Patent Publication Number: US-6902152-B1

Title: Adjustable fence rail supporting and positioning assembly and method for using the assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 60/395,063 filed Jul. 12, 2002 entitled “Fence Post, Standard and Bracket for Flexible Rail Materials” and to Provisional Patent Application No. 60/458,613 filed Mar. 31, 2003 also entitled “Fence Post, Standard and Bracket for Flexible Rail Materials.” 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   This invention relates to an adjustable fence rail supporting and positioning assembly and a method for using the assembly. More specifically, the invention relates to an assembly for adjustably supporting and positioning a fence rail at a user-selected, user-modifiable elevation and at a user-selected, user-modifiable angle. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Common techniques for positioning and supporting a fence rail during assembly of a fence are well known. In typical practice, a plurality of fence posts are positioned, each with a lower portion thereof in the ground. Fence rails are then mounted between and to the fence posts by fasteners, the fasteners frequently being screws, bolts, nails or other like mechanical fasteners which are driven, screwed or otherwise inserted through the fence rail. 
   The formation of a fence and particularly the connecting, positioning and supporting of the fence rails against the fence posts can frequently be a labor-intensive and time-consuming process requiring use of multiple tools. Moreover, a fence rail, once mounted to a fence post using typical means, may be difficult to remove and re-position at a different angle or elevation. Indeed, repeated installation and removal of the same fence post may, in common practice, puncture, damage or deface the fence rail and even the connected fence posts. Yet further, removal and repositioning of a fence rail, even where possible, is often a labor-intensive and time-consuming process requiring use of multiple tools. 
   There accordingly exists a need for an invention which facilitates rapid, efficient, sturdy, yet easily-modifiable connection and positioning of fence rails along a fence by even a relatively unskilled user at a user-selected, user-modifiable elevation and at a user-selected, user-modifiable angle. A need additionally exists for an invention which accomplishes the foregoing purposes without need of tools or additional fasteners and without damage to the fence post or attached fence rails. The assembly and method of the present invention address those needs. 
   The present invention has particular utility when used in formation of wind fences and snow fences. The porosity of such fences, i.e., that percentage of the total area beneath a top of a top fence rail and above a top surface of the ground, earth or accumulated snow beneath the fence rail where prevailing wind, or snow driven by prevailing wind encounters no fence rail is an important feature. Fences with too little porosity may be damaged or overturned, while fences with too much porosity provide an ineffective barrier and, consequently, ineffective wind or snow control. Various preferred embodiments of the invention are accordingly designed to position, support and space fence rails having a generally uniform and preselected width in a configuration promoting optimum fence porosity. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of this invention to provide an adjustable fence rail supporting and positioning assembly and a method for using the assembly. More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide an assembly for adjustably supporting and positioning a fence rail at a user-selected, user-modifiable elevation and at a user-selected, user-modifiable angle. The assembly includes: A slotted member containing a plurality of uniformly-sized and uniformly-shaped slots spaced at regular intervals along its length and a bracket member including (1) a handle, (2) a first slot-engaging portion detachably insertable into a first slot among the plurality of slots, (3) a second slot-engaging portion detachably insertable into a second slot among the plurality of slots while the first slot-engaging portion occupies the first slot, and (4) a fence rail contacting portion with a fence rail contacting surface. In various embodiments, the bracket member may additionally include at least one ancillary fence rail support and engagement member. 
   Another object of this invention is to provide an assembly and method in accordance with the preceding paragraph which facilitates rapid, efficient, sturdy, yet easily modifiable connection and positioning of a fence rail along a fence by even a relatively unskilled user at a user-selected, user-modifiable elevation and at an user-selected, user-modifiable angle. 
   Another object of this invention is to provide an assembly in accordance with the preceding objects which can be engaged with a fence rail and disengaged therefrom without puncturing, damaging or defacing the fence rail engaged. 
   Another object of this invention is to provide an assembly in accordance with the preceding objects wherein the elevation and angle of a fence rail positioned and supported along a fence can be easily modified without need of tools, additional fasteners and without damage to either the fence post or the fence rail connected thereto. 
   Another object of this invention is to provide an assembly with the stability, ease and simplicity of an invention having a minimal number of component parts. 
   Another object of various embodiments of the present invention is to provide an assembly and method in accordance with the preceding objects wherein the plurality of slots are spaced to allow fence rails supported and positioned thereby to be easily spaced in a configuration that allows optimum fence porosity. 
   Another object of this invention is to provide an adjustable fence rail supporting and positioning assembly in accordance with the preceding objects which will conform to conventional forms of manufacture, be of comparatively simple construction and easy to use so as to provide an assembly that will be economically feasible, durable and relatively free of trouble in use. 
   These together with the other objects and advantages of the invention which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts and portions throughout. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating six bracket members of the assembly of the present invention and two slotted members of the assembly of the present invention, shown supporting and positioning three fence rails. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portion of a slotted member of the present invention and a bracket member of the present invention shown with a portion of a fence rail positioned between the slotted member and the bracket member. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the bracket member of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the bracket member of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a side plan view of the embodiment of the bracket member of FIG.  4 . 
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the slotted member of the present invention taken through line  6 — 6  of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the slotted member of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the slotted member of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the slotted member of the present invention and the bracket member of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a preferred embodiment of an adjustable fence rail supporting and positioning assembly, the assembly comprising at least a slotted member  15  and at least a bracket member  20 . In standard use, the assembly is used to support and position a fence rail  25  as illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  9 , a slotted member  15  of a preferred embodiment of the assembly contains a plurality of uniformly-sized and uniformly-shaped non-vertical slots  30  spaced at regular intervals along a length of the slotted member  15  and disposed horizontally through a frontal portion  15 A of the slotted member  15 . Each slot among the plurality of slots  30  is preferably disposed parallel to other slots among the plurality of slots  30 . In preferred embodiments of the slotted member  15 , the distance between an edge of a slot most proximate a most proximate edge of a closest, neighboring slot is equivalent for each slot among the plurality of slots  30 . In standard use, the plurality of slots  30  accordingly allow for detachable connection of the bracket member  20  at a variety of locations along the vertical dimension of the slotted member  15 . 
   With attention directed to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5  and  9 , it is seen that the bracket member  20  of the assembly includes: (1) a handle portion  20 A gripped by a user during removal and connection of the bracket member  20  to the slotted member  15 ; (2) a first slot-engaging portion  20 B detachably insertable into a first slot  30 A among the plurality of slots  30  in the slotted member  15  as best indicated in  FIGS. 2 and 9 ; (3) a second slot-engaging portion  20 C detachably insertable into a second slot  30 B among the plurality of slots  30  in the slotted member  15  as best indicated in  FIGS. 2 and 9 , the second slot-engaging portion  20 C being spaced at a predetermined distance from the first slot-engaging portion  20 B such that the second slot-engaging portion  20 C may be detachably inserted into the second slot  30 B while the first slot-engaging portion  20 B occupies the first slot  30 A; and (4) a fence rail contacting portion  20 D having a fence rail contacting surface  20 E thereon. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  5 , the bracket member  20  additionally includes at least one ancillary fence rail support and engagement member  20 F. 
   Referring primarily to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  9 , the first slot-engaging portion  20 B and the second slot-engaging portion  20 C of the bracket member  20  are insertable into any slot among the plurality of slots  30  and allow for a firm, sturdy yet detachable connection to be formed between the bracket member  20  and the slotted member  15  at a variety of locations along the vertical dimension of the slotted member  15 . A user may selectively attach the bracket member  20  to the slotted member  15  at any location among said variety of locations and may thereby form a firm, stable yet detachable connection to clasp, support and position the fence rail  25  against the slotted member  15  at a user-selected elevation without puncturing, damaging or defacing the fence rail  25 . By selecting the respective elevations of a plurality of bracket members  20 ,  20 ′ connected to a plurality of slotted members  15 ,  15 ′ clasping the same fence rail  25  (as shown in FIG.  1 ), a user may also select and control the angle of the fence rail clasped, supported and positioned by the plurality of bracket members  20 ,  20 ′ against the plurality of slotted members  15 ,  15 ′. The invention accordingly functions to provide an assembly for clasping, supporting and positioning the fence rail  25  at a user-selected, user-modifiable elevation and at a user-selected, user-modifiable angle. 
   To facilitate performance of the functions noted in the preceding sentence, the bracket member  20  is designed to easily insert into the slotted member  15  and thereby form a firm, stable yet detachable connection between the bracket member  20  and the slotted member  15 . Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5  and  9 , the first slot-engaging portion  20 B includes an L-shaped tab disposed inwardly and upwardly away from a lower remainder of the bracket member  20 , the first slot-engaging portion  20 B terminating at an upper end of the bracket member  20 . Width of the first slot-engaging portion  20 B preferably corresponds with a horizontal dimension of each slot among the plurality of slots  30  in the slotted member  15 , allowing for a snug connection when the first slot-engaging portion  20 B is inserted into the first slot  30 A. A maximum length of the first slot-engaging portion  20 B exceeds a maximum vertical dimension of each slot among the plurality of slots  30  in the slotted member  15 . Thus, after initial angular insertion of the first slot-engaging portion  20 B into the first slot  30 A and subsequent movement of the bracket member  20  while inserted in the first slot  30 A to a position generally parallel to the slotted member  15 , the first slot-engaging portion  20 B is retained against an interior surface  15 B of the slotted member  15  with a surface of the bracket member  20  contacting a first support surface  15 G ( FIG. 2 ) of the slotted member  15  bordering a bottom of the first slot  30 A and being supported thereby. 
   The firm, yet detachable connection between the bracket member  20  and the slotted member  15  is facilitated not only by the first slot-engaging portion  20 B but also by the second slot-engaging portion  20 C of the bracket member  20 . Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5  and  9 , preferred embodiments of the second slot-engaging portion  20 C include an inverted L-shaped tab disposed inwardly and downwardly away from an upper remainder of the bracket member  20 , the second slot-engaging portion  20 C terminating at a lower end of the bracket member  20 . The second slot-engaging portion  20 C is spaced at a predetermined distance from the first slot-engaging portion  20 B such that the second slot-engaging portion  20 C is detachably insertable into a second slot  30 B among the plurality of slots  30  while the first slot-engaging portion  20 B occupies the first slot  30 A among the plurality of slots  30 . Width of the second slot-engaging portion  20 C preferably corresponds with a horizontal dimension of each slot among the plurality of slots  30  in the slotted member  15 , facilitating snug connection when the second slot-engaging portion  20 C is inserted into the second slot  30 B. Preferably, the second slot-engaging portion  20 C does not exceed in length any slot among the plurality of slots  30  and may thus be detachably inserted into the second slot  30 B among the plurality of slots  30  while the first slot-engaging portion  20 B occupies the first slot  30 A. Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 9 , the second slot-engaging portion  20 C is retained after insertion into the second slot  30 B against the interior surface  15 B of the slotted member  15 , with a surface of the bracket member  20  contacting a second support surface  15 H of the slotted member  15  bordering a bottom of the second slot  30 B and being supported thereby. 
   Referring further to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5  and  9 , the bracket member  20  includes a fence rail contacting portion  20 D having a fence rail contacting surface  20 E thereon. The fence rail contacting surface  20 E of the fence rail contacting portion  20 D functions to contact and engage the fence rail  25  as the fence rail  25  is positioned and supported by the bracket member  20  against the slotted member  15 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  5 , the bracket member  20  in the embodiment shown additionally includes at least one ancillary fence rail support and engagement member  20 F. The ancillary fence rail support and engagement member  20 F functions to provide more complete engagement of, and contact with the fence rail  25  by the bracket member  20 , particularly in circumstances where the fence rail  25  presents an uneven face to be engaged and contacted by the bracket member  20 . The ancillary fence rail support and engagement member  20 F functions not only to extend the bracket member  20  so that the bracket member  20  may contact recessed portions  25 B ( FIG. 2 ) in the uneven face of the fence rail  25  but to also contact, engage and provide support to protruding portions  25 C ( FIG. 2 ) of the uneven face of the fence rail  25  by contacting the protruding portions  25 C of the fence rail  25  from beneath. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  5 , the ancillary fence rail support and engagement member  20 F is circular and thereby presents a convex, curved surface to contact and support protruding portions  25 C of the fence rail  25  at multiple potential angles. The engagement member  20 F is ideal for supporting, positioning and engaging a polymerized fence rail having generally parallel metallic reinforcement cables (not shown) contained therein, running substantially the length thereof and thereby creating protruding portions  25 C running lengthwise along at least a portion of a length of the fence rail  25 , though said engagement member&#39;s  20 F utility is not limited to use with polymerized cable-reinforced fence rails. 
   Turning to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6 ,  7  and  9 , it is seen that in various embodiments of the invention, the slotted member  15  may comprise a fence post. One embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6  includes a hexagonal portion  15 I, a first wing portion  15 J protruding from an exterior surface of a first wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I, a second wing portion  15 K protruding from an exterior surface of a third wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I, with a fifth wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I containing the frontal portion  15 A and the plurality of slots  30 . In said embodiment, the first wall and the third wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I are connected to, and spaced apart by a second wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I, the second wall connecting at a first end of the second wall to the first wall and connecting at a second end distal the first end of the second wall to the third wall. The third wall and the fifth wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I are similarly connected to, and spaced apart by a fourth wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I, the fourth wall connecting at a first end of the fourth wall to the third wall and connecting at a second end distal said first end of the fourth wall to the fifth wall. The fifth wall and the first wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I are similarly connected to, and spaced apart by a sixth wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I, the sixth wall connecting at a first end of the sixth wall to the fifth wall and connecting at a second end distal the first end of the sixth wall to the first wall. 
   Referring further to the embodiment of the slotted member  15  set forth in  FIG. 6 , a first wing medial wall of the first wing portion  15 J connects to the first wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I and is disposed away from the first wall toward a curved connection with a first wing lateral wall of the first wing portion  15 J, the curved connection being distal from the connection between the first wing medial wall and the first wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I. The first wing lateral wall is disposed from the curved connection with the first wing medial wall toward the first wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I and connects with an end of the first wall proximate to the sixth wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I. An exterior surface of the first wing lateral wall may actually contact an edge of an exterior surface of the sixth wall, thereby forming a smooth, shared exterior surface between the sixth wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I and the first lateral wall of the first wing portion  15 J. 
   Referring further to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , a second wing medial wall of the second wing portion  15 K connects to the third wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I and is disposed away from the third wall toward a curved connection with a second wing lateral wall of the second wing portion  15 K, the curved connection being distal from the connection between the second wing medial wall and the third wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I. The second wing lateral wall is disposed from the curved connection with the second wing medial wall toward the third wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I and connects with an end of the third wall proximate to the fourth wall of the hexagonal portion  15 I. An exterior surface of the second wing lateral wall may actually contact an edge of an exterior surface of the fourth wall, thereby forming a smooth, shared exterior surface between the fourth wall and the second lateral wall of the second wing portion  15 K. 
   The characteristics and structure of the embodiment of the slotted member  15  described above function to economically impart strength and stability. While  FIG. 6  illustrates one embodiment of the slotted member  15 , it is to be appreciated that said slotted member may take different forms including but not limited to those set forth in  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 . 
   With attention directed to  FIG. 8 , an alternative embodiment of the slotted member  15  is seen. As in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6 ,  7  and  9 , the slotted member  15  of the assembly contains a plurality of uniformly-sized and uniformly-shaped slots  30  spaced at regular intervals along the length of the slotted member  15  and disposed through a frontal portion  15 A of the slotted member. Each slot among the plurality of slots  30  is likewise disposed parallel to other slots among the plurality of slots  30 . Moreover, the distance between an edge of a slot most proximate a most proximate edge of a closest, neighboring slot is likewise preferentially equivalent for each slot among the plurality of slots  30 . In standard use, the plurality of slots  30  accordingly allow for detachable connection of the bracket member  20  at a variety of locations along the vertical dimension of the slotted member  15 . In the alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the slotted member  15  is, however, adapted for connection to an existing fence post which lacks the plurality of slots  30  contained within the slotted member  15 , by means for affixing the slotted member  15  to the fence rail, the means for affixing comprising threaded screws (not shown), other fasteners (not shown), adhesive or a combination thereof. 
   As in the case of embodiments set forth in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6 , and  9 , the frontal portion  15 A of the slotted member  15  in  FIG. 8  preferably includes a plurality of raised, reinforcement sub-portions  15 L, the plurality of raised, reinforcement sub-portions  15 L preferably being proximate an edge of the frontal portion  15 A, extending the length thereof and protruding therefrom. The plurality of raised, reinforcement sub-portions  15 L function not only to further strengthen and stabilize the slotted member  15 , but may also contact a portion of the fence rail  25  engaged with the slotted member  15  thereby providing further stability to the connection with the fence rail  25 . 
   When used, the assembly of the present invention provides a convenient method for supporting and positioning one or more fence rails  25 ,  25 ′,  25 ″ ( FIG. 1 ) at a user-selected, user-modifiable elevation and at a user-selected, user-modifiable angle. With attention directed to  FIG. 1 , the user first procures (1) at least one fence rail  25 , (2) a first adjustable fence rail supporting and positioning assembly having the slotted member  15  and at least one bracket member  20 ,  20 ″ and (3) at least one additional fence rail supporting and positioning assembly having an additional slotted member  15 ′ and at least one additional bracket member  20 ′,  20 ′″. The user first positions and affixes the slotted member  15  of the first assembly in a generally vertical configuration such that the plurality of slots  30  along the length of the slotted member  15  of the first assembly are spaced at regular, generally vertical intervals. The user likewise positions and affixes the additional slotted member  15 ′ of the additional assembly in a generally vertical configuration at a user-selected distance from the slotted member  15  of the first assembly. When the slotted member  15  or the additional slotted member  15 ′ comprises a fence post or has already been affixed to a fence post, it is preferably positioned and affixed by inserting a lower portion of the fence post into the ground at a location where the user desires the fence post be retained. In circumstances where the slotted member  15  or the additional slotted member  15 ′ does not comprise a fence post or has not already been affixed to a fence post, said positioning and affixing step additionally requires that the slotted member  15  be attached to said fence post, by threaded screws, other fasteners, adhesive, or a combination thereof. 
   In preferred practice, the user then inserts the first slot-engaging portion  20 B of the bracket member  20  of the first assembly in a first slot  30 A among the plurality of slots  30  of the slotted member  15  of the first assembly as best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 9 . The user also positions the fence rail  25  between the bracket member  20  and the slotted member  15  of the first assembly. The user then inserts the second slot-engaging portion  20 C of the bracket member  20  of the first assembly into a second slot  30 B among the plurality of slots  30  of the slotted member  15  of the first assembly while the first slot-engaging portion  20 B occupies the first slot  30 A of the slotted member  15  of the first assembly thereby clasping, supporting and positioning the fence rail  25  against the slotted member  15  of the first assembly at a user-selected, user-modifiable elevation. 
   In preferred practice, the user then inserts an additional first slot-engaging portion  20 B′ of the additional bracket member  20 ′ of the additional assembly into an additional first slot  30 A′ among an additional plurality of slots  30 ′ of the additional slotted member  15 ′ of the additional assembly as best seen in FIG.  1 . The user also positions the fence rail  25  between the additional bracket member  20 ′ and the additional slotted member  15 ′ of the additional assembly. The user then inserts an additional second slot-engaging portion  20 C′ of the additional bracket member  20 ′ of the additional assembly into an additional second slot  30 B′ among the additional plurality of slots  30 ′ of the additional slotted member  15 ′ of the additional assembly while the additional first slot-engaging portion  20 B′ occupies the additional first slot  30 A′ of the additional slotted member  15 ′ of the additional assembly thereby clasping, supporting and positioning the fence rail  25  against the additional slotted member  15 ′ of the additional assembly at a user-selected, user-modifiable elevation. It is to be understood that in the preferred embodiments of the assembly the bracket member  20  and all portions thereof are the same in structure, function and dimensions as the additional bracket member  20 ′ and all portions thereof. It is further to be understood that in the preferred embodiment of the assembly the slotted member  15  and all portions thereof are the same in structure, function and dimensions as the additional slotted member  15 ′ and all portions thereof. 
   The method set forth in the preceding two paragraphs may likewise be used to support and position one or more additional fence rails  25 ′,  25 ″ against the slotted members  15 ,  15 ′ as seen in FIG.  1 . The method set forth in the preceding three paragraphs may likewise be used to support and position the fence rails  25 ,  25 ′,  25 ″ against further additional slotted members (not shown). Moreover, because the bracket member  20  and the additional bracket member  20 ′ are detachably connected, respectively, to the slotted member  15  and to the additional slotted member  15 ′, the user may modify both the elevation and the angle of the fence rail  25  by simply removing the second slot-engaging portion  20 C,  20 C′ and then the first slot-engaging portion  20 B,  20 B′ of the bracket member  20 ,  20 ′, respectively, from the second slot  30 B,  30 B′ and the first slot  30 A,  30 A′ and by then re-clasping, re-supporting and re-positioning said fence rail  25  at a different (modified) user-selected elevation and angle following the procedure set forth in the preceding paragraphs. 
   The assembly and method of the present invention have particular utility when used in the formation wind fences and snow fences having fence rails  25 ,  25 ′,  25 ″ of a generally uniform and preselected width. Porosity of such fences, being that percentage of the total area beneath a top  25 A of a top fence rail  25  ( FIG. 1 ) positioned and supported against the slotted member  15  and above a top surface  35  of the ground (including the earth, accumulated snow or other material) beneath said fence rail  25  ( FIG. 1 ) where prevailing wind, or snow driven by prevailing wind encounters no fence rail  25 ,  25 ′,  25 ″ is an important feature. Fences with too little porosity may be damaged or overturned, while fences with too much porosity provide an ineffective barrier and, consequently, ineffective wind or snow control. 
   In various preferred embodiments of the invention, like that shown in  FIG. 1 , the plurality of slots  30  along the length of the slotted member  15  are accordingly spaced at a determined interval, the determined interval sized to space and configure the fence rail  25  clasped, supported and positioned against the slotted member  15  by the bracket member  20  at a determined, optimum distance from a closest, neighboring fence rail  25 ′ clasped, supported and positioned against the slotted member  15  by a second bracket member  20 ″. The additional plurality of slots  30 ′ along the length of the additional slotted member  15 ′ are likewise spaced at the determined interval to space and configure the fence rail  25  clasped, supported and positioned against the additional slotted member  15 ′ by the additional bracket member  20 ′ at the determined, optimum distance from the closest, neighboring fence rail  25 ′ clasped, supported and positioned against the additional slotted member  15 ′ by an additional second bracket member  20 ′″. 
   In various preferred embodiments the determined interval between each of said plurality of slots  30  allows said fence rails  25 ,  25 ′,  25 ″ of generally uniform and preselected width to be easily configured, supported and positioned to form fences having a preferred porosity of at least 30 percent and but no more than 50 percent for wind fences and having a preferred porosity of at least 45 percent but no more than 50 percent for snow fences. For example, in an embodiment designed for use with fence rails having a width of 6 inches and to facilitate configuration of a fence with 50 percent porosity, the determined interval is sized to space and configure a portion of the fence rail  25  most proximate a closest, neighboring, fence rail  25 ′ at a 6 inch distance from a most proximate portion of the closest, neighboring fence rail  25 ′. In a particular group of embodiments which may be used in the formation of either a wind fence or a snow fence, the determined interval between each of said plurality of slots  30  facilitates easy configuration of a fence having porosity of 35 percent, and alternative configuration of a fence having a porosity of 50 percent. Said plurality of slots  30  may be labeled, individually or collectively, to further assist the user in rapidly forming a fence of desired porosity. 
   The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. The slotted member  15  and the bracket member  20  of the assembly are preferably formed of extruded metal. The materials used in construction of the adjustable fence rail supporting and positioning assembly are aluminum, other metallic elements, metallic alloys, and polymers which provide strength, durability and rust resistance.