Patent Publication Number: US-2023160198-A1

Title: Bracing device for securing a facing

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/253,531, filed Dec. 17, 2020, which is the U.S. National Stage of PCT/FR2019/051495, filed Jun. 19, 2019, which in turn claims priority to French patent application number 1855396 filed Jun. 19, 2018. The content of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present description relates to a bracing device for securing at least one facing panel in front of a structure, in particular when lining a structure, for example lining a wall, a partition, a ceiling, a sloping structure, or when creating a dividing partition. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A structure such as a wall, a ceiling, etc. is often lined during renovations or new-build in order to obtain or improve the thermal insulation of the building. 
     A facing panel is then, in this context, attached to a framework which is itself secured to the dividing structure that is to be lined, at a given distance away from same, using evenly spaced bracing or spacing accessories. 
     The framework is made up of metal profile sections, also referred to as furring, typically of C-section, placed vertically between and fitted into two horizontal profile sections also referred to as the top rail and the bottom rail. 
     Each bracing accessory typically comprises a main body in the form of a shank extending transversely to the dividing structure that is to be lined and to the facing, and one end of which is provided with means for securing it cantilever-fashion to the dividing structure that is to be lined and the other end of which bears means for assembling it with the metal lining framework. These assembly means typically comprise a slot into which the edges of the metal profile sections can engage in the manner of a clip. Such a bracing accessory is known for example from document WO2006/061538. A finishing element in the form of a facing panel, for example a sheet of plasterboard, a sheet of cement board, of wood, an OSB, etc. will then be secured to the framework. 
     In the same way, a dividing partition is generally formed of two facings secured one on each side of a framework comprising a plurality of metal members, generally equidistant, placed vertically between and fitted into two horizontal members, also referred to as the top rail and the bottom rail, fixed respectively to the ceiling and to the floor. 
     The installation of such metal frameworks imposes numerous constraints: profile sections of specific cross section, which are long and bulky, need to be delivered to the site in great numbers. Cutting these metallic elements to length to suit the height of the dividing structure also poses problems with safety. Finally, fitting the framework takes a great deal of time, because of the numerous steps it involves: fitting the top and bottom rails, fitting each vertical profile section, adjusting the verticality and flatness of the framework. 
     SUMMARY 
     One of the objectives of the present invention is to simplify the securing of at least one facing panel in front of a structure, in particular when lining a structure, for example a wall, a partition, a ceiling, a sloping structure, or when creating a dividing partition, by proposing a device that limits the number of elements and operations required. 
     This objective is achieved with a bracing device for securing at least one facing panel in front of a structure, comprising
         a mounting plate equipped with a bearing face which is planar overall, against which the facing panel can bear, said bearing face having at least one transverse dimension greater than or equal to 30 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 45 mm, and   a body extending in an axial direction and equipped, at a front end, with means for securing it to the mounting plate and, at a rear end opposite to the front end, with means for securing it to the structure.       

     The structure in front of which the bracing device can be used may be any structure that is to be lined, for example a wall, a partition, a ceiling, a sloping structure (when creating a lining partition). It may also be made up of one or more panel(s) intended to form a first facing of a dividing partition (the device then forming a bracing spacer between the first and second facing of the partition). 
     What is therefore meant here by “facing panel” is any sheet intended to form a decorative or dividing structure in front of an existing dividing structure or construction. 
     The mounting plate of the bracing device according to the invention is equipped with a bearing face that is planar overall and against which the facing panel can bear and be secured firmly enough to ensure the assembly good mechanical integrity. What is meant here by planar overall is that the high points of this face are all situated in substantially the one same plane or, more generally, that its envelope surface is substantially planar. Giving the bearing face of the mounting plate a sufficient transverse dimension makes such securing possible and also contributes to the mechanical stiffness of the lining. 
     As will be described in greater detail later, the facing panel can be secured to the mounting plate by bonding and/or the mounting plate can be configured to be pierced by one or more fixing screws when the panel is secured by screwing. 
     Lining using a bracing device according to the invention thus involves fitting the bracing devices and/or the lining panel(s) on the bracing device or devices but, contrary to the requirements of the methods of the prior art, does not entail fitting additional metal profile sections on the bracing devices before the facing panels are secured. It can therefore be done quickly, with the minimum of successive steps. 
     Furthermore, site management becomes easier in that the lining involves a limited number of components and those components are not very bulky. 
     Similar advantages are had in creating a dividing partition using a bracing device according to the invention, where once again, the vertical metal profile sections can be omitted. 
     When the bracing device is in its mounted position, the bearing face of the mounting plate is defined in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the bracing device. 
     According to one example, the minimum transverse dimension of the mounting plate is greater than or equal to 30 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 45 mm. What is meant by the minimum transverse dimension of the mounting plate is the smallest dimension of the mounting plate measured in a plane orthogonal to the axial direction, when the mounting plate is secured to the front end of the body. The maximum transverse dimension of the mounting plate is preferably less than or equal to 600 mm, in particular less than or equal to 400 mm and even less than or equal to 200 mm. 
     The mounting plate may for example have an axial cross section that is circular overall. As an alternative, it may also be square, rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal or have any other suitable shape. 
     According to one advantageous arrangement, the mounting plate may be equipped with means for grasping—for example grasping lugs—at its periphery, making it easier to grasp and to mount on the body. 
     According to one example, the body at its front end comprises a shank extending in the axial direction, and the mounting plate is designed to be engaged on said shank via a mounting opening formed in said mounting plate. 
     As a preference, the body is configured, at its front end, to receive insulation and/or a membrane speared onto it. When, as indicated hereinabove, the body comprises a shank, this shank may advantageously have a tapering end, preferably pointed. 
     In that case, the bracing device may comprise a mechanism for finely adjusting the position of the mounting plate on the shank, in the axial direction. 
     According to one example, the means for securing the mounting plate to the shank comprise primary ribs formed at the periphery of a portion of said shank and the mounting plate has at least one secondary rib projecting toward the inside of the mounting opening, the secondary rib being designed to collaborate with primary ribs for blocking said mounting plate on the shank in terms of translation movement in the axial direction. 
     The primary ribs formed at the periphery of the portion of shank may form a screw thread or may be distinct from one another and mutually parallel. 
     In the latter instance, they may be perpendicular to the axial direction, or make an angle other than 90° with said direction. 
     For example, the primary ribs may be spaced at intervals with a fine pitch p, in particular comprised between 0.1 and 5 mm, in particular between 0.2 and 2 mm, and more particularly between 0.5 and 1.5 mm. 
     According to one arrangement, the mounting plate may be mounted on the shank of the body by a system of the bayonet or quarter-turn type. 
     In that case, the primary ribs of the portion of shank may be truncated over at least a truncated primary angular portion, and the at least one secondary rib may be truncated over at least one truncated secondary angular portion. 
     The mounting plate is therefore engaged by aligning the non-truncated secondary angular portion with the truncated primary angular portion then pivoting the mounting plate and the portion of shank the one relative to the other so as to bring the secondary rib into engagement with the primary ribs, thus blocking axial movement of the mounting plate. 
     Advantageously, at least one of the secondary ribs is equipped with an end-of-travel end stop configured to block the rotation of the mounting plate with respect to the portion of shank in one direction of rotation about the axis, by collaborating with a lateral edge of a primary rib or of two parallel adjacent primary ribs. 
     Advantageously, in order to increase its rigidity, the mounting plate is equipped with reinforcing means, in particular with stiffeners, on its opposite side to the bearing face. 
     As a preference, the bearing face is provided with catching means able to collaborate with means for securing of the facing panel. 
     According to one example, the bearing face is textured. What is meant by a “textured face” is that the face in question exhibits a relief, made up of a succession of peaks and valleys. This relief may be periodic or random. The texturing of the surface may also exhibit a plurality of different reliefs, distributed uniformly or randomly. By way of example, the bearing face may be provided with concentric and/or honeycomb ribs and/or grooves, or else an assembly of concentric ribs and radial grooves. 
     The texturing of the bearing face allows better catching of the screws for securing of the facing panel or, in the case of securing using adhesive, increases the area of contact of the adhesive with the mounting plate. 
     Advantageously, the mounting plate comprises means for connection to a profile section, in particular means for clipped slideway connection of the mounting plate to a profile section, in particular at least one slot designed to accept reentrant edges of the profile section in the manner of a clip. The bracing device according to the invention can thus be used in combination with a profile section, for example for locally strengthening the lining at certain special points (around windows for example). 
     The mounting plate may be designed to be secured to the body reversibly. In other words, the mounting plate may just as well be mounted on the body in such a way that its bearing face faces toward the front or toward the rear. The means for clipped slideway connection are provided on the rear face of the mounting plate. 
     According to one advantageous arrangement, the body comprises
         a shank extending in the axial direction, at its front end,   a securing base bearing the means for securing to the structure, and   a mechanism for adjusting the length of the body by intervals through relative sliding of the securing base and of the shank.       

     According to one example, the adjusting mechanism is considered in such a way that the securing base and the shank are designed to slide one relative to the other in the axial direction in a first relative angular position, and the securing base and the shank are designed to pivot into a second relative angular position in which they are blocked from axial translation in a plurality of positions of adjustment spaced at intervals in the axial direction. 
     Thanks to the mechanism for adjusting the length of the body, the operator can use the one same bracing device for different thicknesses of (lining or dividing) partition. 
     According to one example, the securing base and the shank are designed to pivot into a second relative angular position in which they are blocked from axial translation only in a plurality of positions of adjustment which are spaced at intervals in the axial direction at a coarse pitch P comprised between 0.5 and 5 cm, preferably between 0.5 and 2 cm, and more preferably still, between 0.8 and 1.3 cm. Because the adjustment mechanism is spaced at intervals at a coarse pitch, adjustment can be performed quickly. The operator can choose between only the various positions of adjustment, which are evenly spaced. A simple calculation allows him to adjust the device to the desired length. 
     According to one example, the bracing device further comprises means for blocking the rotation of the securing base and of the shank, in the second angular position. 
     According to one example, the blocking means comprise clipping means. 
     According to one example, the securing base comprises an adjusting part designed to accept the shank and equipped with a plurality of notches, in particular of notches spaced axially by the coarse pitch P, and the shank comprises lugs formed at its periphery and designed to engage with said notches. 
     According to one example, the clipping means comprise a clipping tongue delimiting a notch of the adjusting part and referred to as the blocking notch, which tongue is designed to move in collaboration with a lug of the shank upon a rotation from the first to the second angular position and to prevent the return of the lug once the second angular position has been reached. 
     As a preference, the device comprises means allowing return to the first angular position under the effect of a relative rotational movement of the shank and of the securing base, or the combined effect of a relative translational and rotational movement of the shank and of the securing base. 
     According to one example, the shank has at least one axial groove and the adjusting part has at least one internal additional thickness situated in the vicinity of its front end and designed to slide in said groove when the shank and the adjusting part are in the first angular position. These arrangements allow the operator easily to identify the first angular position, in which the length of the body can be adjusted by relative sliding of the shank and of the securing base. 
     According to one advantageous example, the shank further exhibits a plurality of circumferential grooves extending from the axial groove and parallel to one another, the internal additional thickness of the adjusting part being designed to enter one of said circumferential grooves during the transition from the first to the second angular position. These arrangements allow the operator more easily to access the positions of adjustment of the device. 
     According to one example, the means for securing to the structure comprise a plate equipped with screw holes. 
     According to one example, the means for securing to the structure comprise means for connection to a profile section, in particular means for clipped slideway connection, in particular at least one slot designed to accept reentrant edges of the profile section in the manner of a clip. 
     According to another example, the means for securing it to the structure comprise a second mounting plate equipped with a bearing face that is planar overall, having at least one transverse dimension greater than or equal to 30 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 45 mm. It will be appreciated that the respective bearing faces of the first and of the second mounting plates then face in opposite directions. The second mounting plate may be secured to the structure by bonding, and/or the second mounting plate may be configured to be pierced with one or more screws for securing using screw fastening. 
     The present description also relates to an assembly, in particular a lining of a structure (particularly a wall, a ceiling, a sloping structure) or a dividing partition, comprising
         at least one bracing device as defined hereinabove   at least one facing panel, bearing directly against the bearing face of the mounting plate of the bracing device and secured to said mounting plate.       

     If the assembly is a lining of a structure, then the lining is in particular an interior lining, or in other words a lining wherein a facing panel is fitted in front of a structure of a construction, on the interior of said construction. 
     The facing panel, bearing directly on the mounting plate, may for example be secured to said mounting plate using screws, or else by bonding means, in particular an adhesive or an adhesive element of the film or tape type, or else by a combination of screw-fastening and bonding means. 
     What is meant by “bears directly” is therefore that it bears directly or via a thin coat of adhesive or a thin adhesive element. 
     The facing panel may be a sheet of plasterboard, which may or may not be provided with a decorative covering, either monolithic or with a sandwich or laminate structure made up of several sheets bonded together. 
     The facing panel may also be a sheet of cement board, of wood, of wood composite (particleboard, OSB). It may also be made from a plastic or metallic material, or from any other suitable material. 
     The material of which it is made (plasterboard, plastic, etc.) may potentially be reinforced with fibers (mineral fibers, cellulose fibers, etc.). 
     The facing panel advantageously has a bending modulus greater than or equal to 3 GPa, preferably less than or equal to 10 GPa, preferably comprised between 3 and 10 GPa, even more preferably comprised between 4 and 8 GPa, and even more preferably still, between 4 and 6.5 GPa. In this way it is possible to reduce the number of bracing devices required, and therefore the fitting time. 
     As a preference, the assembly, in particular a lining of a structure or dividing partition, comprises on average between 1 and 2 bracing devices per square meter. Away from the special points (doors, windows, etc.), the mean number of bracing devices per square meter is preferably between 0.5 and 1.5, in particular equal to 1. 
     The bending modulus is obtained using a 3-point bending test in accordance with section 5.7 of standard NF-EN 520: a test specimen is cut to the dimensions 400 mm×300 mm×12.5 mm. The test specimen is placed on two parallel cylindrical supports having a radius comprised between 3 mm and 15 mm, their centers being spaced by (350±1) mm. The test specimen is subjected to a constant force of (250±125) N/min at the center ±2 mm of the span. The force and the displacement are measured. The applied force (N) is plotted against the displacement (m), to give the stress/deformation curve. 
     The bending modulus (E bend ) is then obtained using the formula 
     
       
         
           
             
               E 
               bend 
             
             = 
             
               
                 
                   L 
                   3 
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 F 
               
               
                 4 
                 ⁢ 
                 
                   wh 
                   3 
                 
                 ⁢ 
                 d 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     Where 
     L=distance between supports (0.350 m)
 
F=applied force in newtons (N)
 
w=width of test specimen (0.300 m)
 
h=thickness of test specimen (0.0125 m)
 
d=displacement (m)
 
F/d=gradient of the stress/deformation curve in the elastic domain
 
     According to one example, at least one layer of thermal and/or acoustic insulation is speared onto or interposed between the bracing devices. 
     The present description finally relates to a method for securing at least one facing panel on the front of a structure, comprising at least the following steps, in this order:
         a plurality of bracing devices as defined hereinabove is supplied,   the bodies of the bracing devices are secured to the structure, via their rear ends,   the mounting plates are secured on the bodies of the bracing devices, at their front ends,   at least one facing panel is mounted bearing directly against at least one mounting plate, and   the facing panel is secured to said at least one mounting plate.       

     The facing panel may for example be secured to the mounting plate by screw fastening or by bonding, in particular using a liquid or pasty adhesive, for example a mastic, applied to the bearing face of the mounting plate before the facing panel is fitted, or by means of an adhesive element, of the film or tape type, in particular a double-sided sticky tape. 
     A number of embodiments or examples are described in the present description. However, unless specified otherwise, the features described in connection with any one embodiment or example can be applied to another embodiment or example. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood and its advantages will become better apparent, from reading the following detailed description of a number of embodiments which are given by way of nonlimiting examples. The description refers to the attached drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a bracing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, comprising a body formed of a base for securing it to the structure and of a shank, and a mounting plate, mounted on said shank, for securing a facing panel; 
         FIG.  2    is a rear view of the device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are detailed views of the base; 
         FIG.  4    shows the shank in greater detail; 
         FIG.  5    is a front view of the mounting plate; 
         FIGS.  6 A to  6 F  illustrate the successive steps of a first way of implementing the method of the invention (to produce a lining partition in front of a wall M); 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a bracing device according to a second embodiment of the invention, in which the means for securing the body to the structure comprise a second mounting plate; 
         FIGS.  8 A to  8 D  illustrate the successive steps of a second way of implementing the method of the invention (to create a dividing partition); 
         FIG.  9    is a front view of the mounting plate, according to a variant of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A bracing device  100  according to the invention is intended to be used to secure a facing panel to the front of a structure, in particular for lining in front of a wall. 
     According to one nonlimiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  6 E , a plurality of bracing devices  100  is secured to a wall M that is to be lined, an insulating filling G is speared onto or interposed between the bracing devices, and facing panels P are secured to the front of said bracing devices, covering the insulating filling. 
     A bracing device  100  according to one embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS.  1  to  5   . 
     At the very least, it is made up of a main body  10  designed to be secured to the wall M or to some other structure, and of a mounting plate  60  designed to be mounted at the front end  10   a  of the body  10  and intended to have a facing panel P bearing against it. 
     The body  10  and the mounting plate  60  are made for example from a polymer material, which may or may not be reinforced, for example with a glass fiber reinforced polyamide (the reinforcement representing for example between 20 and 40% by mass) or from polypropylene. 
     Throughout the present description, the rear of a component will be referred to as its side closest to the structure, and the front of the same component as its side closest to the facing panel or panels P, in the assembled position. 
     In the example illustrated, the body  10  comprises:
         at its rear end  10   b:  a base  12  for securing to the wall M and equipped with means for securing the body  10  to the structure M that is to be lined   at its front end  10   a:  a shank  20  to which the mounting plate  60  is secured.       

     The means for securing the body  10  to the structure M that is to be lined here comprise a securing plate  14  provided with holes  16  for securing it using screws. 
     Advantageously, the securing plate  14  has at least one oblong hole  16   a,    16   b  allowing fine adjustment of the positioning of the securing base  12  on the wall M. In the example depicted in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the securing plate  14  comprises two oblong holes  16   a,    16   b,  the longest dimensions of which are parallel to one another. Alternatively, the longest dimensions of the oblong holes may be perpendicular to one another in order to facilitate fine adjustment of the positioning of the base both vertically and horizontally. 
     Advantageously, the securing plate  16  is also provided with slots  18   a,    18   b  designed to collaborate by clip fastening with a profile section secured beforehand to the structure that is to be lined, and in particular designed to accept reentrant edges of said profile section. What is meant by a profile section is, in general, a metal profile section, preferably a C-section, applied to the structure that is to be lined with the back of the C facing toward the structure that is to be lined and the opening of the C facing toward the lining to be applied. 
     The illustrated example of the securing plate  14  is not, however, limiting, and the means for securing the body  10  to the structure may adopt other forms, for example suited to being secured using nails. 
     The shank  20  of the body, which shank is illustrated in greater detail in  FIG.  4   , extends along an axis X 1  defining an axial direction of the bracing device  100 . 
     In an advantageous arrangement, it is configured to be able to pierce the insulating filling G or, where applicable, a damp-proof membrane attached in front of said insulating filling G, and for that purpose may have a tapering, preferably pointed tip  21 . 
     The shank  20  is also provided with means for securing to the mounting plate  60 . 
     In the example at its periphery it comprises, over at least a portion  22  situated at its front end, a plurality of ribs  24  referred to as primary ribs, in this instance uniformly spaced from one another, mutually parallel and orthogonal to the axial direction X. 
     For example, the primary ribs  24  may be spaced at intervals with a fine pitch p, in particular comprised between 0.1 and 5 mm, in particular between 0.2 and 2 mm, and more particularly between 0.5 and 1.5 mm. 
     Each rib  24  in this instance is truncated over two angular portions (referred to as truncated primary portions)  26   a,    26   b  and is thus formed of two rib portions (referred to as non-truncated primary portions)  24   a,    24   b,  of an angle of less than 90° , which are diametrically opposed. 
     Stiffening ribs  28  may advantageously be provided to strengthen the shank  20  at each truncated primary angular portion. 
     The mounting plate  60  will now be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS.  1 ,  2  and  5   . 
     Hereinafter, a central axis (in this instance an axis of symmetry) X 2  of the mounting plate  60  is defined. In a direction parallel to this axis X 2 , the mounting plate  60  is delimited by a bearing face  62  intended to have the facing panel or panels P bearing against it, and by an opposite face  64  substantially parallel to said bearing face. 
     In the standard setup (illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ) the bearing face  62  of the mounting plate  60  is situated toward the front of the bracing device. The bearing face  62  is therefore considered as being the front face of the mounting plate  60 , and the opposite face  64  as being its rear face. 
     Once the mounting plate  60  is mounted on the shank  20 , in the standard setup just as in the reverse setup, the axis X 2  is coincident with the axis X 1  corresponding to the axial direction X of the bracing device  100 . Throughout the present description, an axial direction mentioned in connection with the mounting plate corresponds to the direction of the axis X 2  and therefore to the axial direction X of the bracing device in the mounted position. A radial direction is orthogonal to this axial direction. 
     In order to engage it on the shank  20  of the body  10 , the mounting plate  60  has a central mounting opening  70 , centered on the axis X 2 . 
     In the example, this central mounting opening  70  is extended, beyond the rear face  64  of the mounting plate  60 , by a cylindrical sleeve  72 . 
     In the detail shown in  FIG.  5   , it may be seen that several ribs  74 , referred to as secondary ribs, project toward the inside of the mounting opening  70 . 
     These secondary ribs  74  are designed to collaborate with the primary ribs  24  of the shank  20  in order to block translational movement of the mounting plate  60  on the body  10  in the axial direction X. 
     They are spaced uniformly from one another, are mutually parallel, and are orthogonal to the axis X 2 . 
     The mounting plate  60  is mounted on the shank  20  via a system of the bayonet or quarter-turn type: 
     For that, the secondary ribs  74  are truncated over two angular portions (referred to as truncated secondary portions)  76   a,    76   b,  each secondary rib thus being formed of two non-truncated secondary angular portions  74   a,    74   b.    
     The mounting plate  60  is engaged on the shank  20  by aligning the non-truncated secondary angular portions  74   a,    74   b  with the truncated primary angular portions  26   a,    26   b,  then by causing relative pivoting of the mounting plate  60  and the portion of shank  22  so as to bring the secondary ribs  74  into engagement with the primary ribs  24  and thus block the axial movement of the mounting plate. 
     Advantageously, the secondary ribs  74  are equipped with an end-of-travel limit stop  78  configured to block the rotation of the mounting plate  60  with respect to the portion of shank  22  in one direction of rotation about the axis X, by collaborating with a lateral edge of a primary rib  24  or with two parallel adjacent primary ribs  24 . 
     However, the abovementioned example is nonlimiting and the means for securing the mounting plate  60  on the body  10  may adopt any other suitable form that may or may not allow adjustment of the axial positioning of the mounting plate  60  on the body  10 . Such means could, for example, be clip-fastening means, or else a continuous screw thread for mounting by screwing without blocking. 
     The specific features of the mounting plate  60  that allow the sheet or sheets of facing to be secured firmly to its bearing face will now be described in greater detail. 
     In an essential arrangement, the bearing face  62  of the mounting plate has at least one transverse dimension greater than or equal to 30 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 45 mm. What is meant by a transverse dimension is a dimension measured in a plane orthogonal to the axis X 2  (or in other words to the axial direction X when the mounting plate  60  is secured to the front end  10   a  of the body  10 ). Giving the bearing face  62  of the mounting plate  60  a sufficient transverse dimension allows the facing panel P to be secured to said mounting plate  60  firmly enough to ensure good mechanical integrity of the assembly. 
     A minimum transverse dimension of the mounting plate  60  is preferably greater than or equal to 30 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 45 mm. The maximum transverse dimension of the mounting plate  60  is preferably less than or equal to 600 mm, in particular less than or equal to 400 mm, and even less than or equal to 200 mm. 
     In addition, the total surface area of the bearing face  62  is preferably greater than at least 900 mm 2 , preferably greater than 2025 mm 2 . What is meant here by the total surface area is the surface area of the envelope surface of the bearing face  62 . 
     In the example illustrated, the mounting plate  60  has an axial cross section that is circular overall, with a diameter D equal to 9 cm. 
     By way of alternative, it could obviously be square, rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal or have any other suitable shape. 
     It is advantageously equipped, at its periphery, with means for grasping making it easier to grasp and to mount on the body  10 . These means for grasping may for example comprise grasping lugs  66   a,    66   b  uniformly distributed on its circumference, preferably at least two diametrically opposed lugs. 
     The bearing face  62  of the mounting plate  60  may be smooth or, according to an advantageous arrangement illustrated in  FIG.  5   , may be textured. What is meant by a “textured face” is that the face in question has a relief made up of a succession of peaks and of valleys. This relief may be periodic or random. The texturing of the surface may also exhibit a plurality of different reliefs, distributed uniformly or randomly. 
     In any case, whether it is smooth or textured, the bearing face  62  remains planar overall. What is meant by a face that is “planar overall” is that the envelope surface of this face is substantially planar. 
     In the example illustrated, the front face  62  of the mounting plate  60  has a plurality of continuous concentric ribs  80  centered on the axis X 2 . These ribs  80  all have the same, constant, height h, measured in the direction X 2 , typically comprised between 1 and 3 mm. The distance d 1  between two ribs  80 , measured in a radial direction, is also comprised between 2 and 5 mm. 
     The example illustrated is obviously nonlimiting: the ribs  80  could be discontinuous. They could form a different pattern, a honeycomb for example, or else a random pattern. 
     The ribs  80  form catching means intended to engage with the means for securing of the facing panel. 
     The texturing effectively gives any fixing screws of the facing panel P a better purchase or, in the case of securing by means of adhesive, increases the area of contact of the adhesive with the mounting plate  60 . 
     In a variant illustrated in  FIG.  9   , the front face  62  of the mounting plate  60  exhibits, in addition to the concentric ribs  80 , radial ribs  81 . These radial ribs  81 , positioned between the concentric ribs  80 , all have the same, constant, height h 1  which is less than the height h of the concentric ribs  80 . Such a configuration prevents the screw from causing the mounting plate to spin as the facing panel P is being screwed on, or prevents the screw from screwing in crooked. 
     At certain special points, in particular around the windows or the doors, it is sometimes preferable to have a continuous support for the facing panels P in the form of metal profile sections as used in the systems of the prior art. 
     In preparation for such a requirement, the mounting plate  60  may advantageously perform a dual function: on the one hand having facing panels P resting against it and, on the other hand, of supporting a framework element such as a metal profile section. 
     To do that, in the example, the mounting plate  60  is designed to be secured to the body  10  reversibly and, on its opposite side to the bearing face  62 , comprises means  82  for connection to a profile section, in particular means for clipped slideway connection of the mounting plate to a profile section. 
     The reversibility is made possible here through the fact that the primary ribs  24  and secondary ribs  74  are orthogonal to the axial direction X and can thus collaborate identically whether the mounting plate  60  is mounted in the standard setup or in the reverse setup (with the front face oriented toward the rear of the bracing device  100 ). 
     In the example, the means for clipped slideway connection comprise two slots  82   a,    82   b  designed to accept reentrant edges of the profile section in the manner of a clip. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the mounting plate  60  may advantageously be reinforced, on its opposite side to the bearing face  62 , by stiffeners  84   a,    84   b  which connect the rear face  64  to the cylindrical sleeve  72 . 
     The collaboration of the primary ribs  24  and secondary ribs  74  allows fine adjustment of the position of the mounting plate  60  in the axial direction. This fine adjustment makes it possible for example to compensate for certain irregularities in the surface of the structure M. 
     In some cases, for example in renovation applications, these irregularities are far greater. In that case, it is advantageous for the bracing device to be provided with a mechanism for adjusting the length of the body  10  by intervals, in particular by relative sliding of the securing base  12  and of the shank  20 . 
     The shank  20  typically has a total length L 1  comprised between 5 and 20 cm. 
     For example, the length L of the body  10  may, by virtue of the adjusting mechanism, be comprised between 5 and 25 cm. 
     The length is adjusted by relative sliding of the securing base  12  and of the shank  20  in the axial direction X, followed by the blocking of axial translation by relative rotation of the two components  12 ,  20 . 
     In the example, translational movement is blocked in one of several possible positions of adjustment, spaced at intervals at a coarse pitch P comprised for example between 0.5 and 5 cm, preferably between 0.5 and 2 cm, more preferably still, between 0.8 and 1.3 cm, for example equal to 1 cm, as described in greater detail later. 
     In its section  30  situated to the rear of the ribbed portion of shank  22 , the shank  20  has a constant-diameter circular cross section. 
     At its periphery it is also equipped with a plurality of lugs  32  uniformly spaced by the pitch P. 
     In the particular example depicted, the shank  20  in reality comprises two diametrically opposed rows of identical or similar lugs  32 , which lugs are aligned axially and uniformly spaced by the pitch P (in this instance three lugs in each row). 
     Between these two rows of lugs  32 , the shank  20  also has two diametrically opposed grooves  34 , each of them being straight and continuous as far as the rear end of the shank, and extending in the axial direction X 1 . Only one of these grooves  34  is visible in  FIG.  4   . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the shank  20  also comprises a plurality of grooves  36  extending in the one same circumferential direction from each axial groove  34 . These grooves  36  referred to as circumferential grooves in this instance extend over just part of the circumference of the shank  20 . They are mutually parallel and spaced apart by the pitch P, and are axially offset from the aforementioned lugs  32  by a distance for example equal to P/ 2  (in the example, one lug is respectively axially centered between two circumferential grooves  36 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  3 A and  3 B , the securing base  12  is equipped with an adjusting part  40  of tubular shape extending along an axis X 3  and solidly attached to the means for securing to the structure that is to be lined, in this instance the securing mounting plate  14 . The adjusting part  40  here forms a hollow tube designed to accept within it the shank  20 , the axes X 1  and X 3  therefore being coincident. For that, it comprises a central open part  42  of circular internal cross section, of a diameter slightly greater than that of the shank  20 , extended by two diametrically opposed housings  44   a,    44   b  intended to accept the lugs  32  of the shank  20  in a first angular position. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the adjusting part  40  is equipped, on its central part  42 , with a plurality of notches  46  which are aligned in the axial direction and spaced apart by the pitch P. 
     More specifically, the adjusting part  40  here comprises two diametrically opposed rows of five notches  46  each. 
     In the example, the notches  46  are open ended holes, so that the fitter can see the adjustment. However, in a variant, the notches  46  could be formed by non-penetrating recesses made on the internal wall of the adjusting part  40 . 
     At the same time, the adjusting part  40  exhibits (see  FIG.  3 B ), in the vicinity of its front end, two diametrically opposed internal additional thicknesses  41   a,    41   b  dimensioned to each side in one of the axial grooves  34  of the shank  20  when the shank  20  and the adjusting part  40  are in the first angular position. 
     In the first position, the shank  20  is designed to slide axially in the adjusting part  40 , so as to adjust the total length L of the body  10 . 
     A relative rotation of the shank  20  and of the securing base  12  is permitted when each lug  32  of the shank  20  situated inside the adjusting part  40  is positioned axially facing a notch  46  of this same part  40 , and at the same time each internal additional thickness  41   a,    41   b  of the adjusting part  40  is positioned axially facing one of the circumferential grooves  36  of the shank  20 . The corresponding positions are referred to hereinafter as positions of adjustment. 
     In these positions of adjustment, the shank  20  and the securing base  12  are able to pivot, in one direction of rotation, so as to cause the lugs  32  of the shank  20  to penetrate into the notches  46  of the adjusting part  40 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the shank  20  preferably has an upper safety portion  38  that has no circumferential grooves  36 . In the example illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the first circumferential groove  36  is situated between the second and the third lug  32 , counting from the rear end  20   b  of the shank  20 . Thus, the pivoting toward the second angular position is permitted only when at least the first two lugs  32  have penetrated the adjusting part  40 . These arrangements avoid the fitter fitting the shank  20  onto an insufficient number of lugs  32  for reacting the compressive/tensile forces and possibly the bending forces to which the bracing device  100  is subjected in operation. 
     The securing base  12  and the shank  20  are held in position after the length L of the body  10  has been adjusted by virtue of means for blocking the rotation of the two elements in the second angular position. 
     These blocking means here comprise mechanical means with end stops and, more particularly, clip-fastening means, which will be described in greater detail later. 
     For the remainder of the present description, the notches that have a rotation blocking function are referred to as blocking notches  46   a,  and the notches that have exclusively a translation blocking function are referred to as intermediate notches  46   b  (see  FIG.  3 A ). 
     In general, any notch  46  forms a housing extending in a circumferential direction and having, in that direction, a first end  51  via which a lug  32  of the shank  20  moving away from the first angular position enters the notch, and a second end  52  toward which that same lug  32  heads during the rotation from the first to the second angular position. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3 A , an intermediate notch  46   b  is generally delimited, in the axial direction, by two walls  53   a,    53   b  orthogonal to the axis X 2  and spaced apart by a distance equal to or very slightly greater than the length of a lug  32  measured in the axial direction. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , a blocking notch  46   a  for its part is delimited by a fixed wall  53   a  and, in the example, by a clip-fastening tongue  54 , which is secured by a proximal end  54   a  at the level of the first end  51  of the notch  46   a  and extends in a circumferential direction as far as its opposite distal end  54   b  at which it is free. 
     An empty space  55  situated on the opposite side of the tongue  54  to the notch allows the tongue to move toward said side under the pressure exerted by the lug  32  moved in the notch during a rotation from the first to the second angular position. 
     The tongue  54  furthermore has elasticity properties that allow it to return automatically to its initial position in which it forms a non-return end stop for the lug, once the second angular position has been reached. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  3 B , the clip-fastening tongue  54  defines with the wall opposite an engagement portion  56  comprising a progressive narrowing  56   a  of minimal width less than the length of a lug  32  measured in the axial direction. 
     Beyond this narrowing  56   a,  the engagement portion  56  is extended by a blocking portion  57  designed to receive the lug  32  once the second angular position has been reached. 
     In the example, the tongue  54  is configured in such a way that a return to the first angular position is possible under the effect of a relative rotational movement of the shank  20  and of the securing base  40 , or of the combined effect of a relative translational and rotational movement of the shank  20  and of the securing base  40 . 
     Advantageously, as illustrated in  FIG.  1   , only certain notches  46 , generally those situated at the ends of the adjusting part  40 , are equipped with clipping means. Thus, the force necessary for unclipping is not excessively great and the blocking is reversible. If the fitter makes a mistake in the adjusting of the length, he can, subsequently, undo the blocking easily and adjust the length again. The clip-fastening, through the noise that it makes, also allows the fitter to be sure that rotation is complete and that the shank is correctly fastened to the securing base. 
     The successive steps of a method for lining according to the invention will now be described in connection with  FIGS.  6 A to  6 E . 
       FIG.  6 A  illustrates a masonry wall delimiting a room  90 , and that is to be lined in order to improve the thermal insulation of said room. It will be noted that, while the embodiment example illustrated relates to a masonry wall, the invention is suitable for any type of wall (concrete, blockwork, bricks, wood, etc.). 
     Brackets, a bottom bracket  91  and a top bracket  92 , are first of all secured, generally using screws, to the floor and to the ceiling of the room respectively, at a given distance from the wall M that is dependent on the thickness of the insulating filling G intended for the lining. L-shaped brackets are enough in this instance to secure the facing panels, but these could also be replaced by U-section rails of the kind used in the metal frameworks of the prior art. 
     Mid-way up the wall M a horizontal line  93  is drawn, marking the level at which the bracing devices  100  according to the invention are to be secured. 
     In a second step illustrated in  FIG.  6 B , the bodies  10  of the bracing devices are secured, in this instance by screwing their securing plates  14  directly to the wall M, at the level of the horizontal line  93  drawn previously. 
     The horizontal spacing between two bodies  10  is chosen to be short enough to ensure sufficient stiffness of the lining. This spacing might also be dependent on the width and mechanical performance of the facing panels. 
     Typically, 1 facing device is fitted per square meter, on average, and away from the special points. 
     In instances in which, as in the example illustrated, the length L of each body  10  is adjustable, this length will preferably be adjusted by the fitter beforehand, prior to securing the body to the wall M. 
     In a third step illustrated in  FIG.  6 C , a spacer filling G is interposed between the bodies  10  of the bracing devices. This filling G generally consists of one or more layer(s) of thermal and/or acoustic insulation, for example mineral wool, notably glass wool or rockwool. By way of alternative, widths of insulation may also be speared onto the projecting shanks of the bracing devices. 
     In addition, the lining may also comprise at least one damp-proof membrane fitted in front of the insulating filling. This damp-proof membrane may be speared onto the bodies of the bracing devices once the insulating filling has been fitted. In other instances, it may be integrated with said insulating filling (insulating panels covered on their front face with a damp-proof membrane). 
     In a fourth step illustrated in  FIG.  6 D , the mounting plates  60  of the bracing devices are mounted and secured on the shanks  20 , thus partially covering the insulating filling G. Where appropriate, those parts of the shanks  20  that protrude from the mounting plate  60  after mounting are cut off, for example using a grinder or cutting pliers. 
     The alignment of the bearing faces  62  of the mounting plates  60  is verified using a level placed horizontally, resting against said bearing faces  62 . For each bracing device  100 , the axial position of the mounting plate  60  on its shank  20  can be adjusted, if necessary, using the quarter-turn system. 
     In the same way, the alignment of each bearing face  62  of each mounting plate  60  with the front face of the top and bottom brackets  91 ,  92  is checked using a level placed vertically, resting against the bearing face  62  of the mounting plate  60  on the one hand, and against, on the other hand, the front faces of the bottom bracket  91  and of the top bracket  92  respectively. Once again, an adjustment is made if necessary. 
     In a fourth step illustrated in  FIGS.  6 E and  6 F , the facing panels P are pushed against the mounting plates  60  of the bracing devices  100  and then secured to said mounting plates. 
     In the example illustrated, the facing panels are secured to the mounting plates  60  using screws: the bracing devices being secured to the wall that is to be lined approximately mid-way up this wall and spaced from one another by a distance equivalent to half the width of a sheet, each sheet is secured by at least two fixing points: one fixing point at the center (which can easily be determined because it is mid-way from the lateral edge of the sheet) and one fixing point near each lateral edge (except when this edge adjoins an end of the wall that is to be lined and therefore rests against the adjacent wall). 
     As an alternative or in addition, the panels could also be secured by bonding, in particular using a liquid or pasty adhesive, for example as mastic, or by means of an adhesive element, of the film or tape type, in particular a double-sided sticky tape. 
     A bracing device  200  according to the invention may also be used to create a dividing partition, formed of a first and of a second facing which are parallel. 
     In that case, as illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the rear end  10   b  of the body  10  of the device  200  may be equipped with means for securing it to at least one panel P 1  of the first facing and the mounting plate  60  of the device  200  is intended for securing a panel P 2  of the second facing. Hereinafter, a primary panel is defined as being a panel belonging to the first facing of the partition and a secondary panel as being a panel belonging to the second facing. 
     The means for securing to the primary panel P 1 , which are present at the rear end  10   b  of the body  10 , may take the form of a second mounting plate  160  similar to the one described hereinabove, or in other words a mounting plate equipped with a face that is planar overall for the primary panel P 1  to bear against (and which is therefore oriented toward the rear of the device), said bearing face having at least one transverse dimension greater than or equal to 30 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 45 mm. Advantageously, the second mounting plate  160  is of one piece with the body  10 . In the case illustrated in which the body comprises a shank  20  extending in the axial direction X, at its front end  10   a,  and a securing base  12 , the second mounting plate  160  is of one piece with said securing base  12 . 
     The structural features and dimensions described hereinabove in connection with the first mounting plate  60  apply in the same way to the second mounting plate  160 . In particular, the minimum transverse dimension of the second mounting plate  160  is greater than or equal to 30 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 45 mm. It may moreover be textured, in particular provided with concentric or honeycomb ribs or grooves. 
       FIGS.  8 A to  8 D  illustrate the creation of a dividing partition C using a device  200  according to this second embodiment example. 
     In a first step, a first primary panel P 1  is attached to bottom and top brackets 91′, 92′ fastened to the floor and to the ceiling respectively. 
     In a second step illustrated in  FIG.  8 B , the bracing device  200  is secured to that face of the first primary panel P 1  that faces toward the inside of the partition, and therefore toward the second facing. To do that, the second mounting plate  160  is positioned with its bearing face against the face of the panel P 1  and secured to that face, for example by screwing and/or by bonding. 
     In a third step illustrated in  FIG.  8 C , the first mounting plate  60  of the device is engaged and adjusted for position on the body  10 . Beforehand, a layer of insulation I, in particular a layer of fibrous insulation, in particular mineral wool, or a layer of animal or plant origin, may have been speared onto the shank of the device or inserted between several shanks of adjacent devices. 
     Then a secondary panel P 2  is placed to bear directly on the first mounting plate  60  ( FIG.  8 D ) and secured to the first mounting plate  60 , for example by screwing and/or bonding, in the way described hereinabove in connection with  FIG.  6 F . CLAIMS