different ladder 14 / 16. In the figures, the securing mechanism 126 is a strap 190 having securing device 192, as best shown in FIGS. 19-20. In the figures, the securing device 192 is a hook-and-loop connector (such as Velcro® or the like). The strap 190 encircles the mounting bracket 120 to secure the stabilizing mechanism 100 to the ladder leg 106 / 108 of a ladder 14 / 16. As best shown in FIGS. 8-11 and 13-18, the strap 190 encircles the securing section 138 of the mounting plate 130 at the cut-out areas 142 thereof. The strap 190 and cut-out areas 142 are, preferably, cooperatively sized and configured such that the strap 190 will not move in the cut-out areas 142 when the user tightens the strap 190 around the mounting bracket 120 and ladder leg 106 / 108. A wide variety of different types of straps can be used for strap 190. Likewise, the securing device 192 can be snaps, buttons, ties or a wide variety of other types of connectors that allow a user to securely tighten a strap around an object (such as strap 190 around mounting bracket 120) and hold it in the tighten condition until released by the user.

[0089] As set forth above and shown in the figures, the support leg 102 of the apparatus 10 on each side 76 / 78 of the ladder 14 / 6, extends generally downward from the stabilizing mechanism 100 to, when the apparatus 10 is in its stabilizing position 112, engage the support surface 17 (as shown in FIGS. 5-7) and assist in stabilizing the ladder 14 / 16, particularly when a person is moving up and down the ladder 14 / 16. When the apparatus 10 is in its collapsed position 114, as shown in FIG. 29, the support legs 102 extend generally along their respective ladder legs 106 / 108 and are securely held (in a preferred embodiment) in place with engaging mechanism 104 to prevent the support legs 102 from undesirably moving when the ladder 14 / 16 is being moved or stored. As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the art, although the support legs 102 can be made out of a wide variety of materials and in a wide variety of different styles, the support legs 102 must be sufficiently strong and rigid to provide the desired stabilizing effect for the ladder 14 / 16 and persons on the ladder 14 / 16 in order to provide the stabilizing benefits of the present invention.

[0090] The support legs 102 have an upper end 194 that connects, directly or indirectly, to the stabilizing mechanism 100 and a lower end 196 that contacts the surface 17 or another surface which will provide the support which enables the apparatus 10 to help stabilize a ladder 14 / 16, as best shown in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the upper end 194 of the support leg 102 can be integrally formed with or fixedly attached to one or more components of the stabilizing mechanism 100. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the upper end 194 of the support legs 102 are received in or otherwise connects to the leg attachment tube 128 of the stabilizing mechanism 100. In the embodiment where the leg attachment tube 128 has a diameter or is otherwise sized for the upper end 194 of a support leg 102 to be received therein, the two components can be cooperatively configured for the upper end 194 of the support leg 102 to be engaged by the leg attachment tube 128, such as using a friction engaging connection, threaded connection, biased pin and aperture connection, aperture and key pin connection or a variety of other connection mechanisms to join the support leg 102 to the leg attachment tube 128. The lower end 196 of the support legs 102 can be the leg itself or it can comprise a foot, rubber non-slip members, stakes or other devices to provide a more secure engagement with the surface 17 for stabilization of the ladder 14 / 16.

[0091] In one embodiment, the support legs 102 are a single elongated member that is not adjustable in length or otherwise able to be modified. While such a configuration has certain structural and cost benefits, the single, fixed length support legs 102 may limit the ease and situational flexibility for use of the present invention. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the support legs 102 are adjustable in length, such as being telescopically configured, foldable or otherwise extendable and collapsible. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the support legs 102 are telescopically configured with leg locking mechanism 198, such as a twist lock device shown in FIG. 6, that when locked locks the support legs 102 in their desired length for the stabilizing position 112 and then allows the user to, by unlocking the locking mechanism 198, shorten the support legs 102 for the use in the collapsed position 114 for ease of transport and storage, as shown in FIG. 29. As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the relevant art, a variety of devices can be utilized as the locking mechanism 198. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism 198 can be of the type that is used with foldable support legs 102 that allows the user to unfold and lock the support legs 102 in the desired length for the stabilizing position 112 of apparatus 10 and allows the user to fold the support legs 102 for the collapsed position 114.

[0092] As set forth above and shown in the figures, the engaging mechanism 104 of the apparatus 10 is utilized to secure the support legs 102 to the ladder legs 106 / 108 of the ladder 14 / 16 when the apparatus 10 is not in use to help stabilize the ladder 14 / 16 (e.g., when apparatus 10 is in its collapsed position 114), as shown in FIG. 29. In one embodiment, the engaging mechanism 104 is structured and arranged to be removably, but securely, mounted on a ladder leg 106 / 108 and engage a support leg 102 to securely hold the support leg 102 at or against the side of the ladder leg 106 / 108, as shown in FIG. 29. The engaging mechanism 104 in the figures comprises a generally L- shaped mounting bracket 200, a leg engagement device 202 and a securing mechanism 204, as best shown in FIGS. 10 and 26-28. The mounting bracket 200 is sized and configured to be placed in abutting relation with a ladder leg 106 / 108 generally toward or at the lower ends 34 / 80 thereof and held in place with the securing mechanism 204, as shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 29 with regard to step ladder 16. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting bracket 200 has one or more cut-out areas 206, best shown in FIG. 28 having two such cut-out areas 206, that are utilized with the securing mechanism 204 to help secure the mounting bracket 200 to a ladder leg 106 / 108 (in the same manner as the cut-out areas 142 of the mounting bracket 120 of stabilizing mechanism 100 discussed above).

[0093] The leg engagement device 202, best shown in FIGS. 10, 26 and 28, is attached to or integral with the mounting bracket 200 and configured to securely engage a support leg 102 to hold the support leg 102 against or near the engaging mechanism 104 and, therefore, the ladder leg 106 / 108 to which the mounting bracket 200 thereof is attached. In a preferred embodiment, the leg engagement device 202 is a snap spring clip 208 that is sized and configured for the support leg 102 to be tightly and engagedly received therein and be held thereby until the user applies force to pull the support leg 102 out of the leg engagement device 202, typically to place the apparatus 10 in its stabilizing position 112, as shown in FIGS. 5-7. Although the engaging mechanism 104 is shown with a snap spring clip 208 as the leg engagement device 202, persons who are skilled in the relevant art will readily appreciate a variety of equivalent devices can be utilized for the leg engagement device 202 of engaging mechanism 104.

[0094] The securing mechanism 204 is selected to be able to securely attach the engaging mechanism 104 to a ladder leg 106 / 108, but which allows the user to easily and quickly remove the engaging mechanism 104 when he or she desires to remove the apparatus 10 from ladder 14 / 16 and / or place the apparatus 10 on a different ladder 14 / 16. In a preferred embodiment, the securing mechanism 204 of the engaging mechanism 104 is the same or substantially similar to the securing mechanism 126 of the stabilizing mechanism 100 described above. Specifically, the securing mechanism 204 of the engaging mechanism 104 comprises a strap 210 having securing device 212, as best shown in FIGS. 10 and 25-28. In the figures, the securing device 212 is a hook- and-loop connector (such as Velcro® or the like). The strap 210 encircles the mounting bracket 200 to secure the engaging mechanism 104 to the ladder leg 106 / 108 of a ladder 14 / 16. As best shown in FIGS. 10 and 26-27, the strap 210 encircles the mounting bracket 200 at the two cut-out areas 206. The strap 210 and cut-out areas 206 are cooperatively sized and configured such that the strap 210 will not move in the cut-out areas 206 when the user tightens the strap 210 around the mounting bracket 200 and ladder leg 106 / 108. A wide variety of different types of straps can be used for strap 210. Likewise, the securing device 212 can be snaps, buttons, ties or a wide variety of other types of connectors that allow a user to securely tighten a strap around an object (such as strap 210 around mounting bracket 200) and hold it in the tighten condition until released by the user.

[0095] The components of the new apparatus 10 can be made out of a wide variety of different materials. Other than the securing mechanisms 126 and 204, most of the components are made out of strong and stiff materials, such as steel, aluminum and other metals or they can be made out of fiberglass, reinforced polymers, carbon fiber and other composites. Preferably, these materials are selected, coated, treated or otherwise modified to be suitable for use in a wide variety of outdoor environments. The securing mechanisms 126 and 204 are made out of materials that are strong but sufficiently flexible to wrap around their respective mounting brackets 120 / 200 and the ladder legs 106 / 108 to secure the stabilizing mechanism 100 or engaging mechanism 104 to the ladder 14 / 16 for use in helping to stabilize the ladder 14 / 16 to prevent injury or death to persons who use the ladder 14 / 16. The straps 190 / 210 can be made out a wide variety of materials, including metal, polyester, leather, cloth, Kevlar® and the like.

[0096] The system 12 of the present invention comprises the apparatus 10 described above and a ladder, whether an extension ladder 14, step ladder 16 or other type of similarly configured ladder, having a first / left ladder leg 106, a second / right ladder leg 108 and a plurality of ladder steps 110, as shown in FIGS. 5-7 and 29. As set forth above, the apparatus 10 of the present invention is utilized to provide additional stabilizing support for the ladder 14 / 16 when the apparatus 10 is in its stabilizing position 112 to reduce the likelihood the ladder 14 / 16 will tilt and fall, which tilting / falling could injure or kill a person who is on the ladder 14 / 16 at that time. In one configuration, the apparatus 10 is fixedly attached to or integral with the ladder 14 / 16. In the preferred configurations, however, the apparatus 10 is configured to be removably attached to the ladder 14 / 16 so the apparatus 10 can be taken off the ladder 14 / 16 and, if desired, utilized with a different ladder 14 / 16. In one configuration, the user will only utilize the stabilizing mechanism 100 and support leg 102 thereof (i.e. , not using the engaging mechanism 104) and place the apparatus 10 in its stabilizing position 112. When the apparatus 10 is not needed with the ladder 14 / 16, the user would remove the stabilizing mechanism 100, with the support leg 102 still attached thereto (perhaps in a reduced length condition) or with the support leg 102 removed instead of securing the support leg 102 to an engaging mechanism 104. Although an engaging mechanism 104 that is configured as described above is preferred, in some embodiments the engaging mechanism 104 could be a simple strap 210 that is wrapped around the support leg 102 and a ladder leg 106 / 108 to hold it in place in its collapsed position 114 for ease of transport and / or storage of the ladder 14 / 16.

[0097] In use, a ladder 14 / 16 is positioned where a person will desire to move up and down the ladder 14 / 16 and, with regard to step ladders 16, with the ladder 16 in its open position 88. The stabilizing mechanism 100 is attached to a ladder leg 106 / 108 on each side of a ladder (e.g., sides 38 / 40 of the extension ladder 14 or sides 76 / 78 of the step ladder 16) and secured to the ladder leg 106 / 108 with a securing mechanism 104 to hold it tightly in place on the ladder 14 / 16. As will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the relevant art, the mounting bracket 120 of the stabilizing mechanism 100 is placed under one of the plurality of ladder steps 110 to prevent unwanted, and undesirable, upward movement of the stabilizing mechanism 100 when the apparatus is in its stabilizing position 112, as shown in FIGS. 5-7. As also shown in these figures, typically a ladder step 110 near or toward the upper end 36 / 82 of the ladder 14 / 16 will be selected so as to provide a desired stabilizing angle for the support legs 102. If the support legs 102 are not connected to the stabilizing mechanism 100, the user will attach the upper end 194 of the support legs 102 to the stabilizing mechanism 100 (e.g., to the leg attachment tube 128). The user then utilizes the rotating assembly 122 and the pivoting assembly 124 of the stabilizing mechanism 100 to rotate and pivot the support legs 102 to the best support angle to provide the desired stabilizing effect, operates each of the locking assemblies 160 / 174 to tightly secure the angle of the support legs 102 and, as may be necessary, then extends the support legs 102 so the lower ends 196 thereof will be on the surface 17 at a position that helps stabilize the ladder 14 / 16, as shown in FIGS. 5-7. With the apparatus 10 in place, the user can then more safely move up and down the ladder 14 / 16 to accomplish his or her desired tasks with significantly less risk the ladder 14 / 16 will tilt and / or fall due to the stabilizing support provided by the apparatus 10.

[0098] Once the tasks are complete, the user unlocks the locking assemblies 160 / 174 to allow him or her to rotate and pivot the support legs 102 back towards the ladder legs 106 / 108 (reducing the lengths of the support legs 102 as needed) and, if desired, use the engaging mechanism 104 to secure the apparatus 10 in its collapsed position 114, as shown in FIG. 29, with the support legs 102 at or near the ladder legs 106 / 108 of the ladder 14 / 16. In the preferred embodiments, the user can remove the apparatus 10 from the ladder 14 / 16 and use it on a different ladder 14 / 16 or store the apparatus 10 for when it is needed again.

[0099] While there are shown and described herein specific forms of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the present invention is subject to modification with regard to any dimensional relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly, materials, size, shape and use. For instance, there may be numerous components of the embodiments described herein that can be readily replaced with equivalent functioning components to accomplish the objectives and obtain the desired aspects of the present invention. The various embodiments set forth herein are intended to explain the best mode of making and using the present invention as currently known to and appreciated by the present inventor(s) and to enable other persons who are skilled in the relevant art to make and utilize the present invention. Although, the described embodiments may comprise different features, not all of these features are required in all embodiments of the present invention. More specifically, as will be readily appreciated by persons who are skilled in the art, certain embodiments of the present invention only utilize some of the features and / or combinations of features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 . A ladder stabilizing apparatus for use with a ladder having a first ladder leg, a second ladder leg and a plurality of ladder steps, said ladder stabilizing apparatus comprising: a support leg; and a stabilizing mechanism attached to or integral with said support leg, said stabilizing mechanism having a mounting bracket, a rotating assembly and a pivoting assembly, said mounting bracket configured to be attached to one of the first ladder leg or the second ladder leg of the ladder, said rotating assembly structured and arranged to selectively rotate said support leg to place said apparatus in a stabilizing position, said pivoting assembly structured and arranged to selectively pivot said support leg to place said apparatus in said stabilizing position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said support leg is configured to be adjustable in length or to be foldable.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said mounting bracket has a mounting plate with one or more cut-out areas, each of said one or more cut-out areas sized and configured to receive a securing mechanism to removably attach said mounting bracket to the one of the first ladder leg or the second ladder leg.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said securing mechanism is a strap configured to encircle said stabilizing mechanism and the one of the first ladder leg or the second ladder leg of the ladder.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said mounting bracket has a mounting plate and said rotating assembly has a control ring that is attached to or integral with said mounting plate and a rotating plate rotatably associated with said control ring so as to rotate relative to said control ring, said support leg connected to said rotating plate so as to allow rotation of said support leg.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said rotating plate is received into a mounting area of said control ring so as to rotate therein and said rotatingassembly comprises a rotation limiting mechanism structured and arranged to limit the rotation of said rotating plate in said mounting area of said control ring and a locking assembly to allow or prevent rotation of said rotating plate.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said rotation limiting mechanism comprises one or more control areas in said rotating plate and one or more angle control members on said control ring, one of said angle control members being sized and configured to be received in and move relative to one of said control areas with said one of said control areas limiting the amount of movement of said one of said angle control members so as to limit the rotation of said rotating plate relative to said control ring and to limit the amount of rotation allowed for said support leg.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said pivoting assembly is attached to or integral with said rotating plate so as to rotate with said rotating plate and interconnect said support leg and said rotating plate so as to pivot and rotate said support leg relative to said mounting bracket.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said pivoting assembly has a pivot bracket attached to or integral with said rotating plate, a pivot rod supported by said pivot bracket, a clevis bracket pivotally disposed on said pivot rod and connected to said support leg, and a locking assembly associated with said pivot rod to allow or prevent pivoting of said clevis bracket and said support leg.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said pivoting assembly further comprises a shoulder rod supported by said pivot bracket, said clevis bracket sized and configured to contact said shoulder rod to limit pivoting movement of said clevis bracket and said support leg.1 1 . The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said rotating plate is received into a mounting area of said control ring so as to rotate therein and said rotating assembly comprises a rotation limiting mechanism structured and arrange to limit the rotation of said rotating plate in said mounting area of said control ring and a locking assembly to allow or prevent rotation of said rotating plate.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an engaging mechanism having a mounting bracket configured to be attached to the one of the first ladder leg or the second ladder leg of the ladder, said engaging mechanism having a leg engagement device sized and configured to engagedly receive said support leg so as to place said apparatus in a collapsed position with said support leg at or near the one of the first ladder leg or the second ladder leg.

13. A ladder stabilizing apparatus for use with a ladder having a first ladder leg, a second ladder leg and a plurality of ladder steps, said ladder stabilizing apparatus comprising: a support leg; and a stabilizing mechanism attached to or integral with said support leg, said stabilizing mechanism having a mounting bracket, a rotating assembly and a pivoting assembly, said mounting bracket having a mounting plate attached to or integral with one of the first ladder leg or the second ladder leg of the ladder, said rotating assembly having a control ring attached to or integral with said mounting plate and a rotating plate rotatably associated with said control ring so as to rotate relative to said control ring, said pivoting assembly attached to or integral with said rotating plate so as to rotate with said rotating plate, said pivoting assembly being connected to said support leg so as to interconnect said support leg and said rotating plate so as to selectively allow pivoting and rotating of said support leg relative to said mounting bracket to place said apparatus in a stabilizing position.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising an engaging mechanism having a mounting bracket attached to or integral with the one of the first ladder leg or the second ladder leg of the ladder, said engaging mechanism having a leg engagement device sized and configured to engagedly receive said support leg so as to place said apparatus in a collapsed position with said support leg at or near the one of the first ladder leg or the second ladder leg.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said rotating plate is received into a mounting area of said control ring so as to rotate therein and said rotating assembly comprises a rotation limiting mechanism structured and arrange to limit therotation of said rotating plate in said mounting area of said control ring and a locking assembly to allow or prevent rotation of said rotating plate.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said pivoting assembly has a pivot bracket attached to or integral with said rotating plate, a shoulder rod supported by said pivot bracket, a pivot rod supported by said pivot bracket, a clevis bracket pivotally disposed on said pivot rod and connected to said support leg, and a locking assembly associated with said pivot rod to allow or prevent pivoting of said clevis bracket and said support leg, said clevis bracket sized and configured to contact said shoulder rod to limit pivoting movement of said clevis bracket and said support leg.

17. A ladder stabilizing system, comprising: a ladder having a first side with a first ladder leg, a second side with a second ladder leg and a plurality of ladder steps interconnecting each of said first ladder leg and second ladder leg; a first stabilizing assembly having a stabilizing mechanism associated with said first ladder leg and a support leg that is attached to or integral with said stabilizing mechanism of said first stabilizing assembly, said stabilizing mechanism having a mounting bracket, a rotating assembly and a pivoting assembly, said mounting bracket attached to or integral with said first ladder leg, said rotating assembly structured and arranged to selectively rotate said support leg of said first stabilizing assembly to place said apparatus in a stabilizing position, said pivoting assembly structured and arranged to selectively pivot said support leg of said first stabilizing assembly to place said apparatus in said stabilizing position; and a second stabilizing assembly having a stabilizing mechanism associated with said second ladder leg and a support leg that is attached to or integral with said stabilizing mechanism of said second stabilizing assembly, said stabilizing mechanism having a mounting bracket, a rotating assembly and a pivoting assembly, said mounting bracket attached to or integral with said second ladder leg, said rotating assembly structured and arranged to selectively rotate said support leg of said second stabilizing assembly to place said apparatus in a stabilizing position, saidpivoting assembly structured and arranged to selectively pivot said support leg of said second stabilizing assembly to place said apparatus in said stabilizing position, wherein said stabilizing mechanism of said first stabilizing assembly and said stabilizing mechanism of said second stabilizing assembly are utilized to move said apparatus between said stabilizing position for providing stabilizing support for said ladder and a collapsed position for ease of transporting or storing said ladder with said apparatus attached thereto.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein mounting bracket of each of said first stabilizing assembly and said second stabilizing assembly has a mounting plate and said rotating assembly of each of said first stabilizing assembly and said second stabilizing assembly has a control ring attached to or integral with said mounting plate and a rotating plate rotatably associated with said control ring so as to rotate relative to said control ring, said support leg of each of said first stabilizing assembly and said second stabilizing assembly connected to said rotating plate so as to allow rotation of said support leg.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein said rotating plate is received into a mounting area of said control ring so as to rotate therein and said rotating assembly comprises a rotation limiting mechanism structured and arrange to limit the rotation of said rotating plate in said mounting area of said control ring and a locking assembly to allow or prevent rotation of said rotating plate.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein said pivoting assembly of each of said first stabilizing assembly and said second stabilizing assembly has a pivot bracket attached to or integral with said rotating plate, a shoulder rod supported by said pivot bracket, a pivot rod supported by said pivot bracket, a clevis bracket pivotally disposed on said pivot rod and connected to said support leg, and a locking assembly associated with said pivot rod to allow or prevent pivoting of said clevis bracket and said support leg, said clevis bracket sized and configured to contact said shoulder rod to limit pivoting movement of said clevis bracket and said support leg.

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