Abstract: A fence slat locking system includes elongated plastic slats weaved between consecutive links in a chain link fence. Each slat has a wall that is curved at the lateral sides. The bottom end of the slat is notched on opposite lateral sides defining a set of slat ears. A rail is weaved horizontally between the links of the chain link fence and attached with the bottom end of each slat. By inserting the bottom end of the slat vertically downward into a rail slot, the slat ears start to flatten moving the curved tips laterally away from the central longitudinal axis of the slat. Inserting the slat further vertically downward into the rail channel allow the slat ears to snap back into their original curved cross-sectional profile allowing the curved tips of the slat ears to snap back underneath a retaining section in the rail. The "snap back" action automatically locks the fence slat into the rail.

Abstract: A slat fence retainer for retaining slats in a chain-link fence includes a horizontally disposed slat-retaining element having a pair of spaced apart side walls, a base joining the bottom margin of the side walls and an open top. The element includes a vertical-slat retention means thereon. Plural, vertical slat elements are predimensioned to be received in the links in the fence. Each vertical slat element has at least one substantially planar and resilient flange at an end thereof and slots formed adjacent the end for engagement with the slat retention means to hold the vertical slat element in the fence.