Abstract: A subfloor assembly for supporting a floor on a substrate includes a plurality of lower subfloor panels and a plurality of upper subfloor panels. The lower subfloor panels are resiliently disposed over the substrate while the upper subfloor panels are disposed over the lower subfloor panels. Each of the upper subfloor panels has at least one pocket and the pocket is disposed over a void that is provided between adjacent lower subfloor panels. An anchor is positioned in each pocket and is attached to the substrate. The anchor also engages a surface of a shoulder of at least one of the lower subfloor panels that is exposed under the pocket to thereby limit resilient upward movement of the subfloor assembly.

Abstract: A bracket for joining at least two spanning members, such as a board and a supporting member, includes a generally planar unitary body having front and rear sections, and a mid-section. The front and rear sections include locking members, which interlock when two brackets are aligned to each other. The bracket allows building of a structure, such as a deck, from top, where the nail or screw heads are hidden.

Abstract: A sub-floor assembly for a sports flooring system includes a plurality of sub-floor panel components each formed of a plastic material and each having a formed channel wherein the formed channels of the plurality of sub-floor panel components are linearly aligned. A first strip of anchoring material is disposed within the linearly aligned formed channels of the plurality of sub-floor panel components and is used to attach a plurality of flooring strips to the sub-floor panel components.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a sports floor assembly. The shock absorber has a base portion and a truncated pyramid portion. The base portion is formed of an elastomeric material and is connectable to a sub-flooring of the floor assembly with the second side positioned adjacent to the sub-flooring. The pyramid portion extends from the first side of the base portion. The pyramid portion is formed of an elastomeric material and has stepped sides.

Abstract: A building flooring system includes a plurality of polymer-based composite structural underlayment boards overlaying and secured to a building subfloor to form an underlayment layer over the building subfloor and a nonstructural finish-flooring layer overlaying and bonded to the underlayment layer. The polymer-based composite structural underlayment boards each have a polymer material core layer or a predominantly polymer material core layer that typically contains from 1% to 40% by weight filler(s) and a density between 1.6 lbs/ft3 and 25 lbs/ft3. At least the top or bottom major surface of each of the polymer-based composite structural underlayment boards is overlaid by a facer that reinforces and strengthens the polymer-based composite structural underlayment board and that is generally coextensive with and bonded to the overlaid major surface of the polymer-based composite structural underlayment board.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention are directed to an elevated batten system that includes a horizontal batten strip to which cylindrical-shaped pads are coupled. The pads elevate the horizontal batten strip above the roof deck surface, preventing water and debris from gathering on the roof deck surface and eliminating the need to install the vertical and horizontal battens in separate steps. Other various embodiments of the invention are directed to an elevated batten system that includes a horizontal batten strip to which pads are coupled that define a depressed portion. The depressed portion receives a fastener for coupling each pad to the horizontal batten strip, and in some embodiments, prevents irregularities in the height of the horizontal batten strip relative to the roof deck surface when installed on the roof deck surface.

Abstract: A support device is provided herein and includes a pliable support structure. The support device further includes a plate structure for use with the pliable support structure. The plate structure is disposed on the support structure. A coupling member is associated with the plate structure allowing for other members to be coupled to the support device. Elevating assemblies are optionally further included to elevate elongate structure supported by the support device.

Abstract: A sub-floor assembly for a sports flooring system includes a plurality of sub-floor panel components each formed of a plastic material and each having a formed channel wherein the formed channels of the plurality of sub-floor panel components are linearly aligned. A first strip of anchoring material is disposed within the linearly aligned formed channels of the plurality of sub-floor panel components and is used to attach a plurality of flooring strips to the sub-floor panel components.

Abstract: An athletic floor uses a panel-type subfloor to secure directly to a concrete base. The panel-type sections include upper and lower rigid layers which sandwich a resilient layer. The rigidity of the lower layer spans most uneven spots in the floor, while the resilient layer provides some degree of a compressibility and/or conformability, as needed, to provide a flat horizontal surface for supporting a layer of floorboards thereabove. The panel sections can be secured directly to the base, via anchors which secure the lower rigid layers to the base, the anchors residing in access openings formed along the perimeter of the upper rigid layer and in the resilient layer. This anchoring arrangement enables each anchor to hold at least two adjacently located panel sections, and it also eliminates precompression of the resilient layer. The subfloor panel sections are prefabricated, at the factory, and then shipped to the installation site.

Abstract: A rail type fixing apparatus for installing panels includes a rail 120 having an elongate shape and a plurality of attachment panels 30 inserted into the rail so that they can be moved. The rail 120 has a lower surface 120a, a top surface 120b on which the panels are placed, and a guide groove 121 spaced a little apart from the inside bottom in the longitudinal direction. The attachment panel 30 is provided with a guide panel 31 extended from the bottom edges thereof so that it is guided by the guide groove 121 to move in the longitudinal direction of the rail 120, and a hook projection 132 formed protruding and perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal direction from the top surface, the hook projection hooked with and maintained to a first hook groove 4 of the panel 1 and a second hook groove 7 of the other panel 1. An attachment panel 30 and an adjacent attachment panel 30 are applied of the tension restoring force by the elastic member so that the both hook projections 132 close to each other.

Abstract: A modular prefabricated deck system which includes a plurality of rectangular flooring modules. Each module may include a plurality of laminations, such as a decorative upper element, and a lower support element for supporting the module upon the underlying joist structure of the deck. Additionally, the system includes spline and support portions for attaching the modules upon an underlying structure, such as a wood deck structure, upon installation.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: A decking system and clip apparatus used therein are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, the clip apparatus typically includes a top portion and a pair of lateral projections extending from opposite sides of the top portion. Each lateral projection is configured to contact a respective decking member, thereby maintaining a predefined distance between the decking members. The clip apparatus further typically includes a pair of spaced-apart downward projections extending downward from the top portion, the downward projections being separated by a void sized to receive the joist.

Abstract: A shock absorber for a sports floor assembly. The shock absorber has a base portion and a truncated pyramid portion. The base portion is formed of an elastomeric material and is connectable to a sub-flooring of the floor assembly with the second side positioned adjacent to the sub-flooring. The pyramid portion extends from the first side of the base portion. The pyramid portion is formed of an elastomeric material and has stepped sides.

Abstract: A floor system for a building that includes primary and secondary structural supports, a grid attached to the supports, and a plurality of panels removably mounted in the grid to provide access to the space below the panels and the grid. The floor system replaces conventional permanent structural floors, and provides ready access to the underlying space, which would otherwise be inaccessible in a conventional floor.

Abstract: A deck plank is co-extruded from an extrusion die which receives molten plastics materials supplied from three separate plastic extruders to provide the plank with opposite sides having different colors. Preferably, the base plank is extruded from a lower cost material such as reground scrap polyvinylchloride (PVC), and thin PVC cap layers are co-extruded on opposite sides of the base plank in different colors. Opposite edges of each plank have longitudinally extending grooves for receiving hidden fasteners in the form of screws extending through short flat tie pieces or a continuous sealing tie strip projecting into the opposing grooves of adjacent planks.

Abstract: A deck is disclosed that is level with the top of a concrete/plaster pool having a decorative ribbon of tile along the top of the pool side and an apron surrounding the pool having at least a partially flat surface. The deck has a surface of deck surface members having lengths and ends, the lengths being sized to the dimensions of the pool and the surface being at the same level as the pool apron. Under the deck are supports of joists which are mostly perpendicular to the decking surface members, of underlying beams that form a sturdy base for the joists and beam hangers being secured to the sides of the pool below the decorative ribbon along the top of the pool side and being anchored into the concrete side of the pool. Also disclosed is an improved method for installing such a deck.

Abstract: A sub-floor assembly for a sports flooring system includes a plurality of sub-floor panel components each formed of a plastic material and each having a formed channel wherein the formed channels of the plurality of sub-floor panel components are linearly aligned. A first strip of anchoring material is disposed within the linearly aligned formed channels of the plurality of sub-floor panel components and is used to attach a plurality of flooring strips to the sub-floor panel components.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: The floor according to the invention consists of boards (1), especially wood boards laid on joists (2) and secured to them by fasteners (3) or adhesive and is designed for the use on the unroofed area, external terraces, platforms and jetties or in rooms where water may run out on the floor, while the board (1) of the floor along its bottom edge has the water drip (4), and located between the board (1) of the floor and the joist (2) is the distance piece to mover away the bottom surface of the board (1) of the floor from the top surface of the joist fragment passing especially under the water drip (4). Moreover, the board (1) is secured to one joist (2) by three fasteners (3).

Abstract: According to the present invention, a fastener for securing a first board to an underlying supporting member and to at least one other board running adjacent and parallel to the first board. The fastener includes a body portion, first and second prongs, and a flange. The first prong extends outwardly from the body portion for driving into a first board. The second prong extends outwardly from the body portion for penetrating a second board. The body portion of the fastener includes an opening for receiving a connector. When installed, the connector passes through the opening in the body portion and into the supporting member, which supports and underlies the first and second boards. The flange extends outwardly from the body portion in order to maintain a desired gap between the first and second boards. The prongs may have concave insertion ends as defined by two spaced-apart insertion points.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1?), a floorboard having such a locking system and a flooring made of such floorboards. The locking system has mechanical cooperating means (36, 38; 6, 8, 14) for vertical and horizontal joining of adjoining floorboards. The means for horizontal joining about a vertical plane (F) comprise a locking groove (14) and a locking strip (16) which is located at opposite joint edge portions (4a, 4b) of the floorboard (4). The locking strip (6) projects from the joint plane (F) and has an upwards projecting locking element (8) at its free end. The locking groove (14) is formed in the opposite joint edge portion (4a) of the floorboard at a distance from the joint plane (F). The locking groove (14) and the locking element (8) have operative locking surfaces (10, 11).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting anchor sheets to each other and/or to a floor. The approach includes using attachment pieces which fit into an area of reduced thickness of the anchor sheet which surround a cut away of the anchor sheet. In one embodiment, the attachment pieces are corners which overlap areas of reduced thickness on a number of anchor sheets.

Abstract: A floor panel assembly, system, and method for assembling a floor panel assembly and one or more floor beams are provided. A floor panel assembly may include a floor panel comprising a pair of opposed surfaces, wherein the floor panel includes at least one key hole slot defined in one of the opposed surfaces. The assembly also includes at least one seat track positioned between the opposed surfaces, wherein the seat track comprises at least one key hole slot defined therein that is substantially aligned with a respective key hole slot defined in the floor panel. In addition, the assembly includes at least one fastener assembly comprising a fastener configured to be positioned through a respective key hole slot defined in the floor panel and the seat track.

Abstract: A raised access floor has panels suspended by pedestals. Each panel may have a top surface and a frame extending around the top surface. Each panel may have extruded aluminum components including four edge members, two intermediate members, and a center member. Each edge member may have a frame portion with a box beam configuration. The frame portions can be press-fitted with corner members to provide the frame. Two edge members, the intermediate members, and the center member may have top surface portions coupled together to form the top surface. The top surface may be supported by support ribs with enlarged bottom ends that resist bending. The ends of the support ribs are press-fitted against the frame. Components may be modified or removed to alter the panel geometry. A cover plate may be used to cover the top surface. The cover plate and/or top surface may be continuous or perforated.

Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards includes horizontal joining of a first and a second joint edge portion of a first and a second floorboard respectively at a vertical joint plane; vertical joining of the first and second joint edge portions; wherein the tongue, the tongue groove, the locking element and the locking groove have a configuration that allows insertion of the locking element into the locking groove by inward angling of the second floorboard towards the first floorboard while maintaining contact between the joint edge portions, and wherein the tongue, the tongue grove, the locking element and the locking groove have a configuration that allows insertion of the locking element into the locking groove by a substantially vertical snap action.

Abstract: This present invention relates to an installation structure of the indoor floating decoration floorboards and the installation method thereof, and the installation structure comprises a floor main body by joining several floorboards together, a telescopic space which is equipped with mechanical elastic telescopic parts links astride the floor main body and the adjoining wall, and the parts are existed between the floor main body and the adjoining wall, and the method comprises joining the floorboards one by one to form the floor main body according to the shape and size of the floor of one room, pre-reserving a telescopic space between the floor main body and the adjoining wall, and fixing astride parts between the floor main body and the adjoining wall. The present invention can avoid various crevices, so the floor is firm and durable, and can bring high quality enjoyment to people's home life and office work.

Abstract: An installation method of panels includes a step of assembling panels by fitting projection parts 2, 3 of one panel 1 to insertion grooves 5, 6 of another panel 1, and a step of elastically attaching panels by applying an elastic tensioning force between assembled of panels. Also, a rail type fixing apparatus for installing panels includes a rail 20 having a guide groove 21 formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, and a plurality of attachment panels which are guided along guide groove 21 and are provided movably in the longitudinal direction of the rail 20 and in which a hook projections 32 are provided, and an elastic member which is provided between adjacent attachment panels and applies a tension restoring force between hook projections of the attachment panels to draw the hook projections 32 of the respective attachment panels 30 to each other.

Abstract: A two-ply flooring plank is disclosed having two layers or “plies” with a bottom layer having a grain that runs generally transverse to a top layer or “cross-ply” to provide dimensional stability to the plank. The bottom layer includes a number of strips secured to the bottom of the top layer. The bottom layer strips are also placed with gaps between the individual strips of the second layer to allow flexibility of the flooring plank, which allows the flooring to more easily conform to irregularities in a subfloor upon which the flooring plank is mounted.

Abstract: A method of forming a connection, and a connector, that attaches supported members, such as deck boards, to supporting members, such as deck joists. In some forms, each connector attaches a single supported member. In others, the connector attaches two supported members. Many forms of the connector are possible, but all are narrow enough to fit between two supported members laid side-by-side, all are attached to the supported members by fasteners, and all are driven directly into the supporting members. The resulting structure is characterized by the apparent absence of nails or other fasteners.

Abstract: A sub-floor assembly having sub-floor panels that are adapted to be integrally overlapped while providing clearance for channel sections when the floor deflects under load. Clearance for the channel sections may be achieved by providing pockets in an upper layer of a first sub-floor panel in the area where the channel sections engage a second sub-floor panel with which the first sub-floor panel is in overlapping engagement.

Abstract: A stud panel and method of making a stud panel where interior sheathing may be a temporary piece of transparent plastic or a permanent panel of sheet rock so as to retain insulation in place and minimize scarfing. The stud panel may include studs having through holes extending in a length direction of the stud panel such that insulation in adjacent inner regions separated by such studs interlock with each other and contribute to a structural integrity of the stud panel. The stud panel may include a space between inner studs and one of the exterior and interior sheathing so as to provide a thermal and sound break between the exterior and inner sheathing so as to minimize heat, air and sound transfer between the exterior and interior sheathing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preventing splinters and minimizing the number of injuries attributable to falling onto pressure-treated wooden members, such as landscape ties or timbers used in play areas and landscape projects, through the use of a resilient cover. A cover and various embodiments include a moldable or extrudable waterproof material in the form of a channel having a top wall and two opposing side walls. The combination of channel thickness and composition provides an impact resistance suitable to prevent injuries when one falls upon it. The inner dimensions of the channel are such that the channel fits tightly over the top and sides of a construction beam or timber.

Abstract: A floor support assembly including first and second subfloors is disclosed. The first subfloor is supported over a substrate by a plurality of pads. Each pad is housed in a corresponding recess formed in the first subfloor. Each recess includes a ridge that is in contact only with its respective pad when the floor is in a lightly loaded position. In a more aggressively athletically loaded state, the pad contacts the ridge and a portion of the top of the recess. In a non-athletic fully loaded state, the first subfloor plate near the load rests on the substrate. The second subfloor is located above the first subfloor and is supported by the first subfloor. A method of installing the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: A panel-type subfloor assembly for an anchored/resilient floor includes a plurality of elongated panels laid end-to-end in parallel rows along a first direction, the panels having elongated slots formed therein that are oriented at an oblique angle relative to the first direction. For the entire floor, this results in a plurality of aligned rows of elongated slots oriented at an oblique angle relative to the first direction. Each slot cooperates with an elongated fastener, namely an elongated dual flanged channel held by at least one pin. The fastener is positioned within the respective slot and adapted to hold the respective panel to the base along two longitudinal edges of the slots, in a manner that limits upward movement of the panel while permitting downward deflection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for laying and mechanically joining building panels, especially thin, hard, floating floors. Adjacent joint edges of two panels engage each other to provide a first mechanical connection locking the joint edges in a first direction perpendicular to the principal plane of the panels. In each joint, there is further provided a strip which is integrated with one joint edge and which projects behind the other joint edge. The strip has an upwardly protruding locking element engaging in a locking groove in the rear side of the other joint edge to form a second mechanical connection locking the panels in a second direction parallel to the principal plane of the panels and at right angles to the joint. Both the first and the second mechanical connection allow mutual displacement of joined panels in the direction of the joint.

Abstract: A resilient flooring system in combination with an athletic court having a playing direction and a cross-direction transverse of said playing direction. The flooring system comprises a non-resilient base covered with a resilient layer, and sub-flooring comprising substantially rectangular panel members laid side-by-side and end-to-end in staggered relationship diagonally of the playing direction. The panels are slightly spaced along their ends and sides to form expansion joints. Flooring shorts are arranged over the sub-floor in end-to-end and side-to-side engagement. The shorts are arranged to extend parallel with the playing direction over the entire length of the court. The shorts are also arranged so that a section thereof between opposed ends extends over the expansion joints. Securing members secure each short with the panel members on opposing sides of the expansion slots. Finally, clips are provided to secure the panel members with the base flooring in a manner allowing limited vertical movement.

Abstract: A floor composed of a plurality of modular elements comprises a first subassembly consisting of a base component and a first intermediate element and a second subassembly consisting of a second intermediate element and a top component forming a point elastic floor. The two subassemblies are secured together by connecting means with an angular orientation offset such as to define the contact surfaces and allow assembly by interlocking. The intermediate elements are disposed with a median honeycomb structure sandwiched between two stiffening plates of the same format and dimension. The plates are of nonwoven material and have reinforcement and stiffening disposed in a canvass of warp and weft threads.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a vibration isolating mount used to mount a furring channel to a mounting surface wherein the furring channel comprises a channel portion and two opposing furring channel flanges. The vibration isolating mount comprises a vibration isolator of a size and shape to fit snugly around the furring channel flanges, wherein the vibration isolator has opposing flanges extending away from the furring channel flanges; and mounting brackets, wherein the mounting brackets wrap around the vibration isolator flanges, and wherein the mounting brackets are isolated from the furring channel by the vibration isolator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for laying and mechanically joining building panels, especially thin, hard, floating floors. Adjacent joint edges (3, 4) of two panels (1, 2) engage each other to provide a first mechanical connection locking the joint edges (3, 4) in a first direction (D1) perpendicular to the principal plane of the panels. In each joint, there is further provided a strip (6) which is integrated with one joint edge (3) and which projects behind the other joint edge (4). The strip (6) has an upwardly protruding locking element (8) engaging in a locking groove (14) in the rear side (16) of the other joint edge (4) to form a second mechanical connection locking the panels (1, 2) in a second direction (D2) parallel to the principal plane of the panels and at right angles to the joint. Both the first and the second mechanical connection allow mutual displacement of joined panels (1, 2) in the direction of the joint.

Abstract: A floor, ceiling or wall covering constituted of a number of successive panels and fixing means for the panels, the fixing means including holders which, by means of fixing parts, retain the panels in a disconnectable manner over a part of the thickness of the panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards (1, 1?), a floorboard having such a locking system and a flooring made of such floorboards. The locking system has mechanical cooperating means (36, 38; 6, 8, 14) for vertical and horizontal joining of adjoining floorboards. The means for horizontal joining about a vertical plane (F) comprise a locking groove (14) and a locking strip (16) which is located at opposite joint edge portions (4a, 4b) of the floorboard (4). The locking strip (6) projects from the joint plane (F) and has an upwards projecting locking element (8) at its free end. The locking groove (14) is formed in the opposite joint edge portion (4a) of the floorboard at a distance from the joint plane (F). The locking groove (14) and the locking element (8) have operative locking surfaces (10, 11).

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: A lattice of support surfaces are used to support substantially the perimeter of a construction tile. The support surface is made integral with a decorative border. Linear railways attach orthogonally to other railways to form the lattice. Tiles are set into the lattice providing a warmer installation relative to installation over concrete tile foundation.

Abstract: A floor covering panel made of a hard laminated assembly including a wood-base core includes coupling parts formed in one piece with the core, wherein the coupling parts provide locking elements for preventing the drifting apart of coupled panels in directions perpendicular to the mutual edges along which the panels are coupled and perpendicular to the mutual edges and parallel to a plane including coupled floor panels, and further wherein the mechanical locking elements include an upper surface portion of the tongue extending toward the panel upper side and cooperating with a portion of an upper wall of the groove in which the tongue is coupled in locking relationship, and wherein a portion of the upper surface of the tongue includes the surface sloping away from the panel upper side in a distal direction of the tongue at the distal upper end area of the tongue.

Abstract: A modular prefabricated deck system which includes a plurality of rectangular flooring modules. Each module may include a plurality of laminations, such as a decorative upper element, and a lower support element for supporting the module upon the underlying joist structure of the deck. Additionally, each module may include interlocking structure for engaging adjacent modules upon installation.

Abstract: A floor system composed of a finished flooring preferably secured to a subfloor, a plurality of shock absorber members are fixed to the bottom surface of the floor surface at spaced intervals and in which each of the shock absorber members includes an elastomeric base member provided with a cavity which accommodates an insert member for adjusting the cushioning ability of the base member.

Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.

Abstract: A floorboard system includes a plurality of floorboards, wherein each of the floorboards is a rectangular floorboard provided with long edges and short edges and having a floorboard body provided with an integrated long edge locking system and an integrated short edge locking system for mechanical joining, both vertically and horizontally, the floorboards, along the long edges thereof and along the short edges thereof. The long edge locking system differs from the short edge locking system in respect of at least one of material composition and material properties. And, at least one of the long edge locking system and the short edge locking system includes a separate element which is integrally connected with the floorboard body at the factory and is made of a material other than that included in the floorboard body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for laying and mechanically joining building panels, especially thin, hard, floating floors. Adjacent joint edges (3, 4) of two panels (1, 2) engage each other to provide a first mechanical connection locking the joint edges (3, 4) in a first direction (D1) perpendicular to the principal plane of the panels. In each joint, there is further provided a strip (6) which is integrated with one joint edge (3) and which projects behind the other joint edge (4). The strip (6) has an upwardly protruding locking element (8) engaging in a locking groove (14) in the rear side (16) of the other joint edge (4) to form a second mechanical connection locking the panels (1, 2) in a second direction (D2) parallel to the principal plane of the panels and at right angles to the joint. Both the first and the second mechanical connections allow mutual displacement of joined panels (1, 2) in the direction of the joint.