Patent ID: 7953316

Claim:
A multifunctional apparatus for protecting a photographer's existing camera while providing a step platform, said multifunctional apparatus comprising: a base; a plurality of support members pivotally connected to said base; a plurality of straps anchored to an underside of said base and being situated between said support members; a rain-dust guard removably positioned beneath said base for shielding the existing camera from undesirable debris; and, a mesh pocket anchored to said base and downwardly extending therebeneath for supporting the existing camera at an elevated position above a ground surface; wherein said base comprises: a flat upper portion having an array of fragments attached thereto for providing frictional traction; and, a bottom portion having a downwardly concaving configuration, said bottom portion further having a lip extending about an inner perimeter of said underside such that a recess is defined between said inner perimeter; wherein said rain-dust guard is detachably seated within said recess; wherein said lip extends downward from said bottom portion of said base and thereby provides a boundary for shielding the existing camera during transport; wherein each of said support members comprises: a base member; a first extendable member telescopically attached to said base member; a second extendable member telescopically attached to said first extendable member; and, means for selectively locking said base member and said first and second extendable members at alternate positions such that an overall longitudinal length of said support members is adapted along a linear travel path.