Patent ID: 7575194

Claim:
An aircraft structure comprising: a first structural member constructed from composite materials, the first structural member having a tapered edge portion, wherein the tapered edge portion has a first surface portion opposite a second surface portion; a second structural member having a third surface portion, wherein the tapered edge portion of the first structural member at least approximately abuts the third surface portion of the second structural member; a first metallic joining member having a first base portion positioned adjacent to the third surface portion of the second structural member, and a first upstanding leg portion positioned adjacent to the first surface portion of the first structural member, wherein at least a first distal end portion of the first upstanding leg portion is tapered; a second metallic joining member having a second base portion positioned adjacent to the third surface portion of the second structural member, and a second upstanding leg portion positioned adjacent to the second surface portion of the first structural member, wherein at least a second distal end portion of the second upstanding leg portion is tapered, and wherein the first base portion of the first metallic joining member is sandwiched between the second base portion of the second metallic joining member and the second structural member; a first portion of adhesive forming a first structural bond between the first upstanding leg portion of the first metallic joining member and the first surface portion of the first structural member; and a second portion of adhesive forming a second structural bond between the second upstanding leg portion of the second metallic joining member and the second surface portion of the first structural member.