Patent ID: 7721996

Claim:
A structure comprising: a first mechanical member comprising a surface having at least one bore therein; at least one fastener configured to attach said first mechanical member to a second mechanical member, said fastener configured for insertion into the bore, an area between a top surface of the fastener and said surface of said first mechanical member defining a recess with walls; a preformed insert having substantially complimentary shapes to the recess, said insert comprising a dielectric material free of voids; and an adhesive, said adhesive applied to at least one of the fastener and the preformed insert, said preformed insert inserted into the recess such that said adhesive is dispersed between said insert and the recess walls and engages the recess walls, said at least one fastener and the insert, essentially burying said at least one fastener under said dielectric material such that any disparities between said insert and the recess wall are filled in, thereby protecting said at least one fastener from lightning strikes.