Polymeric chain link with integral telescoping barrel

A polymeric chain link, comprising:

• first and second sidebars, each of said sidebars having a bore through both ends;
• and
• a hollow cylindrical barrel connected to one end of said first sidebar and to one end of said second sidebar, said barrel comprising:
• a. a male barrel portion integral with said first sidebar and projecting inward from said first sidebar at one end, said male barrel portion including an outer mating surface in which an annular surface portion of relatively small outer diameter is bounded on both sides by surface portions of larger diameter;
• and
• b. a female barrel portion integral with said second sidebar and projecting inward from said second sidebar at one end, said female barrel portion including an inner mating surface in which an annular surface portion of relatively small internal diameter is bounded on both sides by surface portions of larger diameter, said inner mating surface being complementary in shape to said outer mating surface, such that said barrel portions are adapted to be coupled by inserting said male barrel portion into said female barrel portion until said annular surface portion of small internal diameter on said female barrel portion fits into said annular surface portion of small outer diameter on said male barrel portion, whereby said barrel portions are mechanically locked together, forming said barrel.