Abstract:
The invention as presently conceived discloses an apparatus that provides the dual function of protecting the contents of a camera bag as well as providing an elevated platform, specifically for a photographer. The apparatus resembles a conventional step-stool with a single step; however, it has two adjustable straps capable of securing a large camera bag containing multiple cameras and accessories to a bottom surface of the stool. The stool&#39;s rigid structure and design protects the bag and its contents from damage. The top of the stool surface is covered with a semi-cushioning, non-stick surface to prevent slippage. When functioning as only a stool, it allows a photographer to have additional height when shooting photographs, or serve as a small chair to sit upon when waiting for a photographic opportunity, or as a small work table to place camera parts.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of Disclosure Document No. 609,167 filed Nov. 16, 2006, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention describes a combination step multi-purpose work platform and guard for equipment, particularly photographer&#39;s equipment such as a camera, a camera bag, a plurality of accessories commonly associated with photography, for use in a plurality of environments, including less-than-ideal locations. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Employment of photographers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the foreseeable future. Demand for portrait photographers should increase as the population grows. Growth of internet versions of magazines, journals and newspapers will require increasing numbers of commercial photographers to provide digital images. The internet also should make it easier for freelancers to market directly to their customers, increasing opportunities for self-employment. 
     Professional and amateur photographers alike utilize a wide variety of cameras and accessories. It is not unusual for them to carry two (2) or more camera bodies, three (3) to four (4) lenses, flash units, extra film or digital media, accessories, batteries and the like at one time. Such a quantity of equipment is usually transported in an equipment bag which can be very expensive itself. As such, there is a strong desire to protect the bag and its costly contents, especially when shooting on location. Further, while shooting in the field there is a lack of amenities such as places to set or assemble cameras as well as places for the photographer to sit. Additionally, a photographer quite often requires an elevated position in order to get the perfect perspective for a shot. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which camera bags and their contents can be protected from less than ideal field environments while also providing a multi-purpose work platform. The development of the present invention fulfills this need. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,017,708 filed by Lynn discloses a recessed step. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that possesses support members affixed to a base that also functions as a carrying apparatus for a camera bag or photographer&#39;s accessories. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,660 filed by Sapatova discloses a slip-resistant step stool and a method of manufacturing the same. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that possesses adjustable support members affixed to a base and also does not appear to disclose a carrying apparatus for a camera bag or photographer&#39;s accessories. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D 411,351 filed by Kohagen et al. discloses a step tool box. This design patent does not appear to disclose an ornamental or industrial design similar to the invention herein described nor does this design patent appear to disclose an apparatus that possesses adjustable support members or a carrying apparatus for photography accessories. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,097 filed by Kohagen, et al. discloses a step tool box. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that possesses adjustable support members affixed to a base and also does not appear to disclose a carrying apparatus for a camera bag or photographer&#39;s accessories. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,669 filed by Yemini discloses a combination stool and storage/tool box with rubber stopper. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that possesses adjustable support members affixed to a base and also does not appear to disclose a carrying apparatus for a camera bag or photographer&#39;s accessories. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,511 filed by LeRoux and Edgerly discloses an exercise apparatus. This patent does not appear to disclose a support apparatus that possesses tubular support elements nor does it disclose an apparatus capable of conveniently transporting a camera bag or other photographic accessories. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,034 filed by Calmeise and O&#39;Neal discloses a step stool having integral side storage compartments. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that possesses adjustable support members affixed to a base and also does not appear to disclose a carrying apparatus for a camera bag or photographer&#39;s accessories. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D 355,828 filed by Dickinson and Gale discloses a single-step tool box. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that possesses adjustable support members affixed to a base and also does not appear to disclose a carrying apparatus for a camera bag or photographer&#39;s accessories. 
     The prior art appears to disclose apparatuses that function as combination step stools and storage compartments. The prior art does not appear to disclose an apparatus that functions as a convenient means of transporting photography equipment and accessories while functioning as a step. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The photographer&#39;s step and guard provides the protection of a camera bag and functions as an elevated platform for a photographer. 
     The photographer&#39;s step and guard protects a camera case and also can elevate a photographer for more photogenic views. 
     The photographer&#39;s step and guard may be conveniently transported by hand or on a shoulder of the user. 
     The photographers step and guard comprises a base, four (4) support members, a pair of straps, two (2) eye loops, a rain-dust guard, and a mesh pocket. 
     The base comprises four (4) pivotally extending support members integrally attached thereto, comprising rectangular cross-sectional tubing, projecting diagonally outward at a distance for optimum stability. After utilization as a step, the support members are pivotally retracted to collapse for storage. The bottom of each support member comprises a protective rubberized barrier integrated thereon the bottom surface thereof to protect the floor from damage while utilizing the apparatus. 
     The rubberized coating on the upper surface provides optimum frictional environment thereby reducing an accidental slip. 
     The camera case may be secured to the photographer&#39;s step and guard via adjustable straps. 
     The base is designed for optimum stability and strength being sizable to accommodate the weight of the user while still being lightweight and relatively sized for portability. 
     The base and the support members are envisioned to be fabricated of a heavy-duty impact resistant plastic in an injection molding process. 
     The size of the photographer&#39;s step and guard varies to accept many different camera cases of various sizes and to accommodate a user&#39;s weight. 
     The photographer&#39;s step and guard would be made available in multiple colors. 
     The base member is of rectangular design. The base has an overall area sizable to accommodate the protection of the camera bag and to provide a substantial amount of footing for the user. The base comprises a rectangular cross-section with a reasonably dense thickness for optimum stability and strength capabilities. The upper portion of the base takes the form of a flat rectangular platform having an array of rubber coated rectangular fragments integrally attached thereto for providing greater traction. 
     The base member comprises four (4) hingedly attachable support members that comprise rectangular cross-sectional tubing. The support members project vertically downward or diagonally outward a designated distance and create an elevated platform with optimum stabilization. The support members are symmetrically attached to the base at four (4) corners. The support members are affixed to the axial plane of the base using attachment means such as, but not limited to welding, bolting, temporarily fixed or hinges. The support members possess an upper end and a lower end. The upper end is positioned on each corner of the base so that two (2) sides of said upper end are aligned with that of the base corner. The lower end comprises a hard rubberized surface with ridges for more stability. At each one of the four (4) corners resides hingedly telescopic support members, with rubberized feet residing on the bottom surface thereof. Each support member is pivotally connected to the four (4) corners and which, when not in use, lie horizontally outside of the recess to help protect the camera bag as well as act as a barrier. Once the support members are in the retracted orientation, the apparatus may be used as a seat as well as a protective carrying device. A base member section of the support member is envisioned to comprise one (1) or more cylindrical protrusions dimensioned to rotatably fit therein rotating apertures drilled in each of the four (4) corners of the base. The protrusions extend laterally outward therefrom the base member of the support members envisioned to be accommodated therein the rotating apertures of the base corners. Each protrusion is directed into the corresponding rotating aperture, thereby allowing each support member to pivot. 
     The support members are envisioned to be subdivided in three (3) telescopically extendable sections, a base member, a first extendable member, and a second extendable member. The support members may be designed in sections such that each section is slightly smaller than the previous to enable each section to be slidably received within one (1) another so that the overall height of said support members may be varied. The extendable members may have cross sectional areas in which decrease gradually such to come to the end that rests thereon the ground surface. 
     The base member, first extending member, and the second extending each have a contact surface having a plurality of equally spaced apertures. The apertures are drilled for selectively receiving a projection pin to secure the relative position of the base member and/or extending members. The apertures are selectively alignable with the projection pin, and fastened with said projection pin. The rubberized surface on the bottom of each support member thereof minimizes damage to surfaces and provides a frictional force between the support members and the ground surface. The rubberized bases are affixed to the bottoms of the support members using an adhesive or mechanical attachment means. 
     The rubber coated fragments may be of any size or geometric shape suitable for operably providing traction. The rubber coated fragments are affixed to the top platform utilizing either an adhesive or mechanical attachment. 
     The bottom of the base is envisioned to concave downwardly thereby forming a lip to provide a recess for removably receiving a detachable rain-dust guard and one (1) or more camera cases. A lip extends downward from the entire underside periphery to provide a boundary for the camera case once installed to the underside surface and to enable a user to manually grasp and carry the apparatus from place to place. 
     A strapping system is envisioned to be attached thereto the underside surface of the base. The flexibility of the straps and adjustment clips permit easy insertion and/or removal of the camera case and/or other articles that a user may require. 
     The straps are affixed thereto the underside surface of the base by use of an affixing means such as, but not limited to, sewing, adhering, or seaming. The straps are inserted through slots at the distal ends of a male clip portion and a female lock portion. The straps are elastic and comprise of one (1) or more pieces of durable and resilient material. The straps can be adjustably lengthened or shortened to a desired span utilizing adjustment clips installed thereon the straps. The straps are passed through adjustment clips and create loops. The length of the loops and the straps, along with the position of the adjustment clips may be adjusted along said straps to effectively increase and decrease the span. The straps securely permit the installation of the camera case of various sizes and shapes. Various fastener means may be provided for securing the straps to the base such as, but not limited to, hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, or other locking mechanisms. 
     A clipping mechanism is envisioned to be used for the securing of the strap. The clipping mechanism comprises a male clip portion to be inserted within a female lock portion to interlock collectively The clipping mechanism is fabricated of materials such as, but not limited to, metals, plastic, or other durable substances. The male clip portion, comprises two (2) extendable prongs separated by a median rod and a means for receiving a strap at the distal end. The female lock portion comprises a main opening sized to operable receive the male clip portion with two (2) apertures on each side. Apertures are preferably adapted to engage the extendable prongs of the male clip portion to secure said male clip portion therein the female lock portion. The female lock portion further possesses a means for receiving a strap at the distal end. Once the male clip portion is engaged within the female lock portion, the extendable prongs may be compressed inwardly to disengage said male clip portion from the female lock portion, which permits separation of the respective lock portions. 
     Eye loops are affixed thereto the side surface of the base for allowing points of connection of a shoulder strap. The shoulder strap is attached symmetrically on two (2) sides of the outer surface of the base preferably one hundred eighty degrees (180°) apart thereof. The symmetric placement of the two (2) eye loops on opposite sides of the base acts to balance the apparatus for easy lifting and carrying. The shoulder strap is removably attached thereto the two (2) eye loops by means of clips of various design for the equalized weight distribution with a shoulder pad assembly constructed of a sewn cover to enclose a padding material therein for a cushioning comfort effect. 
     The shoulder strap comprises a shoulder pad that is wider than the straps for maximum weight distribution. The shoulder straps can be adjustably lengthened or shortened to a desired span utilizing installed adjustment clips. The straps are passed through the adjustment clips providing loops that may be adjusted along said straps to effectively increase and decrease the span of the shoulder straps. 
     The shoulder pad rests on top of the shoulder of a user and contours securely permitting the transporting of the apparatus. The contour edge provides additional protection and comfort to a user while carrying the apparatus using the shoulder strap. The straps provide an attachment means to the camera bag. 
     The rain-dust guard provides a protective cover to the apparatus, the camera equipment, the camera case, and the photographer from dust, mud, dirt, water, and other undesirable substances. The rain-dust guard also provides a protective platform when placing the camera bag or camera equipment upon a wet or dusty ground surface. 
     The rain-dust guard provides a detachable protective device useful during rainy or dusty weather conditions. The rain-dust guard provides a covering and ground covering surface to the photographer&#39;s stand and guard, the camera equipment, and the photographer. The rain-dust guard is stored within a mesh pocket located at an underside surface of the base. The rain-dust guard is made of a durable plastic water and dust proof material. An end opening is provided on the mesh pocket for easy extraction of said rain-dust guard from the secured orientation. The mesh pocket possesses fastening means for the end opening. 
     The photographer&#39;s stand and guard may be used by performing the following steps: placing the rain-dust guard within the mesh pocket through an end opening therein; placing one (1) or more camera cases therein the recess found on the underside of the base; wrapping the straps over said camera case to retain said camera case; inserting the male clip portion therein the female lock portion; adjusting the length of the securing straps via adjustment clips, as needed; securing the shoulder strap thereto each eye loop respectively, if needed; inserting one (1) arm therethrough the shoulder strap to transport the apparatus such that the shoulder pad is comfortably placed on the shoulder and the padded contoured edge portion of the base is facing a hip or side portion; adjusting the shoulder straps via adjustment clips, if needed; carrying the apparatus to the designated area; removing the shoulder strap therefrom the shoulder by reversing the previous two (2) steps; disengaging the male clip portion therefrom the female lock portion by compressing the extendable prongs inward; removing the camera case therefrom the recess; pivotally and rotatably extending the support members such that said support members extend diagonally outward; slidably extending the support members downward such that each support member is extended to its desired length; locking the vertical position of the support members via projection pin; and, stepping onto the upper surface of the base to an elevated level. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a photographer&#39;s step-guard  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the photographer&#39;s step-guard  10  with a camera case  70  in the process of being removably inserted therein a recess  27 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the photographer&#39;s step-guard  10  with a rain-dust guard  60 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is a close-up view of a support member  30  attachably removed therefrom the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  photographer&#39;s step-guard 
               20  base 
               22  rubberized fragments 
               25  lip 
               27  recess 
               30  support member 
               31  rubberized feet 
               33  cylindrical protrusion 
               34  rotating aperture 
               35  base member 
               36  first extendable member 
               37  second extendable member 
               38  receiving aperture 
               39  projection pin 
               40  strap 
               42  adjustment clip 
               43  male clip portion 
               44  extendable prong 
               45  female lock portion 
               46  receiving aperture 
               50  eye loop 
               60  rain-dust guard 
               67  mesh pocket 
               70  camera bag 
               80  shoulder strap 
               82  clip 
               85  shoulder pad 
               86  contoured edge 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and that example configurations shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     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. 
     The present invention describes an apparatus and method that provides the protection of a camera bag  70  as well as function as an elevated platform, specifically for a photographer. The photographer&#39;s step guard (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10  comprises a base  20 , four (4) support members  30 , a pair of straps  40 , two (2) eye loops  50 , a rain-dust guard  60 , and a mesh pocket  67 . The base  20  and the support members  30  are envisioned to be fabricated of a heavy-duty impact resistant plastic in an injection molding process that would typically require the design and utilization of custom molds. The size of the apparatus  10  is envisioned to vary to substantially accept a plurality of camera cases  70  of various sizes as well as to sustain photographers or other users of various weight. It is also envisioned that the apparatus  10  would be made available in multiple colors to match or complement the various camera bags  70  or taste of the user. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , perspective and side views of the apparatus  10  are disclosed. A base member  20  of rectangular design is envisioned to protect the camera case  70  as well as support the user. The base  20  has an overall area sizable to accommodate the protection of the camera bag  70  as well as provide a substantial amount of footing for the user. The base  20  comprises a rectangular cross-section with a reasonably dense thickness for optimum stability and strength capabilities. The upper portion of the base  20  takes the form of a flat rectangular platform having an array of rubber coated rectangular fragments  22  integrally attached thereto for providing greater traction. The rubber coated fragments  22  may be of any size or shape suitable for operably providing traction such as, but not limited to, square, triangular, rectangular, circular, polygonal, or the like. The rubber coated fragments  22  are affixed to the top platform of the base  20  preferably, but not essentially, by adhesive, glue, or the like; however, it will be appreciated that said rubber coated fragments  22  may be mechanically attached thereto if so desired. 
     The bottom of the base  20  is envisioned to concave downwardly thereby forming a lip  25  to provide a recess  27  for removably receiving a detachable rain-dust guard  60  and one (1) or more camera cases  70 . A lip  25  extends downward from the entire underside periphery so as to provide a boundary for the camera case  70  once installed thereto the underside surface as well as to enable a user to manually grasp and carry the apparatus  10  from place to place. 
     A strapping system  40  is envisioned to be attached thereto the underside surface of the base  20  suitable to secure the camera bag  70  and withstand the weight of said camera bag  70  and the contents residing therewithin. The apparatus  10  therefore provides a convenient means to transport and/or store a camera case  70  and/or other articles that a user requires in the performance of common photographic tasks. The straps  40  are affixed thereto the underside surface of the base  20  by means of sewing, adhering, seaming, or other affixing means and inserted therethrough slots at the distal ends of a male clip portion  43  and a female lock portion  45 . The straps  40  are preferably, but not essentially, elastic, comprising of one (1) or more pieces of durable and resilient material. The straps  40  are also envisioned to be adjustably lengthened or shortened to a desired span utilizing adjustment clips  42  installed thereon the straps  40 . The straps  40  are passed therethrough adjustment clips  42  providing loops. The length of the loops and the straps  40 , along with the position of the adjustment clips  42  may be adjusted along said straps  40  to effectively increase and decrease the span. The straps  40  securely permit the installation of the camera case  70  of various sizes and shapes. A pair of straps  40  is illustrated here; however, it is envisioned that additional straps may be provided without deviating from the basic concept and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention  10 . Furthermore, it is also envisioned that various fastener means may be provided for securing the straps  40  to the base  20  such as, but not limited to, hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, or other locking mechanisms without deviating from the basic concept and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention  10 . 
     A clipping mechanism is envisioned to be used for the securing of the strap  40 . The clipping mechanism preferably comprises a male clip portion  43  to be inserted therewithin a female lock portion  45  receivable to interlock collectively. The clipping mechanism is envisioned to be fabricated of a metallic, plastic, or other durable substances. The male clip portion  43  generally comprises two (2) extendable prongs  44  separated by a median rod and a means for receiving a strap  40  at the distal end thereof. The female lock portion  45  generally comprises a main opening sized to operable receive the male clip portion  43  with two (2) apertures  46  on each side thereof. Said apertures  46  are preferably adapted to engage the extendable prongs  44  of the male clip portion  43  to secure said male clip portion  43  therein the female lock portion  45 . The female lock portion  45  also comprises a means for receiving a strap  40  at the distal end thereof. Once the male clip portion  43  is engaged, therewithin the female lock portion  45 , the extendable prongs  44  may be compressed inwardly to disengage said male clip portion  43  therefrom the female lock portion  45 , thereby allowing the male clip  43  and female lock portions  45  to be separated. 
     Eye loops  50  are affixed thereto the side surface of the base  20  for allowing points of connection of a shoulder strap  80 . The shoulder strap  80  is attached symmetrically on two (2) sides of the outer surface of the base  20  preferably one hundred eighty degrees (180°) apart thereof. The symmetric placement of the two (2) eye loops  50  on opposite sides of the base  20  acts to balance the apparatus  10  for easy lifting and carrying. The upward tension on the shoulder strap  80 , exerted by the weight of the apparatus  10  and/or the camera case  70 , stabilizes the apparatus  10  in a carrying orientation. The shoulder strap  80  is removably attached thereto the two (2) eye loops  50  by means of clips  82  of various design, as known in prior art, for the equalized weight distribution with a shoulder pad assembly  85  constructed of a sewn cover to enclose a padding material therein for a cushioning comfort effect. The shoulder strap  80  is envisioned to comprise a shoulder pad  85  that is wider than the straps  80  for maximum weight distribution. The shoulder straps  80  are also envisioned to be adjustably lengthened or shortened to a desired span utilizing adjustment clips  42  or the like installed thereon said straps  80 . The straps  80  are passed therethrough the adjustment clips  42  providing loops. The length of the loops and the straps  80 , along with the position of the adjustment clips  42  may be adjusted along said straps  40  to effectively increase and decrease the span of the shoulder straps  80 . The shoulder pad  85  rests on top of the shoulder of a user and contours securely permitting the transporting of the apparatus  10 . Also illustrated here is a padded and contoured edge  86  along an outside vertical surface of the base  20 . The contour edge  86  provides additional protection and comfort to a user while carrying the apparatus  10  using the shoulder strap  80 . Additionally, the straps  80  provide an attachment means in like manner thereto the camera bag  70 , thereby providing increased versatility and utilization of said straps  80 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a bottom view of the apparatus  10  is disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A rain-dust guard  60  provides a detachable protective device being particularly useful during rainy or dusty weather conditions. The rain-dust guard  60  provides a covering and ground covering surface to the apparatus  10 , the camera equipment, and the photographer. The rain-dust guard  60  is envisioned to be stored within a mesh pocket  67  affixed thereto a recess portion  27  located at an underside surface of the base  20 . The rain-dust guard  60  is envisioned to be made using a durable plastic water and dust proof material. Whenever it is so desired to remove the rain-dust guard  60  from the recess  27 , the mesh pocket  67  is envisioned to provide an end opening for easy extraction of said rain-dust guard  60  from the secured orientation. The mesh pocket  67  may provide other fastening means without leaving the scope of the invention such as, but not limited to, buttons, snaps, zippers, tabs, and other impermanent securing means. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a close-up view of a support member  30  attachably removed therefrom the apparatus  10 , is disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The base member  20  comprises four (4) hingedly attachable support members  30 , envisioned to comprise rectangular cross-sectional tubing, that projects vertically downward or diagonally outward a designated distance to transform the apparatus  10  into an elevated platform that provides optimum stabilization. The support members  30  are symmetrically attached thereto the base  20  at four (4) corners projecting diagonally outward so as to make tipping less likely to occur thereby maximizing its effective stabilization once the support members  30  are in the extended orientation. The support members  30  can be welded, bolted, temporarily fixed or otherwise permanently fixed transversally thereto the axial plane of the base platform  20 ; however, it is preferred that the support members  30  to be hingedly affixed thereto the base  20 . The support members  30  comprise an upper end and a lower end thereof such that the upper end is hingedly affixed thereto the base  20  thereof. The upper end is positioned thereon each corner of the base  20  so that two (2) sides of said upper end is preferably aligned with that of the base corner  20 . The lower end comprises a hard rubberized surface  31  preferably, but not essentially, with ridges for more stability. At each one of the four (4) corners resides hingedly telescopic support members  30  with rubberized feet  31  residing on the bottom surface thereof. Each support member  30  is pivotally connected to the four (4) corners and which, when not in use, lie horizontally outside of the recess  27  to help protect the camera bag  70  as well as act as a barrier. Once the support members  30  are in the retracted orientation, the apparatus  10  may be used as a seat as well as a protective carrying device. The support members  30  are pivotally connected to the base  20  using any suitable mechanism. Preferably, the support members  30  are pivotally connected thereto the base  20  as depicted in  FIG. 4 . A base member section  35  of the support member  30  is envisioned to comprise one (1) or more cylindrical protrusions  33  dimensioned to rotatably fit therein rotating apertures  34  drilled therein each of the four (4) corners of the base  20 . The protrusions  33  extend laterally outward therefrom the base member  20  of the support members  30  envisioned to be accommodated therein the rotating apertures  34  of the base corners  20 . Each protrusion  33  is directed into the corresponding rotating aperture  34 , thereby allowing each support member  30  to pivot, as desired. 
     The support members  30  are envisioned to be subdivided in three (3) telescopically extendable sections, a base member  35 , a first extendable member  36 , and a second extendable member  37 . The support members  30  provide support for the base  20  and/or the weight of the user and help maintain the upright position of the apparatus  10 . The support members  30  may be designed in sections such that each section is slightly smaller than the previous to enable each section to be slidably received therewithin one (1) another so that the overall height of said support members  30  may be varied. In this embodiment, the cross sectional area of the base member  35  is slightly larger than that of the cross sectional area of the first extendable member  36  and the cross sectional area of the first extendable member  36  is slightly larger than that of the second extendable member  37 . The second extendable member  37  is permanently inserted therein one (1) end of the first extendable member  36  to extend outwardly at the distal end, and the first extendable member  36  is permanently inserted therein one (1) end of the base member  35 . The sections are interconnected so that they form a substantially single unit that can be extended for a longer length or retracted for a shorter length. The first extending member  36  is sized to correspondingly be inserted therewithin the base member  35  such that the inside walls of the base member  35  uniformly abuts against the outside walls of the first extending member  36 . The second extending member  37  is sized to correspondingly be inserted therewithin the first extending member  36  such that the inside walls of the first extending member  36  uniformly abuts against the outside walls of the second extending member  37 . The extendable members,  35 ,  36 ,  37  may have cross sectional areas in which decrease gradually such to come to the end that rests thereon the ground surface. 
     The base member  35 , first extending member  36 , and the second extending  37  each have a contact surface having a plurality of apertures  38  equally spaced therethrough said surfaces. The apertures  38  are drilled therethrough for selectively receiving a projection pin  39  to secure the relative position of the base member  35  and/or extending members  36 ,  37 . The apertures  38  are selectively alignable with the projection pin  39 , and then fastenable with said projection pin  39 . 
     The rubberize surface  31  on the bottom of each support member  30  thereof minimizes damage done thereto rugs, hardwood floors, ceramic floors, or other floors, as well as provide a frictional force therebetween the support members  30  and the ground surface. The bottom of the support members  30  are envisioned to be fabricated of a hard rubber  31  to protect the floor from scraping, scratching, rubbing, and the like against the desired floor surface while preventing sliding of the apparatus  10  especially when a user is standing, leaning, sitting, or otherwise providing weight thereon the apparatus  10 . The rubberized bases  31  are affixed to the bottoms of the support members  30  preferably, but not essentially, by adhesive, glue, or the like; however, it will be appreciated that said rubberized bases  31  may be mechanically attached thereto if so desired. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be configured as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 4 . 
     The method of utilizing the device may be achieved by performing the following steps: placing the rain-dust guard  60  within the mesh pocket  67  through an end opening therein; placing one (1) or more camera cases  70  therein the recess  27  found on the underside of the base  20 ; wrapping the straps  40  over said camera case  70  to retain said camera case  70 ; inserting the male clip portion  43  therein the female lock portion  45 ; adjusting the length of the securing straps  40  via adjustment clips  42 , as needed; securing the shoulder strap  80  thereto each eye loop  50  respectively, if needed; inserting one (1) arm therethrough the shoulder strap  80  to transport the apparatus  10  such that the shoulder pad  85 , is comfortably placed on the shoulder and the padded contoured edge portion  86  of the base  20  is facing a hip or side portion; adjusting the shoulder straps  80  via adjustment clips  42 , if needed; carrying the apparatus  10  to the designated area; removing the shoulder strap  80  therefrom the shoulder by reversing the previous two (2) steps; disengaging the male clip portion  43  therefrom the female lock portion  45  by compressing the extendable prongs  44  inward; removing the camera case  70  therefrom the recess  27 ; pivotally and rotatably extending the support members  30  such that said support members  30  extend diagonally outward; slidably extending the support members  30  downward such that each support member  30  is extended to its desired length; locking the vertical position of the support members  30  via projection pin  39 ; and, stepping onto the upper surface of the base  20  to an elevated level. 
     The apparatus  10  comprises a means to protect a camera case  70  and elevate a photographer to an elevated level that may also be conveniently transported by hand or on a shoulder of the user. The apparatus  10  provides additional height when shooting photographs, or serve as a small chair to sit upon when waiting for a photographic opportunity, or as a small work table to place camera parts. 
     The removably insertion features of the camera case  70  therein the recess  27  of the underside of the base  20  minimizes the chance of misplacing the camera case  70  and/or the contents therein. Therefore, the apparatus  10  reduces the number of items that must be hand-carried and is also a convenient tool to elevate a photographer to a stance higher than others to provide a better outlook or photogenic views. The camera case  70  may be secured to the apparatus  10  via adjustable straps  40 . The flexibility of the material of the straps  40  along with the adjustment clips  42  allow for easy insertion and/or removal of the camera case  70 . In the retracted orientation, the apparatus  10  may be hand-carried or the shoulder strap  80  may be placed onto the shoulder. The rain-dust guard  60  is envisioned to provide a protective cover to the apparatus  10 , the camera equipment, the camera case  70 , and the photographer from dust, mud, dirt, water, and other undesirable substances. Additionally the rain-dust guard  60  is envisioned to provide a protective platform when placing the camera bag  70  or camera equipment upon a wet or dusty ground surface as well as providing an effective ground covering for a seated photographer. 
     The base  20  is of a design for optimum stability and strength having overall dimensions sizable to accommodate the weight of the apparatus  10  and the user while still being lightweight and relatively sized for portability. The rubberized coating  22  on the upper surface provides optimum frictional environment thereby reducing accidental slip. 
     The base  20  comprises four (4) pivotally extending support members  30  integrally attached thereto, comprising rectangular cross-sectional tubing, projecting diagonally outward at a distance for optimum stability. After utilization as an elevation tool, the support members  30  may be pivotally retracted to collapse for storage. The bottom of each support member  30  comprises a protective rubberized barrier  31  integrated thereon the bottom surface thereof to protect the floor from scraping, scratching, rubbing, and the like while utilizing the apparatus  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.