Universal Retaining Lock for Chain Link Fence Slats

A method of installing a chain link fence slat system comprising the steps of:

• inserting a plurality of slats through adjacent rows of chain link fencing links, each slat being elongated and having a longitudinal dimension with a first and a second end, a width dimension, a thickness dimension less than the width dimension, and each slat having at least a first and a second notch formed near said first end of said slat, each of said first and said second notches being formed on opposite sides of said width dimension and extending across the width dimension and partly through the thickness dimension, said first notch positioned at a first vertical height and said second notch positioned at a second vertical height, said second vertical height being greater than said first vertical height;
• inserting a channel to receive one end of each slat through adjacent rows of chain link fencing links, said channel having inner surfaces and including a base portion, a first opposing wall and a second opposing wall, said first opposing wall having a first inwardly projecting barb for receiving said first notch and said second opposing wall having a second inwardly projecting barb for receiving said second notch, the spacing between said first and said second opposing walls being equal to or less than said thickness dimension of said slat;
• and
• engaging said first notch with said first inwardly projecting barb and said second notch with said second inwardly projecting barb
• wherein upon engagement, said slat becomes locked into position relative to said channel.