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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Technical Field  
           [0002]    The invention relates generally to flashing devices used to prevent moisture from penetrating seams existing in structures, and more particularly to the use of a system of flashing components to render seams found in interior walls impervious to moisture.  
           [0003]    2. Description of Prior Art  
           [0004]    Flashing devices used to prevent moisture from penetrating seams, are well known in the industry. Most such devices are designed to preyent environmental moisture, such as rain or melted snow, from penetrating the seams found in the exterior walls of structures. An example of such a flashing device is U.S. Pat. No. 6,035,582, dated Mar. 14, 2000, issued to William L. Pacific. The &#39;582 patent discloses flashing employing multilayered construction.  
           [0005]    Other flashing devices are designed to prevent interior moisture, such as water from a shower or bathtub, from penetrating seams found in interior walls or floors of rooms such as bathrooms. Examples of such flashing devices are U.S. Pat. No. Des. 404,806, dated Jan. 26, 1999 and issued to Joseph M. Callahan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,723, dated Nov. 3, 1992 and issued to Ray B. Benedict, U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,602, dated Apr. 14, 1992 and issued to Richard A. Stevens, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 299,963, dated Feb. 21, 1989 and issued to Joseph M. Callahan. The &#39;806 patent discloses flashing containing two parallel flanges forming a u-shaped channel adapted to receive wall board; tiling is placed against the outer flange while the inner flange is interposed between the wallboard and the wall-substrate. The entire assembly is installed along the edge of a bathtub. The &#39;723 patent incorporates a downward-oriented horizontal channel into the outer surface of a bathtub, with the channel adapted to receive the upturned edge of flooring. Water flowing down the side of the bathtub would be directed along the flooring away from the joint of the bathtub and floor. The &#39;602 patent discloses a flashing device to be interposed between a bathtub and flooring, with a resilient member adapted to be inserted into a seam between the bathtub and floor. The &#39;963 patent is similar to the &#39;806 patent, with the addition of a third flange depending downward from the forward flange. Each of these flashing devices are specially adapted to bathtub installation, and cannot be used for more general purpose rooms.  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,855, dated Sep. 4, 2001 and issued to Stephen Shipton is a general purpose wall trim system offering waterproofing between wall coverings and base members. The device is adapted to be placed against a wall substrate, having an upper flange interposed between wall substrate and a wall covering. However, the device incorporates the base trim member, thereby eliminating the use of general purpose base members, such as base tile. The incorporation of the base member into the device also increase the cost of manufacture, rendering it less practical.  
           [0007]    None of the prior art devices are specifically adapted for use in so-called “wet rooms.” In many industrial and commercial settings, such rooms are designed to be cleaned by applying water to the walls and floor with a high pressure hose. Such rooms may include kitchens, dish rooms, mop rooms, lavatories, cart rooms, and the like. The water, once sprayed about the room, drains through a floor drain. Cleansing solvents are often used in such circumstances to improve the cleaning of the room. A typical configuration of the walls of such rooms comprises a wall substrate, which may be wall board, dry wall, concrete, cinder block, cement board, gypsum board, sheet rock, or the like; base tile, typically manufactured of ceramic tile, located along the lower portion of the wall substrate and adjacent to the floor; and a wall covering, which may be stainless steel sheeting, plastic, tile, or other moisture resistant material, and which is placed over the wall substrate directly above and adjacent to the base tile. A seam is formed at the junction of the wall covering and the base tile. Typically, some form of grout or silicone-based sealant is applied to the seam to prevent moisture penetration. While preventing moisture penetration into the sub-wall is always important to prevent rot or other damage, it is especially necessary in these types of rooms, because the generally waterproof nature of the wall covering and base tile prevents the evaporation of any moisture which may penetrate the seams, such that even a tiny amount of moisture penetration can result in great damage.  
           [0008]    Existing methods of sealing the seams between the wall covering and base tile are ineffective in keeping all moisture out of the seams. This is because during cleaning water is directed at the walls, including the seams, with great force exerted by the high pressure hose, causing the water stream to quickly break down grout or silicone-based sealants applied to the seams. When chemical solvents are used, this breakdown occurs even more rapidly. Moisture then penetrates the seams, migrates throughout the sub-wall and floor, and causes expensive damage.  
           [0009]    None of the prior art devices discovered adequately address the problem of moisture penetration through the seams located between the wall covering and base tile in a simple yet effective manner, while still permitting standard building techniques using standard construction materials. The present invention, however, solves this problem. By using a solid barrier constructed of a waterproof and durable material suitably adapted to withstand the force of high pressure hoses, placed within the seams and shaped to direct moisture outward and downward, the invention represents an effective, inexpensive, and long-term solution to the problem. It is addresses the problem of sealing corners, both inside and outside corners, which often are the weak point in wet-room waterproofing systems. Moreover, the method of installation claimed herein further allows quick and easy implementation of the invention using existing construction techniques and without the need for retrofitting the wall components or otherwise substituting preferred construction materials.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0010]    In one aspect, the invention is directed to a flashing system adapted to render wall seams impervious to moisture, for use in the interior of a structure, said interior formed of one or more walls, each said wall being comprised of a wall substrate, a wall covering adapted to be positioned over the wall substrate, and base tile adapted to be positioned over the wall substrate and located along the lower portion of the wall directly below and adjacent to the wall covering, with the wall covering and base tile forming said seams. The flashing system is comprised of one or more of a wall sealing component, an inside corner sealing component, and an outside corner sealing component, each component adapted to be positioned within and over the seams such that moisture contacting the wall is directed downward and away from the seams.  
           [0011]    This aspect may include one or more of the following features: flashing strips having flanges adapted to be positioned along a wall and to fit between the wall covering and wall substrate and over the base tile such that moisture contacting the flashing strip will be directed downward and away from the seam; inside corner flashing members having flanges adapted to fit within an inside corner and between the wall covering and wall substrate and over the base tile such that moisture contacting the inside corner will be directed downward and away from the seams; outside corner flashing members having flanges adapted to fit over an outside corner and between the wall covering and wall substrate and over the base tile such that moisture contacting the outside corner will be directed downward and away from the seams; components resistant to chemical corrosion; components constructed of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, rigid plastic, rubberized plastic, composite materials such as polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and laminate matrix composites, and synthetic materials such as polycarbonate and polystyrene; components with rearwardly angled lower flanges; flashing strips with tapered lower flanges; attachment components employing fasteners and apertures, or adhesive strips, or adhesive compounds, to fixedly secure flashing strips, inside corner flashing members, and outside corner flashing members to the wall substrate; and a waterproofing compound adapted to be applied between the components and the wall.  
           [0012]    In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of rendering seams in a structure impervious to moisture, for structures as described above. This method includes preparing the room by removing the wall covering from the walls, if necessary, and having the wall substrate and base tile in place; for each wall of the room, providing one or more flashing strips, positioning a first flashing strip horizontally against the wall such that the first end of the flashing strip is adjacent to one corner of the room, placing the upper flange of the flashing strip against the wall substrate such that the lower flange is positioned over base tile, and fixedly attaching the upper flange of the flashing strip to the wall substrate, positioning each subsequent flashing strip horizontally against the wall such that the first end of the flashing strip overlaps the second end of the previously installed flashing strip, placing the upper flange of the flashing strip against the wall substrate such that the lower flange is positioned over base tile, and fixedly attaching the upper flange of the flashing strip to the wall substrate, and positioning a final flashing strip horizontally against the wall such that the first end of the final flashing strip overlaps the second end of the previously installed flashing strip and the second end of the final flashing strip is adjacent to the corner of the room, cutting the final flashing strip, if necessary, in order to fit the remaining length of the wall, placing the upper flange of the flashing strip against the wall substrate such that the lower flange is positioned over base tile, and fixedly attaching the upper flange of the flashing strip to the wall substrate; for each interior corner of the room, providing an inside corner flashing member, positioning the inside corner flashing member against the interior corner, such that the upper flanges of the inside corner flashing member are placed against the wall substrate, the lower flanges of the inside corner flashing member are positioned over base tile, with the lower flanges positioned to partially overlap the ends of adjacent flashing strips, and fixedly attaching the upper flanges of the inside corner flashing members to the wall substrate; for each outside corner of the room, providing an outside corner flashing member, positioning the outside corner flashing member over the outside corner, such that the upper flanges of the outside corner flashing member are placed against the wall substrate, the lower flanges of the outside corner flashing member are positioned over base tile, with the lower flanges positioned to partially overlap the ends of adjacent flashing strips, and fixedly attaching the upper flanges of the outside corner flashing members to the wall substrate; and positioning the wall covering onto the wall substrate. This aspect may include applying a waterproofing compound prior to positioning the components against the wall, to create an additional waterproof seal within the seams.  
           [0013]    It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved flashing system for use in rooms designed to be cleaned by the application of water to the walls and floor with a high pressure hose. The invention allows builders and renovators to waterproof seams in such rooms quickly, easily, and inexpensively, with highly effective and long-lasting results. Because of the simplicity of the invention, it may also be used in any wall having horizontal seams where moisture penetration is an issue, even if high pressure hoses are not used for cleaning.  
           [0014]    Other features and advantages of the invention are described below.  
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a flashing strip, with the center portion cut away, thereby depicting both the first and second ends of the flashing strip and depicting the exterior surface and the upper and lower flanges and the shaped transition area of the flashing strip.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 a  is a cross sectional view of the flashing strip having a downwardly curved shaped transition area.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 b  is a cross sectional view of the flashing strip having a substantially horizontally oriented shaped transition area.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flashing strip properly installed in a wall and the relationship of the flashing strip to the wall substrate, wall covering, and base tile.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of an inside corner flashing member.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is a perspective front view of an outside corner flashing member.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1 shows a perspective front view of a flashing strip  20 , which is a single instantiation of the wall sealing component. FIG. 3 shows a perspective front view of an inside corner flashing member  60 , which is a single instantiation of the inside corner sealing component. FIG. 4 shows a perspective front view of an outside corner flashing member  110 , which is a single instantiation of the outside corner sealing component. The flashing system invention claimed herein is comprised of one or more of these three components, which may be used singly or in conjunction with each other to provide waterproofing to the seams  10  found between wall coverings  6  and base tile  8 , thereby preventing moisture penetration through to the wall substrate  4 , studs, joists, and other internal wall components which are subject to damage from moisture. Such a flashing system is intended for use in commercial or industrial structures which are subjected to the presence of moisture, particularly water applied to interior walls by high pressure hoses, such as in kitchens, dish rooms, mop rooms, lavatories, cart rooms, and the like. The flashing system is specifically engineered to be effective, simple to manufacture and install, and less expensive than other such devices.  
         [0022]    The wall sealing component is constructed of a material impervious to moisture. Optionally, the wall sealing component may be constructed of a material also resistant to chemical corrosion. This optional feature is useful where the rooms in which the wall sealing component is installed are exposed to a combination of water and chemical solvents, such as may be found in cleaning agents. The materials from which the wall sealing component may be constructed may be rigid, semi-rigid or malleable, or flexible, though such materials must exhibit a sufficient durability to withstand direct exposure to high pressure water. Preferred materials from which the wall sealing component may be constructed include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, fiberglass, rigid plastic, rubberized plastic, composite materials such as polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and laminate matrix composites, and synthetic materials such as polycarbonate and polystyrene. Other materials exhibiting the required characteristic of imperviousness to moisture and the optional characteristic of resistance to chemical corrosion may also be used.  
         [0023]    The wall sealing component is comprised of one or more flashing strips  20 . Each flashing strip  20  of the wall sealing component is adapted to be placed along seams  10  running the width of walls. One or more flashing strips  20  may be used along each wall, as required by the width of the wall. The last flashing strip  20  installed on a wall may be cut as necessary to custom fit the width of the wall. Each flashing strip  20  had the same size and shape as each other flashing strip  20 , except along their lengths, which may vary as needed. Therefore, the description of a single flashing strip  20 , provided below, applies to each flashing strip  20  comprising the wall sealing component, excepting any requirement for a uniformity of length. The flashing strip  20  has an upper flange  36 , a lower flange  38 , and a shaped transition area  42  interposed between and connecting the upper flange  36  and the lower flange  38 . Each of these subcomponents of the flashing strip  20  run the entire length of the flashing strip  20 . The flashing strip  20  is of seamless once piece construction, whereby the subcomponents of the flashing strip  20  integrate into each other. The absence of seams  10  in the construction of the flashing strip  20  allows it to be an effective moisture barrier.  
         [0024]    The flashing strip  20  has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface of the flashing strip  20  is that surface facing the interior of the room and which may be exposed to direct application of moisture. The interior surface of the flashing strip  20  is that surface facing away from the interior of the room and which is placed against the wall substrate  4  and base tile  8 . The surfaces of the upper and lower flanges  36 ,  38  and the shaped transition area  42  that correspond to the exterior surface of the flashing strip  20  as a whole are defined as exterior surfaces, and the surfaces of the upper and lower flanges  36 ,  38  and the shaped transition area  42  that correspond to the interior surface of the flashing strip  20  as a whole are defined as interior surfaces. The flashing strip  20  has a substantially uniform thickness, as measured from the exterior surface to the interior surface. The flashing strip  20  has a first end  32  and a second end  34 , the two ends located laterally and opposite each other.  
         [0025]    The upper flange  36  of the flashing strip  20  is substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically. The lower flange  38  of the flashing strip  20  is also substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically, in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the upper flange  36 . The lower flange  38  has a lower edge  40  opposite the junction of the lower flange  38  with the shaped transition area  42 . The shaped transition area  42  connecting the upper and lower flanges  36 , 38  may have any suitable shape appropriate for shedding moisture in a substantially downward and exterior direction. The substantially vertical orientations of the upper and lower flanges  36 ,  38  and their substantially planar shapes permit the flanges of the flashing strip  20  to be placed flush against the wall substrate  4  and base tile  8 , while the shaped transition area  42  of the flashing strip  20  is positioned over and placed in contact with the top edge  58  of base tile  8 .  
         [0026]    In one embodiment of the invention, the shaped transition area  42  is oriented substantially perpendicular to the upper flange  36  and extends outward and downward from the upper flange  36  in a smoothly curving manner until it achieves a substantially vertical orientation at its juncture with the lower flange  38 . This embodiment is appropriate for use with cove base tile  8 . FIG. 1 a shows a cross sectional view of a flashing strip  20  having a shaped transition area  42  as described in this embodiment. In another embodiment, the shaped transition area  42  is oriented substantially perpendicular to the upper flange  36  and substantially perpendicular to the lower flange  38 , thus being substantially planar and oriented substantially horizontally. This embodiment is appropriate for use with base tile  8  having a squared off top edge  58 . Figure 1 b  shows a cross sectional view of a flashing strip  20  having a shaped transition area  42  as described in this embodiment.  
         [0027]    When multiple flashing strips  20  are used along a single wall, each flashing strip  20  other than the flashing strips  20  on the ends is intended to overlap a portion of one adjacent flashing strip  20  and to be overlapped in part by a portion of the other adjacent flashing strip  20 . Specifically, the first end  32  of each flashing strip  20  is suitably adapted to partially overlap the second end  34  of an adjacent flashing strip  20 .  
         [0028]    In one embodiment the lower flange  38  of each flashing strip  20  has a varying width, the width being defined as the dimension of the lower flange  38  from the junction of the lower flange  38  and the shaped transition area  42  to the lower edge  40  of the lower flange  38 . The variance of the width of the lower flange  38  is substantially constant, with the width of the lower flange  38  at the first end  32  of the flashing strip  20  greater than the width of the lower flange  38  at the second end  34  of the flashing strip  20 , this difference in width being substantially equal to the thickness of the flashing strip  20 . As a result of this variance in the width of the lower flange  38 , the lower flange  38  exhibits a slight upward taper along its lower edge  40  in the direction from the first end  32  of the flashing strip  20  to the second end  34 . That is, the second end  34  of the flashing strip  20  is narrower than the first end  32  of the flashing strip  20  by an amount substantially equal to the thickness of the flashing strip  20 . The purpose of this upward taper is to accommodate the overlap of the first end  32  of a flashing strip  20  over the second end  34  of an adjacent flashing strip  20 . The relatively wider first end  32  of the flashing strip  20  will substantially cover the relatively narrower second end  34  of the overlapped, adjacent flashing strip  20 , forming a substantially even line along the lower edges  40  of the two flashing strips  20  at their point of overlap, thereby improving the aesthetics of the finished installation.  
         [0029]    In another embodiment, the lower edge  40  of the lower flange  38  of each flashing strip  20  is angled rearward. The angle is slight, preferably between 10° and 30° from vertical. This angling of the lower edge  40  of the lower flange  38  rearward causes the lower flange  38  to fit tighter against the base tile  8 , further reducing the incidence of moisture penetration between the lower flange  38  of the flashing strip  20  and the base tile  8 . FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b  depict the rearward angling of the lower edge  40  of the lower flange  38  of the flashing strip  20 .  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 2 depicts a flashing strip  20  as it is intended to be installed within a wall. Each flashing strip  20  is positioned along a wall in the following manner: the upper flange  36  is placed between the wall substrate  4  and the wall covering  6 , and above the base tile  8 , with the exterior surface of the upper flange  36  positioned against the wall covering  6  and the interior surface of the upper flange  36  positioned against the wall substrate  4 . The lower flange  38  is placed over base tile  8  with the interior surface of the lower flange  38  positioned against base tile  8 . The shaped transition area  42  is placed along the top edge  58  of the base tile  8 , such that the interior surface of the shaped transition area  42  is in contact with the top edge  58  of the base tile  8 . With the wall covering  6  in place, the upper flange  36  is not visible, the shaped transition area  42  is partially visible, and the lower flange  38  is completely visible. The flashing strip  20  thus extends through the seam  10  formed at the juncture of the wall covering  6  and the base tile  8 . Moisture contacting the wall in the area of the flashing strip  20  is prevented from penetrating the seam  10 , and is directed downward and away from the seam  10 .  
         [0031]    In one embodiment, a waterproofing compound  56  may be used with the flashing strip  20 . The waterproofing compound  56  is placed along the top edge  58  of the base tile  8  such that the waterproofing compound  56  contacts both the base tile  8  and the interior surface of the shaped transition area  42  of the flashing strip  20 , forming an unbroken seal between the flashing strip  20  and base tile  8  for the length of the flashing strip  20 . The waterproofing compound  56  is also placed upon the exterior surface of the second end  34  of the flashing strip  20  such that the waterproofing compound  56  contacts both the second end  34  of the flashing strip  20  and the interior surface of the first end  32  of the adjacent flashing-strip  20  which overlaps the second end  34  of the flashing strip  20 , forming an unbroken seal between the two flashing strips  20 . This additional waterproof seal prevents moisture directed upward against the lower flange  38 , for example, through back splashing, which may seep between the lower flange  38  and the base tile  8 , from passing between the flashing strip  20  and base tile  8  or between adjacent flashing strips  20  through to the wall substrate  4 . Any suitable waterproofing compound  56  may be used, for example, silicone.  
         [0032]    The flashing strip  20  has an attachment component  44  suitably adapted for attaching the flashing strip  20  to a wall. In one embodiment, the attachment component  44  comprises a plurality of apertures formed into the upper flange  36  of the flashing strip  20 , and a plurality of fasteners  90  suitably adapted to pass through the apertures. For example, the fasteners  90  may be screws or nails. The flashing strip  20  is secured to the wall by passing the fasteners  90  through the apertures and into the wall substrate  4 .  
         [0033]    In another embodiment, the attachment component  44  comprises an adhesive strip. The adhesive strip has a first side and a second side, with both sides being adhesive. The first side of the adhesive strip is fixedly attached to the interior surface of the upper flange  36  of the flashing strip  20 , thereby affixing the adhesive strip to the flashing strip  20 . The flashing strip  20  is then pressed against the wall substrate  4  so that the second side of the adhesive strip is placed in contact with the wall substrate  4 , adhering thereto, thereby fixedly attaching the flashing strip  20  to the wall substrate  4 . Any suitable adhesive strip having the aforementioned characteristics may be used, for example double-sided mounting tape. The adhesive strip may be pre-mounted on the flashing strip  20  or secured thereto during installation.  
         [0034]    In yet another embodiment, the attachment component  44  comprises an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is applied along the interior surface of the upper flange  36  of the flashing strip  20 , then the upper flange  36  of the flashing strip  20  is pressed against the wall substrate  4  such that the adhesive compound is in contact with and interposed between the upper flange  36  of the flashing strip  20  and the wall substrate  4 , thereby fixedly attaching the flashing strip  20  to the wall substrate  4 . Any suitable adhesive compound having the characteristics of easy application and quick drying may be used.  
         [0035]    The flashing strips  20  may be of any suitable length, the length defined as the linear dimension from the first end  32  to the second end  34 . In one embodiment the length of the flashing strip  20  is between five feet and eight feet. In the preferred embodiment, the length is seven feet. The width of the upper flange  36 , defined as the linear dimension from the junction of the upper flange  36  and the shaped transition area  42  to the top edge of the upper flange  36 , and the width of the lower flange  38  of the flashing strip  20 , previously defined, may be of any suitable widths. In one embodiment the widths of the upper and lower flanges  36 ,  38  are between one and four inches. In the preferred embodiment, the widths are two inches each. Other lengths and widths may also be used without deviating from the spirit of the invention.  
         [0036]    The inside corner sealing component is constructed of a material impervious to moisture. Optionally, the inside corner sealing component may be constructed of a material also resistant to chemical corrosion. This optional feature is useful where the rooms in which the inside corner sealing component is installed are exposed to a combination of water and chemical solvents, such as may be found in cleaning agents. The materials from which the inside corner sealing component may be constructed may be rigid, semi-rigid or malleable, or flexible, though such materials must exhibit a sufficient durability to withstand direct exposure to high pressure water. Preferred materials from which the inside corner sealing component may be constructed include aluminum, stainless steel, steel, fiberglass, rigid plastic, rubberized plastic, composite materials such as polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and laminate matrix composites, and synthetic materials such as polycarbonate and polystyrene. Other materials exhibiting the required characteristic of imperviousness to moisture and the optional characteristic of resistance to chemical corrosion may also be used.  
         [0037]    The inside corner sealing component is comprised of one or more inside corner flashing members  60 . FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an inside corner flashing member  60 . Each inside corner flashing member  60  of the inside corner sealing component is adapted to be positioned against an inside corner formed by a first wall and an adjacent second wall, whereby the first and second walls form an angle of less than 180°. Typically, the inside corner will be formed by the first and second walls forming an angle of 90°. The inside corner flashing member  60  is adapted to be positioned at the junction of the two seams  10  meeting at an inside corner.  
         [0038]    The inside corner flashing member  60  has a first upper flange  68  and a second upper flange  70 , a first lower flange  72  and a second lower flange  78 , a first shaped transition area  84  interposed between and connecting the first upper flange  68  and the first lower flange  72 , and a second shaped transition area  86  interposed between and connecting the second upper flange  70  and the second lower flange  78 . The first and second upper flanges  68 ,  70  are adjacent to each other along a common edge oriented substantially vertically. While the first and second upper flanges  68 ,  70  typically are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other, the angle between said flanges  68 ,  70  may vary, provided it does not exceed 180°. The first and second lower flanges  72 ,  78  are adjacent to each other along a common edge oriented substantially vertically. While the first and second lower flanges  72 ,  78  typically are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other, the angle between said flanges  72 ,  78  may vary, provided it does not exceed 180°. The inside corner flashing member  60  is of seamless once piece construction, whereby the subcomponents of the inside corner flashing member  60  integrate into each other. The absence of seams  10  in the construction of the inside corner flashing member  60  allows it to be an effective moisture barrier.  
         [0039]    The inside corner flashing member  60  has an exterior surface  62  and an interior surface  64 . The exterior surface  62  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is that surface facing the interior of the room and which may be exposed to direct application of moisture. The interior surface  64  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is that surface facing away from the interior of the room and which is placed against the inside corner of the wall against the wall substrate  4  and base tile  8 . The exterior surface  62  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is substantially concave. The surfaces of the first and second upper flanges  68 ,  70 , the first and second lower flanges  72 ,  78 , and the first and second shaped transition areas  84 ,  86  that correspond to the exterior surface  62  of the inside corner flashing member  60  as a whole are defined as exterior surfaces, and the surfaces of the first and second upper flanges  68 ,  70 , the first and second lower flanges  72 ,  78 , and the first and second shaped transition areas  84 ,  86  that correspond to the interior surface  64  of the inside corner flashing member  60  as a whole are defined as interior surfaces. The inside corner flashing member  60  has a substantially uniform thickness, as measured from the exterior surface  62  to the interior surface  64 .  
         [0040]    The first upper flange  68  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically. The second upper flange  70  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is also substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically. The first lower flange  72  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically, in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the first upper flange  68  of the inside corner flashing member  60 . The first lower flange  72  has a first lower edge  74  opposite the junction of the first lower flange  72  with the first shaped transition area  84 . The second lower flange  78  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is also substantially planar and oriented substantially vertically, in a plane substantially parallel and exterior to the plane of the second upper flange  70  of the inside corner flashing member  60 . The second lower flange  78  has a second lower edge  80  opposite the junction of the second lower flange  78  with the second shaped transition area  86 .  
         [0041]    The first shaped transition area  84  connecting the first upper and lower flanges  68 ,  72  and the second shaped transition area  86  connecting the second upper and lower flanges  70 ,  78  may have any suitable shape appropriate for shedding moisture in a substantially downward and exterior direction. The second shaped transition area  86  is adjacent to and integrated with the first shaped transition area  84 . The substantially vertical orientations of the first and second upper and lower flanges  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  78  and their substantially planar shapes permit the flanges of the inside corner flashing member  60  to be placed flush into an inside corner and against the wall substrate  4  and base tile  8 , while the first and second shaped transition areas  84 ,  86  of the inside corner flashing member  60  are positioned over and placed in contact with the top edges  58  of base tile  8 .  
         [0042]    In one embodiment of the invention, the first shaped transition area  84  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first upper flange  68  of the inside corner flashing member  60  and extends outward and downward from the first upper flange  68  in a smoothly curving manner until it achieves a substantially vertical orientation at its juncture with the first lower flange  72 . The second shaped transition area  86  has an equivalent shape and orientation relative to the second upper and lower flanges  70 ,  78 . This embodiment is appropriate for use with cove base tile  8 . In another embodiment, the first shaped transition area  84  is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first upper flange  68  and substantially perpendicular to the first lower flange  72 , thus being substantially planar and oriented substantially horizontally. The second shaped transition area  86  has an equivalent shape and orientation relative to the second upper and lower flanges  70 ,  78 . This embodiment is appropriate for use with base tile  8  having a squared off top edge  58 .  
         [0043]    The inside corner flashing member  60  is intended to overlap a portion of the adjacent flashing strips  20 . Specifically, the first upper and lower flanges  68 ,  72  of the inside corner flashing member  60  are suitably adapted to partially overlap the second end  34  of an adjacent flashing strip  20 , and the second upper and lower flanges  70 ,  78  of the inside corner flashing member  60  are suitably adapted to partially overlap the first end  32  of an adjacent flashing strip  20 .  
         [0044]    In one embodiment the first lower flange  72  of the inside corner flashing member  60  has a width greater than the width of the lower flange  38  of the flashing strip  20  at the second end  34  of the flashing strip  20 , the width of the first lower flange  72  being defined as the dimension of the first lower flange  72  from the junction of the first lower flange  72  and the first shaped transition area  84  to the first lower edge  74  of the first lower flange  72 . The difference of the width of the first lower flange  72  of the inside corner flashing member  60  relative to the width of the lower flange  38  of the flashing strip  20  at the second end  34  of the flashing strip  20  is substantially equal to the thickness of the flashing strip  20 . Similarly, the second lower flange  78  of the inside corner flashing member  60  has a width greater than the width of the lower flange  38  of the flashing strip  20  at the first end  32  of the flashing strip  20 , the width of the second lower flange  78  being defined as the dimension of the second lower flange  78  from the junction of the second lower flange  78  and the second shaped transition area  86  to the second lower edge  80  of the second lower flange  78 . The difference of the width of the second lower flange  78  of the inside corner flashing member  60  relative to the width of the lower flange  38  of the flashing strip  20  at the first end  32  of the flashing strip  20  is substantially equal to the thickness of the flashing strip  20 . As a result of these variances in the widths of the first and second lower flanges  72 ,  78 , as the inside corner flashing member  60  overlaps the adjacent flashing strips  20 , the relatively wider first and second lower flanges  72 ,  78  of the inside corner flashing member  60  will substantially cover the relatively narrower lower flanges of the adjacent flashing strips  20 , forming a substantially even line along the lower edges  40  of the adjacent flashing strips  20  and the inside corner flashing member  60  at their points of overlap, thereby improving the aesthetics of the finished installation.  
         [0045]    In another embodiment, the first and second lower edges  74 ,  80  of the first and second lower flanges  72 ,  78  of each inside corner flashing member  60  are angled rearward. The angle is slight, preferably between 10° and 30° from vertical. This angling of the first and second lower edges  74 ,  80  of the first and second lower flanges  72 ,  78  rearward causes the first and second lower flanges  72 ,  78  to fit tighter against the base tile  8 , further reducing the incidence of moisture penetration between the first and second lower flanges  72 ,  78  of the inside corner flashing member  60  and the base tile  8 .  
         [0046]    Each inside corner flashing member  60  is suitably adapted to be positioned against an inside corner of a room, formed by the junction of a first wall and a second wall, in the following manner: the first upper flange  68  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is placed between the wall substrate  4  and the wall covering  6  of the first wall, and above the base tile  8 , with the exterior surface  62  of the first upper flange  68  of the inside corner flashing member  60  positioned against the wall covering  6  of the first wall, and with the interior surface  64  of the first upper flange  68  of the inside corner flashing member  60  positioned against the wall substrate  4  of the first wall. The second upper flange  70  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is positioned along the second wall in the same manner. The first lower flange  72  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is placed over base tile  8 , with the interior surface  64  of the first lower flange  72  of the inside corner flashing member  60  positioned against base tile  8 . The second lower flange  78  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is positioned along the second wall in the same manner. The first and second shaped transition areas  84 ,  86  are placed along the top edge  58  of base tile  8 , such that the interior surfaces  64  of the first and second shaped transition areas  84 ,  86  are in contact with the top edge  58  of base tile  8 . With the wall coverings  6  in place, the first and second upper flanges  68 ,  70  are not visible, the first and second shaped transition areas  84 ,  86  are partially visible, and the first and second lower flanges  72 ,  78  are completely visible. So positioned, the inside corner flashing member  60  extends through the seams  10  formed at the junctions of the wall coverings  6  and base tile  8  of the first wall and the second wall. Moisture contacting the first wall or the second wall in the area of the inside corner flashing member  60  is prevented from penetrating the seams  10 , and is directed downward and away from the seams  10 .  
         [0047]    In one embodiment, a waterproofing compound  56  may be used with the inside corner flashing member  60 . The waterproofing compound  56  is placed upon a portion of the exterior surface of the shaped transition area  42  of each adjacent flashing strip  20  which will be overlapped by the inside corner flashing member  60 , such that the waterproofing compound  56  contacts both the flashing strips  20  and the interior surfaces  64  of the first and second shaped transition areas  84 ,  86  of the inside corner flashing member  60 , forming an unbroken seal between the inside corner flashing member  60  and the flashing strips  20 . The waterproofing compound  56  is also placed upon the exterior surface of the second end  34  of the flashing strip  20  adjacent to and overlapped by the first flanges  68 ,  70  of the inside corner flashing member  60  and upon the exterior surface of the first end  32  of the flashing strip  20  adjacent to and overlapped by the second flanges  72 ,  78  of the inside corner flashing member  60  such that the waterproofing compound  56  in contact with the components  20 ,  60  forms an unbroken seal between the components  20 ,  60 . This additional waterproof seal prevents moisture directed upward against the first and second lower flanges  72 ,  78  of the inside corner flashing member  60 , for example, through back splashing, which may seep between the inside corner flashing member  60  and the flashing strips  20 , from passing between the inside corner flashing member  60  and the flashing strips  20 . Any suitable waterproofing compound  56  may be used, for example, silicone.  
         [0048]    The inside corner flashing member  60  has an attachment component  88  suitably adapted for attaching the inside corner flashing member  60  to a wall. In one embodiment, the attachment component  88  comprises a plurality of apertures formed into the first and second upper flanges  68 ,  70  of the inside corner flashing member  60 , and a plurality of fasteners  90  suitably adapted to pass through the apertures. For example, the fasteners  90  may be screws or nails. The inside corner flashing member  60  is secured to the wall by passing the fasteners  90  through the apertures and into the wall substrate  4 .  
         [0049]    In another embodiment, the attachment component  88  of the inside corner flashing member  60  comprises a first adhesive strip  96  and second adhesive strip  102 . The first adhesive strip  96  has a first side and a second side, with both sides being adhesive. Likewise, the second adhesive strip  102  has a first side and a second side, with both sides being adhesive. The first side of the first adhesive strip  96  is fixedly attached to the interior surface  64  of the first upper flange  68  of the inside corner flashing member  60 , thereby affixing the first adhesive strip  96  to the inside corner flashing member  60 . In the same manner the second adhesive strip  102  is affixed to the interior surface  64  of the second upper flange  70  of the inside corner flashing member  60 . The inside corner flashing member  60  is then pressed into a corner against the wall substrate  4  so that the second sides of the first and second adhesive strips  96 ,  102  are placed in contact with the wall substrate  4 , adhering thereto, thereby fixedly attaching the inside corner flashing member  60  to the wall substrate  4 . Any suitable adhesive strip having the aforementioned characteristics may be used, for example double-sided mounting tape. The first and second adhesive strips  96 ,  102  may be pre-mounted on the inside corner flashing member  60  or secured thereto during installation.  
         [0050]    In yet another embodiment, the attachment component  88  of the inside corner flashing member  60  comprises an adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is applied along the interior surfaces  64  of the first and second upper flanges  68 ,  70  of the inside corner flashing member  60 , then the first and second upper flanges  68 ,  70  of the inside corner flashing member  60  are pressed against the wall substrate  4  such that the adhesive compound is in contact with and interposed between the inside corner flashing member  60  and the wall substrate  4 , thereby fixedly attaching the inside corner flashing member  60  to the wall substrate  4 . Any suitable adhesive compound having the characteristics of easy application and quick drying may be used.  
         [0051]    The first and second upper flanges  68 ,  70  and the first and second lower flanges  72 ,  78  of the inside corner flashing members  60  may be of any suitable length and width, the length defined as the linear dimension along the flanges  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  78  from the junction of the first  68 ,  72  and second flanges  70 ,  78  to the respective outer edges of those flanges  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  78 , and the width defined as the linear dimension along the flanges  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  78  from the junction of the upper  68 ,  70  and lower flanges  72 ,  78  with the first and second shaped transition areas  84 ,  86  to the respective top and bottom edges of those flanges  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  78 . In one embodiment the lengths of the flanges  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  78  are between two inches and six inches. In the preferred embodiment, the lengths are three inches. In another embodiment the widths of the flanges  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  78  are between one and four inches. In the preferred embodiment, the widths are two inches each. Other lengths and widths may also be used without deviating from the spirit of the invention.  
         [0052]    The outside corner sealing component is comprised of one or more outside corner flashing members  110 . FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an outside corner flashing member  110 . Like the inside corner flashing member  60 , each outside corner flashing member  110  has a first upper flange  118  and a second upper flange  120 , a first lower flange  122  and a second lower flange  128 , a first shaped transition area  134  interposed between and connecting the first upper flange  118  and the first lower flange  122 , and a second shaped transition area  136  interposed between and connecting the second upper flange  120  and the second lower flange  128 . However, each outside corner flashing member  110  of the outside corner sealing component is adapted to be positioned over an outside corner formed by a first wall and an adjacent second wall, whereby the first and second walls form an angle of more than 180°. Typically, the outside corner will be fonned by the first and second walls forming an angle of 270°. The exterior surface  112  of the outside corner flashing member  110  is substantially convex. Thus, while an inside corner flashing member  60  is angled such that its flanges extend forward from an interior corner, an outside corner flashing member  110  is angled such that its flanges extend rearward from an outside corner. In all remaining aspects, the outside corner sealing component is substantially identical to the inside corner sealing component.  
         [0053]    The invention also comprises a method of rendering seams  10  in a structure impervious to moisture. The structure comprising an interior room having walls, each wall having a wall substrate  4 , a wall covering  6 , and base tile  8  located along the lower portion of the wall directly below and adjacent to the wall covering  6 , and the seams  10  to be rendered impervious to moisture are formed at the junctions of the wall covering  6  and base tile  8 . The method comprises the following steps: 
         [0054]    (1) The room is prepared by removing the wall covering  6  from the walls, if necessary, and having the wall substrate  4  and base tile  8  in place.  
         [0055]    (2) For each wall of the room, one or more flashing strips  20  are provided, as necessary to extend the entire length of the wall, the flashing strips  20  having the characteristics as described above.  
         [0056]    (3) For each wall of the room, a first flashing strip  20  is positioned horizontally against the wall such that the first end  32  of the flashing strip  20  is adjacent to one corner of the room.  
         [0057]    (4) The upper flange  36  of the flashing strip  20  is then placed against the wall substrate  4  with the interior surface of the upper flange  36  positioned against the wall substrate  4 , in such a manner that the lower flange  38  is positioned over base tile  8  with the interior surface of the lower flange  38  positioned against base tile  8 , and the shaped transition area  42  is positioned over the top edge  58  of base tile  8 .  
         [0058]    (5) The upper flange  36  of the flashing strip  20  is fixedly attached to the wall substrate  4  by the attachment component  44  of the flashing strip  20 , thereby securing the flashing strip  20  in place.  
         [0059]    (6) For each subsequent flashing strip  20  used along the same wall, the flashing strip  20  is positioned horizontally against the wall such that the first end  32  of the flashing strip  20  overlaps the second end  34  of the previously installed flashing strip  20 . Steps (4) and (5) are then repeated for each flashing strip  20 .  
         [0060]    (7) The final flashing strip  20  needed to extend the entire length of the wall is positioned horizontally against the wall such that the first end  32  of the final flashing strip  20  overlaps the second end  34  of the previously installed flashing strip  20  and the second end  34  of the final flashing strip  20  is adjacent to the corner of the room. If necessary in order to achieve the proper fit, the final flashing strip  20  may be cut by making a vertical cut through the upper flange  36 , shaped transition area  42 , and lower flange  38 . Steps (4) and (5) are then repeated for the final flashing strip  20 .  
         [0061]    (8) For each interior corner of the room, formed by the junction of a first wall and a second wall, an inside corner flashing member  60  is provided, the inside corner flashing members  60  having the characteristics as described above.  
         [0062]    (9) For each interior corner of the room, an inside corner flashing member  60  is positioned against the interior corner, such that the first upper flange  68  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is placed against the wall substrate  4  of the first wall with the interior surface  64  of the first upper flange  68  positioned against the wall substrate  4 , and the second upper flange  70  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is placed against the wall substrate  4  of the second wall with the interior surface  64  of the second upper flange  70  positioned against the wall substrate  4 . Positioned as such, the first lower flange  72  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is positioned over base tile  8  with the interior surface  64  of the first lower flange  72  positioned against base tile  8 , and positioned partially overlapping the second end  34  of an adjacent flashing strip  20 . Similarly, the second lower flange  78  of the inside corner flashing member  60  is positioned over base tile  8  with the interior surface  64  of the second lower flange  78  positioned against base tile  8 , and positioned partially overlapping the first end  32  of an adjacent flashing strip  20 . Once properly positioned, the inside corner flashing member  60  is fixedly attached to the wall substrate  4  by its attachment component  88 .  
         [0063]    (10) For each outside corner of the room, formed by the junction of a first wall and a second wall, an outside corner flashing member  110  is provided, the outside corner flashing members  110  having the characteristics as described above.  
         [0064]    (11) For each outside corner of the room, an outside corner flashing member  110  is positioned over the outside corner, such that the first upper flange  118  of the outside corner flashing member  110  is placed against the wall substrate  4  of the first wall with the interior surface of the first upper flange  118  positioned against the wall substrate  4 , and the second upper flange  120  of the outside corner flashing member  110  is placed against the wall substrate  4  of the second wall with the interior surface of the second upper flange  120  positioned against the wall substrate  4 . Positioned as such, the first lower flange  72  of the outside corner flashing member  110  is positioned over base tile  8  with the interior surface of the first lower flange  72  positioned against base tile  8 , and positioned partially overlapping the second end  34  of an adjacent flashing strip  20 . Similarly, the second lower flange  78  of the outside corner flashing member  110  is positioned over base tile  8  with the interior surface of the second lower flange  78  positioned against base tile  8 , and positioned partially overlapping the first end  32  of an adjacent flashing strip  20 . Once properly positioned, the outside corner flashing member  110  is fixedly attached to the wall substrate  4  by its attachment component.  
         [0065]    (12) The method is completed by positioning all wall coverings  6  onto the wall substrate  4 , such that the wall coverings  6  overlap all upper flanges  36 ,  68 ,  70 ,  118 ,  120  of the flashing strips  20 , inside corner flashing members  60 , and outside corner flashing members  110 , and are adjacent to all shaped transition areas  42 ,  84 ,  86 ,  134 ,  136  of the flashing strips  20 , inside corner flashing members  60 , and outside corner flashing members  110 .  
         [0066]    In one embodiment of the method, an additional step is performed between steps (1) and (2) to provide for additional waterproofing between the flashing strip  20  and base tile  8 . A waterproofing compound  56  is placed along the top edge  58  of base tile  8 , such that the waterproofing compound  56  contacts base tile  8  and the interior surface of the flashing strips  20  after same are positioned as described in step (4). The waterproofing compound  56  is also placed between the overlapping ends  32 ,  34  of adjacent flashing strips  20 . This forms an unbroken seal impervious to moisture between base tile  8  and the flashing system.  
         [0067]    In another embodiment of the method, an additional step is performed between steps (8) and (9) to provide for additional waterproofing between the flashing strips  20  and the inside corner flashing member  60 . For each interior corner of the room, the waterproofing compound  56  is placed upon the portions of the exterior surfaces of the shaped transition areas  42  of the adjacent flashing strips  20  which are to be overlapped by the inside corner flashing member  60 . The waterproofing compound  56  is also placed between the overlapping flanges  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  78  of the inside corner flashing member  60  and the ends  32 ,  34  of the adjacent flashing strips  20 . So applied, the waterproofing compound  56  contacts the exterior surfaces of the adjacent flashing strips  20  and the interior surface  64  of the inside corner flashing member  60  after same is positioned as described in step (9), thereby forming an unbroken seal impervious to moisture between the flashing strips  20  and the inside corner flashing member  60 .  
         [0068]    In yet another embodiment of the method, an additional step is performed between steps (10) and (11) to provide for additional waterproofing between the flashing strips  20  and the outside corner flashing member  110 . For each outside corner of the room, the waterproofing compound  56  is placed upon the portions of the exterior surfaces of the shaped transition areas  42  of the adjacent flashing strips  20  which are to be overlapped by the outside corner flashing member  110 . The waterproofing compound  56  is also placed between the overlapping flanges  118 ,  120 ,  122 ,  128  of the outside corner flashing member  110  and the ends  32 ,  34  of the adjacent flashing strips  20 . So applied, the waterproofing compound  56  contacts the exterior surfaces of the adjacent flashing strips  20  and the interior surface of the outside corner flashing member  110  after same is positioned as described in step (11), thereby forming an unbroken seal impervious to moisture between the flashing strips  20  and the outside corner flashing member  110 .  
         [0069]    Installing the flashing system pursuant to the method described hereinabove renders the seams  10  in a room impervious to moisture, even when that moisture is directed at the seams  10  by high pressure hoses. When the components of the flashing system are constructed of materials resistant to chemical corrosion, cleaning solvents can be safely used in such rooms without risk of penetration through the seams  10  into the sub-wall with the resultant damage that would otherwise occur.  
         [0070]    The invention is not limited to what is described in the foregoing embodiments. Other embodiments not specifically set forth herein are also within the scope of the following claims.

Summary:
A flashing device comprised of one or more components adapted to render seams found in interior walls impervious to moisture. The flashing system utilizes a combination of a waterproof, durable construction with a fluid-shedding shape to prevent moisture from penetrating wall seams and causing damage to the sub-wall and floor. The components include flashing strips adapted for use along walls, and corner pieces adapted for use with inside and outside corners. A method for installing the flashing system, allowing for quick, easy, and effective waterproofing of so-called “wet rooms,” which include commercial kitchens, dish rooms, mop rooms, lavatories, and the like which are cleaned by directing water and/or cleaning fluids at the floor and walls.