Abstract:
A ladder safety accessory kit ( 5 ) for straight and extension ladders ( 1 ) having an upper stabilizer assembly ( 2 ) that makes the ladder adaptable to any shaped structure or surface, a lower stabilizer assembly ( 3 ) that makes the ladder adjustable to accommodate for uneven ground, a leveling measurement device ( 4 ) that allows a user to quickly and easily determine that the ladder is level and angled correctly and a storage tray ( 36 ) that provides a storage area for tools and other items. The ladder safety accessory kit may be integrated with new ladders or used to retrofit existing ladders.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to safety devices for straight ladders and extension ladders, more particularly, a ladder safety accessory kit that levels, stabilizes and holds a ladder in place during use, thereby ensuring the safety of a user while climbing and/or performing work while on the ladder. 
     Many jobs require the use of ladders to reach areas that are not accessible or within reach of a person standing on the ground. Ladders are commonly used to climb onto roofs of houses and other buildings. Ladders are also used to perform jobs, such as painting, washing windows and so forth. Normally, the bottom portion of the ladder rests on the ground or other similar horizontal surface and the upper end of the ladder typically leans against the vertical wall surface of a building or work surface so that the ladder is oriented at an angle which makes it easy and safe for a user to climb up and down. The use of ladders can be very dangerous and is known to be a major cause of accidents. When a ladder is positioned against a structure, it is essential that the ladder be properly angled to prevent the base of the ladder from slipping. However, not every structure is a flat surface and the ground is not always perfectly level. In addition, most bases and or upper portions of most ladders are not adjustable and thus, cannot be adapted for use on a slanted ground or oddly shaped structure. Furthermore, users currently have no way to easily determine if a ladder is horizontally level and placed at a safe angle in relation to a structure. An even further problem with current ladders is the lack of storage space for tools and other items. Although, many ladders do provide trays for placing tools and other items while working on the ladder, these trays are only flat surfaces that do not secure the tools and/or prevent the tools from accidentally falling to the ground. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a ladder safety accessory kit that provides an upper stabilizer assembly for adjusting the top portion of a ladder to compensate and/or lock onto different shaped structures, a lower stabilizer assembly for adjusting the bottom portion of the ladder to compensate for uneven ground, a leveling measurement device for determining that the ladder is angled correctly and is level and a storage tray for safely storing tools and other items while working on the ladder. 
     The relevant prior art includes the following references: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Pat. No. 
                   
                   
               
               
                 (U.S. unless 
               
               
                 stated otherwise) 
                 Inventor 
                 Issue/Publication Date 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 6,408,984 
                 Cavagnaro 
                 Jun. 25, 2002 
               
               
                 5,899,296 
                 Lantz 
                 May 04, 1999 
               
               
                 5,850,894 
                 Busenhart 
                 Dec. 22, 1998 
               
               
                 5,740,881 
                 Lensak 
                 Apr. 21, 1998 
               
               
                 5,476,153 
                 Dickerson et al. 
                 Dec. 19, 1995 
               
               
                 5,273,133 
                 Thocher et al. 
                 Dec. 28, 1993 
               
               
                 3,805,917 
                 Luther 
                 Apr. 23, 1974 
               
               
                 3,708,080 
                 Schlei 
                 Jan. 02, 1973 
               
               
                 3,456,757 
                 Sain 
                 Jul. 22, 1969 
               
               
                 2,503,626 
                 Mayberry 
                 Apr. 11, 1950 
               
               
                 2,196,640 
                 Meier 
                 Apr. 09, 1940 
               
               
                 799,782 
                 Ellinger et al. 
                 Sep. 19, 1905 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The primary object of the present invention is to provide a ladder safety accessory kit that is adaptable to any shaped structure or surface. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a ladder safety accessory kit that adjusts to compensate for uneven ground. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a ladder safety accessory kit allows a user to quickly and easily determine a ladder is angled correctly. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a ladder safety accessory kit that allows a user to quickly and easily determine that a ladder is level. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a ladder safety accessory kit that provides a storage area for tools and other items. 
     The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a ladder safety accessory kit having an upper stabilizer assembly, a lower stabilizer assembly, a leveling measurement device and a storage tray. The ladder safety accessory kit may be integrated with new ladders or used to retrofit existing ladders. Typically, a ladder has a front side that a user climbs, a rear side that faces a structure, an upper portion that rests against a structure, a lower portion that rests on the ground, sides, and a plurality of rungs in-between the sides. The upper stabilizer assembly is located on the upper portion of the ladder. The upper stabilizer assembly comprises upper vertical adjustment bars located on both sides of the ladder. Stabilizer bars are slidably attached to the upper vertical adjustment bars, thereby allowing a user to adjust the position of the stabilizer bars on the ladder. The stabilizer bars are also pivotally attached to the vertical adjustment bars, thereby allowing a user to fold the stabilizer bars upward and flat against the vertical adjustment bars for easy storage of the ladder and ladder safety accessory kit Locking means are located on proximal ends of the stabilizer bars. The locking means engage apertures located on the vertical adjustment bars, thereby allowing a user to lock the stabilizer bars at a desired height. The vertical adjustment bars may be permanently attached to a ladder via an attachment means, such as screws, nuts and bolts, welding, rivets, etc., or by other attachment means, such as one or more tubular members. One end of the at least one tubular member is permanently attached to the vertical adjustment bars and the opposite end is placed through a hollow rung of the ladder. The tubular members may be further secured to the ladder via at least one pin, which passes through the rung of the ladder and the tubular member, and/or by a cross member that extends through the length of the rung and engages a tubular member on either side of the ladder. 
     The lower stabilizer assembly is located on the lower portion of the ladder. Lower vertical adjustment bars are located on both sides of the ladder. Legs are slidably attached to the lower vertical adjustment bars, thereby allowing a user to adjust the length of the legs. Locking means engage apertures located on the lower vertical adjustment bars, thereby allowing a user to lock the legs at a desired height. The lower vertical adjustment bars may be permanently attached to the ladder via an attachment means, such as screws, nuts and bolts, welding, rivets, etc., or by other attachment means, such as one or more tubular members. One end of the at least one tubular member is permanently attached to the lower vertical adjustment bars and the opposite end placed through a hollow rung of the ladder. The tubular members may be further secured to the ladder via at least one pin, which passes through the rung of the ladder and the tubular member, and/or by a cross member that extends through the length of the rung and engages a tubular member on either side of the ladder. Feet are pivotally attached to the legs via pivot points so the ladder can be angled in relation to the feet. The feet may also be folded upward flat against the legs and lower adjustment bars for easy storage of the ladder and ladder safety accessory kit. 
     A bolt and locking nut assembly secures the feet to the legs and may be used to lock the ladder at a specific angle in relation to the feet, thereby ensuring that the ladder will remain in a locked position when leaned against a structure. A spike is pivotally attached to the foot via a pivot point. The spike may be folded into the foot for storage or when the foot is being used on a hard surface. The spike may also be folded into a downward position so that the spike will dig into the ground, thereby preventing the foot from sliding backwards. 
     The storage tray is used for holding tools and other materials while performing work on the ladder and is attached to the upper stabilizer assembly between the stabilizer bars. The storage tray may be secured to the stabilizer assembly by an attachment means, such as nuts and bolts, clips, screws, etc. Storage cups in the storage tray may be used for storing items, such as nails, screws, etc. Storage holes in the storage tray may be used for storing tools, such as screwdrivers, paintbrushes, etc. Although the storage tray may be made of any rigid material, it is preferably made of a magnetized metal that will prevent tools and other items from easily falling from the storage tray. 
     A leveling measurement device is located on either side of the ladder preferably at eye level, thereby allowing a user to read the leveling measurement device while in a standing position. The leveling measurement device has a front cover and a rear cover hingedly attached to the base. A horizontal bubble level is located on an inner surface of the front cover and a vertical horizontal bubble is located on an inner surface of the rear cover. The horizontal bubble level is preferably horizontally positioned on the inner surface of the front cover so a user can determine if the ladder is level and the ladder is not overextended sideways. The vertical bubble level is preferably positioned on the inner surface of the rear cover at angle of approximately 14.5 degrees in relationship to the ground, thereby ensuring that the base of the ladder is positioned at the proper distance from the structure the ladder is leaning against. To use the leveling measurement device, a user first opens the level measurement device so that the front cover and rear cover form a ninety degree angle. Next, the user adjusts the distance between the base of the ladder and the structure so the ladder is being leaned against the structure so that the bubble in the vertical bubble level is located in-between the two indicator lines printed on the vertical bubble level. Finally, the user adjusts the sides of the ladder so that the bubble in the horizontal bubble level is located in-between the two indicator lines printed on the horizontal bubble level. 
     The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a rear view of a ladder having an upper stabilizer assembly, lower stabilizer assembly and a leveling measurement device of the present invention attached thereto; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a ladder having an upper stabilizer assembly, lower stabilizer assembly and a leveling measurement device of a ladder safety accessory kit attached thereto; 
         FIG. 3  is a front plan view of two upper vertical adjustment bars secured together by tubular members and cross members; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of an upper vertical adjustment bar; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of an upper vertical adjustment bar having a safety lock attached thereto; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cutaway side view of a stabilizer bar and sliding base of an upper stabilizer assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a ladder having an upper stabilizer assembly with a cross bar attached thereto; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a ladder having an upper stabilizer assembly with extension bars forming a V-shaped configuration attached thereto; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of a ladder having an upper stabilizer assembly with extension bars forming a V-shaped configuration attached thereto; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of a ladder having an stabilizer bar assembly with extension bars attached thereto forming a horizontal extension configuration; 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of a storage tray of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of a stabilizer bar having a footer of the present invention attached thereto; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of a lower stabilizer assembly of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a front partial cross sectional view of a leg and foot of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a front plan view of two lower vertical adjustment bars secured together by cross members; 
         FIG. 16  is an inside view of a leveling measurement device in a fully open position; and 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of a leveling measurement device in a partially open position. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered accessories in the drawings is as follows:
       1 . ladder     2 . upper stabilizer assembly     3 . lower stabilizer assembly     4 . leveling measurement device     5 . ladder safety accessory kit     6 . front surface     7 . rear surface     8 . upper portion     9 . lower portion     10 . side     11 . rung     12 . upper vertical adjustment bar     13 . stabilizer bar     14 . proximal end of stabilizer bar     15 . distal end of stabilizer bar     16 . locking means     17 . aperture     18 . attachment means     19 . tubular member     20 . pin     21 . cross member     22 . lower vertical adjustment bar     23 . leg     24 . vertical slot     25 . cap     26 . base     27 . trigger     28 . lower lever     29 . upper lever     30 . spring     31 . crossbar     32 . cap     33 . extension bar     34 . V-shaped configuration     35 . horizontal extension configuration     36 . storage tray     37 . storage cup     38 . storage hole     39 . tab     40 . footer     41 . flat portion     42 . hook portion     43 . non-skid material     44 . foot     45 . pivot point     46 . bolt     47 .  46   a . locking washer     48 . spike     49 . opening     50 . rear cover     51 . front cover     52 . horizontal bubble level     53 . inner surface of cover     54 . vertical bubble level     55 . inner surface of base     56 . screw     57 . double sided tape     58 . curved slot     59 . flat surface     60 . safety lock     61 . upper plate     62 . lower plate     63 . nut     64 . bolt     65 . lever     66 . eave     67 . house     68 . window     69 . pole     70 . clip   

     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , rear and side views of a ladder  1  having an upper stabilizer assembly  2 , lower stabilizer assembly  3  and a leveling measurement device  4  of a ladder safety accessory kit  5  attached thereto is shown. The ladder  1  has a front surface  6  that a user climbs, a rear surface  7  that faces a structure, an upper portion  8  that rests against a structure, a lower portion  9  that rests on the ground, sides  10 , and a plurality of rungs  11  in-between the sides  10 . The upper stabilizer assembly  2  is located on the upper portion  8  of the ladder  1  and has upper vertical adjustment bars  12  are located on both sides  10  of the ladder  1 . Stabilizer bars  13  having proximal ends  14  and distal ends  15  are slidably attached to the upper vertical adjustment bars  12 , thereby allowing a user to adjust the position of the stabilizer bars  13 . The stabilizer bars  13  are also pivotally attached to the upper vertical adjustment bars  12 , thereby allowing a user to fold the stabilizer bars  13  upward and flat against the upper vertical adjustment bars  12 , thereby allowing for easy storage of the ladder  1  and ladder safety accessory kit  5 . Locking means  16 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , are located on proximal ends  14  of the stabilizer bars  13 . The locking means  16  engage apertures  17  located on the upper vertical adjustment bars  12 , thereby allowing a user to lock the each stabilizer bar  13  at a desired height. The upper vertical adjustment bars  12  may be permanently attached to the ladder  1  via an attachment means  18 , such as screws, nuts and bolts, welding, rivets, etc., or by other attachment means  18 , such as at least one tubular member  19 . Tubular members  19  are permanently attached to the upper vertical adjustment bars  12  and the tubular members  19  are placed through rungs  11  of the ladder  1 , thereby securing the upper vertical adjustment bars  12  to the ladder  1 . The at least one tubular member  19  may be further secured to the ladder  1  via at least one pin  20  which passes through the rung  11  the at least one tubular member  19  and/or by a cross member  21 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , that extends through the length of the rung  11  and engages the at least one tubular member  19  on both sides  10  of the ladder  1 . 
     The lower stabilizer assembly  3  is located on the lower portion  9  of the ladder  1 . lower vertical adjustment bars  22  are located on both sides  10  of the ladder  1 . Legs  23  are slidably attached to the lower vertical adjustment bars  22 , thereby allowing a user to adjust the sides  10  of the ladder  1  to accommodate an uneven ground. Feet  44  are pivotally attached to the bottom of the legs  23 , thereby allowing legs  23  to be angled in relation to the feet  44 , as shown further in  FIG. 2 . Bolts  46  secure the feet  44  to the legs  23  and are used to lock the legs  23  at desired angles in relation to the feet  44 , thereby ensuring that the ladder  1  will remain in a locked position when leaned against a structure. Locking means  16 , as shown in  FIG. 13 , are located in the legs  23 . The locking means  16  engage apertures  17  located on the lower vertical adjustment bars  22 , thereby allowing a user to lock the legs  23  at a desired height. The lower vertical adjustment bars  22  may be permanently attached to the ladder  1  via an attachment means  18 , such as screws, nuts and bolts, welding, rivets, etc., or by other attachment means  18 , such as at least one tubular member  19 . One end of the at least one tubular member  19  is permanently attached to an lower vertical adjustment bar  22  and the opposite end of the tubular member  19  is placed through a rung  11  of the ladder  1 . The at least one tubular member  19  may be further secured to the ladder  1  via at least one pin  20  which passes through the rung  11  the at least one tubular member  19  and/or by a cross member  21 , as shown in  FIG. 14 , that extends through the length of the rung  11  and engages the at least one tubular member  19  on both sides  10  of the ladder  1 . 
     The leveling measurement  4  device, as shown in more detail in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , may be located on either side  10  of the ladder  1  preferably at eye level, thereby allowing a user to read the leveling measurement device  4  while in a standing position. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , a side view of a ladder  1  having an upper stabilizer assembly  2 , lower stabilizer assembly  3  and a leveling measurement device  4  of a ladder safety accessory kit  5  attached thereto is shown. The ladder  1  has a front surface  6  that a user climbs, a rear surface  7  that faces a structure, an upper portion  8  that rests against a structure, a lower portion  9  that rests on the ground, sides  10 , and a plurality of rungs  11  in-between the sides  10 . The upper stabilizer assembly  2  is located on the upper portion  8  of the ladder  1 . The upper vertical adjustment bars  12  are located on both sides  10  of the ladder  1 . Stabilizer bars  13  having proximal ends  14  and distal ends  15  are slidably attached to the upper vertical adjustment bars  12 , thereby allowing a user to adjust the position of the stabilizer bars  13  in relation to a structure. As shown here, the height of the stabilizer bars  13  are adjusted so that they fit securely underneath the eave  66  of a house  67 , thereby further securing the ladder  1  in place. The stabilizer bars  13  are also pivotally attached to the upper vertical adjustment bars  12 , thereby allowing a user to fold the stabilizer bars  13  upward and flat against the upper vertical adjustment bars  12 , thereby allowing for easy storage of the ladder  1  and ladder safety accessory kit  5 . 
     The lower stabilizer assembly  3  is located on the lower portion  9  of the ladder  1 . lower vertical adjustment bars  22  are located on both sides  10  of the ladder  1 . Legs  23  are slidably attached to the lower vertical adjustment bars  22 , thereby allowing a user to adjust the sides  10  of the ladder  1  to accommodate an uneven ground. A foot  44  is pivotally attached to the bottom of the leg  23 , thereby allowing leg  23  to be angled in relation to the foot  44 , as shown further in  FIG. 2 . A bolt  45  secures the foot  44  to the leg  23  and is used to lock the leg  23  at a desired angle in relation to the foot  44 , thereby ensuring that the ladder  1  will remain in a locked position when leaned against a structure. Locking means  16 , as shown in  FIG. 13 , are located in the legs  23 . The locking means  16  engage apertures  17  located on the lower vertical adjustment bars  22 , thereby allowing a user to lock the legs  23  at a desired height. The lower stabilizer assembly  3  allows a user to easily move the ladder  1  across the length of a house  67  without having to readjust the stabilizer bars  13  in relation to the eave  66  of the house  67 . For example, a user may simply lower the height of the ladder  1  using the lower stabilizer assembly  3 , thereby disengaging the stabilizer bars  13  from the eave  66  of the house  67 , and move the ladder  1  over. Then, the user may simply raise the height of the ladder  1  using the lower stabilizer assembly  3 , thereby re-engaging the stabilizer bars  13  to the cave  66  of the house  67   
     The leveling measurement  4  device, as shown in more detail  FIGS. 15 and 16 , may be located on either side  10  of the ladder  1  preferably at eye level, thereby allowing a user to read the leveling measurement device  4  while in a standing position. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , a front plan view of two upper vertical adjustment bars  12  secured together by tubular members  19  and cross members  21  is shown. Each upper vertical adjustment bar  12  is substantially tubular shaped with a vertical slot  24  running the length of the upper vertical adjustment bar  12 , as shown further in  FIG. 4 . The substantially tubular shape and vertical slot  24  allow for a stabilizer bar  13  to be slidably attached to the upper vertical adjustment bar  12 . A plurality of apertures  17  are located on the upper vertical adjustment bars  12 . The apertures  17  are used in conjunction with a locking means  16 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , for securing the stabilizer bars  13  at desired heights. The stabilizer bars  13  may be adjusted to different heights to accommodate for securing a ladder to a slanted roof and other surfaces. Caps  25  are located on either end of the upper vertical adjustment bars  12  to prevent the stabilizer bars  13  from sliding too far up or down and becoming disengaged from the upper vertical adjustment bars  12 . Tubular members  19  for attaching the upper vertical adjustment bar  12  to a ladder  1  are attached to the upper vertical adjustment bars  12 . The tubular members  19  are placed through rungs  11  of the ladder  1 . The tubular members  19  may be further secured to the ladder  1  with pins  20  that pass through the rungs  11  and the tubular members  19 . The tubular members  19  may also be further secured to the ladder  1  by cross members  21  that extend through the length of the rungs  11  and engage the tubular members  19 . The cross members  21  are preferably similarly shaped to the tubular members  19  and are only slightly larger diameter wise than the tubular members  19 , thereby allowing for a secure fit between the tubular members  19  and the cross members  21 . Safety locks  60 , as shown further in  FIG. 5 , are located above and below the stabilizer bars  13 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , a cross sectional view of an upper vertical adjustment bar  12  is shown. The upper vertical adjustment bar  12  is substantially tubular shaped with a vertical slot  24  running the length of the upper vertical adjustment bar  12 . The substantially tubular shape and vertical slot  24  allow for a stabilizer bar  13  to be slidably attached to the upper vertical adjustment bar  12 , as shown previously in  FIG. 3 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , a cross sectional view of an upper vertical adjustment bar  12  having a safety lock  60  attached thereto is shown. The safety lock  60  has an upper plate  61  and a lower plate  62  secured together by a nut  63  and bolt  64 . The safety lock  60  is placed in a vertical slot  24  of an upper vertical adjustment bar  12 . A lever  65  secured to one end of the bolt  64  pulls the upper plate  61  and lower plate  62  together when in a locked position, thereby sandwiching the the edges of the vertical slot  24  and locking the safety lock  60  in place on the vertical adjustment bar  12 . A spring  30  located between the upper plate  61  and lower plate  62  keep the upper plate  61  and a lower plate  62  separated when the lever  65  is in an unlocked position. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , a side view of a stabilizer bar  13  and sliding base  26  of an upper stabilizer assembly  2  is shown. The stabilizer bar  13  has a proximal end  14  and a distal end  15 . The stabilizer bar  13  is pivotally attached at the proximal end  14  to the base  26 , thereby allowing the stabilizer bar  13  to be folded upward. The base  26  fits inside an upper vertical adjustment bar  12 , as shown previously in  FIG. 3 . When the base  26  is placed inside the upper vertical adjustment bar  12 , the stabilizer bar  13  extends through a vertical slot  24  located in the upper vertical adjustment bar  12 , as shown previously in  FIG. 3 . Apertures  17  located on the stabilizer bar  13  allow a user to attach various accessories to the stabilizer bar. A locking means  16  having a trigger  27  located in the proximal end  14  of the stabilizer bar and the base  26  is accessible through an opening  49  on the stabilizer bar  13 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , a partial cutaway side view of a stabilizer bar  13  and sliding base  26  of an upper stabilizer assembly  2  is shown. The stabilizer bar  13  has a proximal end  14  and a distal end  15 . The stabilizer bar  13  is pivotally attached at the proximal end  14  to the base  26 , thereby allowing the stabilizer bar  13  to be folded upward. The base  26  fits inside an upper vertical adjustment bar  12 , as shown previously in  FIG. 3 . When the base  26  is placed inside the upper vertical adjustment bar  12 , the stabilizer bar  13  extends through a vertical slot  24  located in the upper vertical adjustment bar  12 , as shown previously in  FIG. 3 . Apertures  17  located on the stabilizer bar  13  allow a user to attach various accessories to the stabilizer bar. A locking means  16  having a trigger  27  located in the proximal end  14  of the stabilizer bar and the base  26  is accessible through an opening  49  on the stabilizer bar  13 . The locking means  16  has a lower lever  28  and an upper lever  29  both pivotally attached to the sliding base  26 . Springs  30  keep the upper lever  29  and lower lever  28  in a locked position so that the upper lever  29  and lower lever  28  are both engaged in the at least one aperture  17  of the upper vertical adjustment bar  12 . By pushing upward on the trigger  27 , pressure is applied to the springs  30  and the upper lever  29  is moved in an angled upward direction away from and out of the at least one aperture  17  and the lower lever  28  is moved in a angled downward direction away from and out of the at least one aperture  17 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , a top view of a ladder  1  having an upper stabilizer assembly  2  with a cross bar  31  attached thereto is shown. Upper vertical adjustment bars  12  are located on both sides  10  of the ladder  1 . Proximal ends  14  of stabilizer bars  13  are slidably attached to the upper vertical adjustment bars  12 , thereby allowing a user to adjust the position of the stabilizer bars  13 . The cross bar  31  is attached to distal ends  15  of the stabilizer bars  13 . The cross bar  31  allows a user to safely lean the ladder  1  against a house  67  without having to lean the ladder  1  directly on a window  68 . Caps  32  made of non-skid material are located on both ends of the cross bar  31 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 9 , a top view of a ladder  1  having an upper stabilizer assembly  2  with extension bars  33  forming a V-shaped configuration  34  attached thereto is shown. Upper vertical adjustment bars  12  are located on both sides  10  of the ladder  1 . Proximal ends  14  of stabilizer bars  13  are slidably attached to the upper vertical adjustment bars  12 , thereby allowing a user to adjust the position of the stabilizer bars  13 . The extension bars  33  are pivotally attached to distal ends  15  of the stabilizer bars  13 , thereby allowing the extension bars  33  to be configured in different shapes depending on what type of structure the ladder  1  is being placed against. Here, the extension bars  33  are folded inward, thereby creating a V-shape configuration  34 . The V-shape configuration  34  allows a user to safely lean the ladder  1  against structures, such as poles  69  and corners. A cross bar  31  attached to both stabilizer bars  13  and extension bars  33  adds extra strength to the upper stabilizer bar assembly  2  when it is placed against a structure. 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , a top view of a ladder  1  having a stabilizer bar assembly  2  with extension bars  33  attached thereto forming a horizontal extension configuration  35  is shown. Upper vertical adjustment bars  12  are located on both sides  10  of the ladder  1 . Proximal ends  14  of stabilizer bars  13  are slidably attached to the upper vertical adjustment bars  12 , thereby allowing a user to adjust the position of the stabilizer bars  13 . The extension bars  33  are pivotally attached to distal ends  15  of the stabilizer bars  13 , thereby allowing the extension bars  33  to be configured in different shapes depending on what type of structure the ladder  1  is being placed against. Here, the extension bars  33  are folded outward, thereby creating ninety degree angles with the stabilizer bars  13 . This horizontal extension configuration  35  allows a user to safely lean the ladder  1  against a house  67  without having to lean the ladder  1  directly on a window  68 . Cross bars  31  attached to both the stabilizing bars  13  and the extension bars  33  add extra strength to the upper stabilizer bar assembly  2  when it is placed against a structure. A storage tray  36  having a flat surface  59  for holding tools and other materials while performing work on the ladder  1  is attached to the upper stabilizer assembly  2  between the stabilizer bars  13 . Storage cups  37  located in the in the storage tray  36  may be used for storing items, such as nails, screws and so forth. Storage holes  38  located in the in the storage tray  36  may be used for storing tools, such as screwdrivers, paintbrushes and so forth. Although the storage tray  36  may be made of any rigid material, it is preferably mad of a magnetized metal that will prevent tools and other items from easily falling from the storage tray  36 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 11 , a front view of a storage tray  36  of the present invention is shown. The storage tray  36  is used for holding tools and other materials while performing work on a ladder  1  and may be attached to an upper stabilizer assembly  2  between the stabilizer bars  13 , as previously shown in  FIG. 9 , or directly to a ladder using attachment means  18 , such as screws, nuts and bolts, welding, rivets, clips, etc. As shown here, the storage tray has a plurality of tabs  39  extending downward for the storage tray  36 . The tabs  39  have apertures  17  for receiving attachment means  18 , such as bolts, screws, etc., for attaching the storage tray  36  to the upper stabilizer assembly  2 . The storage tray  36  has a flat surface  60  with storage cups  37  located in the in the storage tray  36  may be used for storing items, such as nails, screws and so forth. Storage holes  38 , as shown previously in  FIG. 10 , located in the in the storage tray  36  may be used for storing tools, such as screwdrivers, paintbrushes and so forth. 
     With reference to  FIG. 12 , a side view of a stabilizer bar  13  having a footer  40  of the present invention attached thereto is shown. The footer  40  has a flat portion  41  and a hook portion  42  and is slidably attached to the stabilizer bar  13  having at least one aperture  17 . A locking means  16 , such as a bolt, cotter pin etc., engages the at least one aperture, thereby locking the footer  40  in a desired position. The flat portion  41  may have an outer layer non-skid material  43 , such as rubber, to prevent slipping. The footer  40  may be placed on the stabilizer bar  13  with the flat portion  41  facing toward a ladder  1  or the hook portion  42  facing toward a ladder  1 . For example, the footer  40  may be placed on the stabilizer bar  13  with the hooked portion  42  facing the ladder  1 , thereby allowing a user to hook the footer  40  over power lines or other elevated cables to prevent the ladder  1  from tilting backwards while in use. Alternatively, the footer  40  may be placed on the stabilizer bar  13  with the flat portion  41  facing the ladder  2 , thereby allowing a user to lock the ladder  2  against the top of a wall. 
     With reference to  FIG. 13 , a side view of a lower stabilizer assembly  3  of the present invention is shown. A lower vertical adjustment bar  22  is substantially tubular shaped with a vertical slot  24  running the length of the lower vertical adjustment bar  22 . The substantially tubular shape and vertical slot  24  allow a leg  23  to be slidably attached to the lower vertical adjustment bar  22 . A plurality of apertures  17  are located on the lower vertical adjustment bar  22 . The apertures  17  are used in conjunction with a locking means  16  to adjust and secure the leg  23  to a desired height. A cap  25  located on the top of the lower vertical adjustment bar  22  prevents the leg  23  from sliding too far up the lower vertical adjustment bar  22 . A foot  44  is pivotally attached to the bottom of the leg  23  via a pivot point  45 , thereby allowing leg  23  to be angled in relation to the foot  44 . A bolt  46  secures the foot  44  to the leg  23  through a curved slot  58  that allows a user to lock the leg  23  at a desired angle in relation to the foot  44 , thereby ensuring that a ladder  1  will remain in a locked position when leaned against a structure, as shown previously in  FIG. 2 . A spike  48  is pivotally attached to the foot  44 . The spike  48  may be folded into the foot  44  for storage or when the foot  44  is being used on a hard surface. The spike  48  may be folded down, as shown here, when the foot is being used on soft ground so that the spike  48  will dig into the ground, thereby preventing the foot  44  from sliding backwards. 
     With reference to  FIG. 14 , a front partial cross sectional view of a leg  23  and foot  44  of the present invention is shown. The foot  44  is pivotally attached to the bottom of the leg  23  via a pivot point  45 , thereby allowing leg  23  to be angled in relation to the foot  44 . A bolt  46  and locking washer  46   a  secure the foot  44  to the leg  23  and are used to lock the leg  23  at a desired angle in relation to the foot  44 , thereby ensuring that a ladder  1  will remain in a locked position when leaned against a structure, as shown previously in  FIG. 2 . A locking means  16  having a trigger  27  located in the leg  23  extends out of an opening  49  of the leg  23 . The locking means  16  has a lower lever  28  and an upper lever  29  both pivotally attached to the leg  23 . Springs  30  keep the upper lever  28  and lower lever  29  in a locked position so that the upper lever  28  and lower lever  29  are both engaged in an at the at least one aperture  17  of the lower vertical adjustment bar  12 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 15 , a front plan view of two lower vertical adjustment bars  22  secured together by cross members  21  is shown. Tubular members  19  for attaching the upper vertical adjustment bar  12  to a ladder  1  are attached to the lower vertical adjustment bars  22 . The tubular members  19  are placed through rungs  11  of the ladder  1 . The tubular members  19  may be further secured to the ladder  1  with pins  20  that pass through the rungs  11  the tubular members  19  and/or by cross members  21  that extend through the length of the rungs  11  and engage the tubular members  19 . The cross members  21  are preferably similarly shaped to the tubular members  19  and are only slightly larger diameter wise than the tubular members  19 , thereby allowing for a secure fit between the tubular members  19  and the cross members  21 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 16 , an inside view of a leveling measurement device  4  in a fully open position is shown. The leveling measurement device  4  has a rear cover  50  and a front cover  51  hingedly attached to each other. A horizontal bubble level  52  is located on an inner surface  53  of the front cover  51  and a vertical bubble level  54  located on an inner surface  55  of the rear cover  50 . The horizontal bubble level  52  is preferably horizontally positioned on the inner surface  53  of the front cover  51  so a user can determine if a ladder  1  is level and the ladder  1  is not leaning sideways. The vertical bubble level  54  is preferably positioned on the inner surface  55  of the rear cover  50  at an angle of approximately 14.5 degrees in relationship to the ground so a user can determine if a lower portion  9  of a ladder  1  is positioned at the proper distance from the structure the ladder  1  is leaning against. The leveling measurement device  4  may be attached to a ladder  1 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , via an attachment means  18 , such as screws  56 , double sided tape, a hook and loop fastener, etc. The leveling measurement device  4  is preferably attached to a ladder  1  so that the leveling measurement device  4  is at eye level. Clips  70  for securing the vertical bubble level  54  to the inner surface  55  of the rear cover  50  are provided. The clips  70  allow a user position the vertical bubble level  54  at the proper angle depending on which side of a ladder  1  the leveling measurement device  4  is being attached to. To use the leveling measurement device  4 , a user first opens the level measurement device  4  so that the front cover  51  and rear cover  50  form a ninety degree angle. Then the user adjusts the sides  10  of the ladder  1  so that the bubble in the horizontal bubble level  52  is located in-between the two indicator lines printed on the horizontal bubble level. Next, the user adjusts the distance between the lower portion  9  of the ladder  1  and the structure the ladder  1  is being leaned against so that the bubble in the vertical bubble level  54  is located in-between the two indicator lines printed on the vertical bubble level  54 . The vertical bubble levels  52 ,  54  may be filled with a liquid that glows in the dark, thereby allowing a user to see the bubble levels  52 ,  54  to be seen in the dark. 
     Finally with reference to  FIG. 17 , a top view of a leveling measurement device  4  in a partially open position is shown. The leveling measurement device  4  has a rear cover  50  and a front cover  51  hingedly attached to each other. A horizontal bubble level  52  is located on an inner surface  53  of the front cover  51  and a vertical bubble level  54  located on an inner surface  55  of the rear cover  50 . The horizontal bubble level  52  is preferably horizontally positioned on the inner surface  53  of the front cover  51  so a user can determine if a ladder  1  is level and the ladder  1  is not leaning sideways. The vertical bubble level  54  is preferably positioned on the inner surface  55  of the rear cover  50  at an angle of approximately 14.5 degrees in relationship to the ground so a user can determine if a lower portion  9  of a ladder  1  is positioned at the proper distance from the structure the ladder  1  is leaning against. The leveling measurement device  4  may be attached to a ladder  1 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , via an attachment means  18 , such as screws, double sided tape  57 , a hook and loop fastener, etc. 
     It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.