Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to the field of constructing tunnel-structures and/or the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a segment-carrier system for forming a tunnel-structure consisting of a series of sequential tunnelsegments being juxtaposed and fastened onto one another, and also relates to a resulting tunnel-structure having been formed provided with such a system, as well as to a kit with corresponding components for assembling the same (whether it be the segment-carrier system itself and/or a resulting tunnel-structure), and to corresponding methods of manufacturing, assembling and/or operating associated thereto.

Background:

Devices and systems used for constructing tunnel-structures, such as Tunnel-Boring-Machines (TBM), are well known in the art, as well as their corresponding drawbacks and inconveniences, such as for instance: a) they are extremely expensive (ex. several millions of dollars to purchase, etc.); b) they are very complex in design and in operation, requiring highly specialized operators and programmers, etc.; c) due to their inherent length, they cannot be used in certain closed spaces and/or necessarily require an important length of the bore to be cast before a given TBM can be operatively therein, thereby further adding to the tedious and expensive nature of these types of machines for certain sites that cannot really justify their use from a logistic and/or economic point-of-view, etc.; d) etc. Therefore, there is always a need to continue innovating and finding better and/or different ways of constructing tunnel-structures, whether for transportation, utility and/or sewage purposes, for example, and to be able do so, in a quicker, easier, simpler, faster, more efficient, more convenient, more cost effective, more reliable, more secure, more versatile, more sustainable and/or more desirable manner.

Therefore, it would be particularly useful to be able to provide an improved system which would be able to overcome or at the very least minimize some of the known drawbacks associated with the conventional ways and devices used for constructing tunnel-structures, for example.

Summary of the invention:

An object of the present invention is to provide a segment-carrier system which, by virtue of its design and components, would be an improvement over other related conventional systems, devices and/or methods known in the prior art.

In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood from the present description, with a segment-carrier system (also referred to herein simply as "segment carrier" and/or "system") such as the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawing(s).

More particularly, according to one aspect of the present invention, an object is to provide a segment-carrier system for forming a tunnel-structure consisting of a series of sequential tunnel-segments being juxtaposed and fastened onto one another, the segment-carrier system comprising: a main-body portion; a segment-receiving portion being operatively mountable onto the main-body portion, and being selectively and adjustably movable with respect to said main-body portion along at least one corresponding degree-of-freedom, the segment-receiving portion being positioned, shaped and sized for defining a corresponding peripheral profile meant for receiving therein corresponding pieces of a given new tunnelsegment to be assembled firstly on said segment-receiving portion and then subsequently onto a previously-installed tunnel-segment of the tunnel-structure to be formed, the corresponding pieces of said given new tunnel-segment to be assembled being placeable circumferentially along the peripheral profile of the segment-receiving for positioning and connecting of said pieces with respect to one another, in order to assemble a resulting new corresponding closed-loop tunnelsegment to be added and fastened onto the previously-installed tunnel-segment of the tunnel-structure for continued formation of said tunnel-structure; a pivoting assembly being operatively mountable between the main-body portion and the segment-receiving portion, and being further operable for allowing said segment-receiving portion to be pivotably operated between a first mode where the segment-receiving portion and associated peripheral profile are disposed in a substantially horizontal configuration, and a second mode where the segmentreceiving portion and associated peripheral profile are disposed in a substantially vertical configuration; a rotating assembly being operatively mountable between the main-body portion and the segment-receiving portion, and being further operable for allowing said segment-receiving portion and associated peripheral profile to rotate with respect to the main-body portion, in order to allow namely a rotational adjustment of the resulting new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment with respect to the previously-installed tunnel-segment prior to a corresponding installation thereon; and a displacement assembly being operatively mountable with respect to the main-body portion for allowing the segment-carrier system and corresponding portions thereof to be selectively displaceable towards and away from the tunnelstructure to be formed, for allowing to sequentially add and fasten new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segments onto said tunnel-structure.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a tunnel-structure having been formed with the above-mentioned segment-carrier system.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of manufacturing components of the above-mentioned segment-carrier system and/or resulting tunnel-structure.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned segment-carrier system and/or corresponding tunnel-structure.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of using the above-mentioned segment-carrier system, corresponding tunnel-structure and/or component(s) thereof.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a kit with components for assembling the above-mentioned segment-carrier system and/or corresponding tunnel-structure.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a set of components for interchanging with components of the above- mentioned kit. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned kit and/or set.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of assembling a given tunnel-structure with the above-mentioned segment-carrier system, component(s) thereof, kit, set and/or method(s).

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of doing business with the above-mentioned segment-carrier system, corresponding tunnel-structure, component(s) thereof, kit, set and/or method(s).

The objects, advantages, and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a segment-carrier system with its segment-receiving portion and associated peripheral profile being shown in a substantially vertical configuration according to a possible embodiment of the present invention, some of the counterbalancing blocks being shown in dotted lines in this figure and/or in following figures to better illustrate other components of the segment-carrier system.

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of what is shown in Figure 1 illustrating a given side the segment-carrier system. Figure 3 is another rear perspective view of what is shown in Figure 1 illustrating another given side the segment-carrier system.

Figure 4 is a top view of what is shown in Figure 1 .

Figure 5 is a side view of what is shown in Figure 1 , the segment-carrier system being shown with left and right vertical-adjustment assemblies, and corresponding front left and front right displacement assemblies (ex. drivable wheel assemblies).

Figure 6 is another side view of what is shown in Figure 5, the segmentcarrier system being now shown with a slight frontward incline due to an adjustment of corresponding vertical-adjustment assembly(ies).

Figure 7 is another side view of what is shown in Figure 5, the segmentcarrier system being now shown with a slight rearward incline due to an adjustment of corresponding vertical-adjustment assembly(ies).

Figure 8 is a plan view taken of a portion of the segment-carrier system taken along plane VIII-VIII of Figure 4.

Figure 9 is a plan view taken of a portion of the segment-carrier system taken along cross-sectional plane IX-IX of Figure 4.

Figure 10 is a side view of what is shown in Figure 1 , the segment-carrier system being now shown with its segment-receiving portion and associated peripheral profile in a substantially horizontal configuration.

Figure 11 is a bottom view of what is shown in Figure 10. Figure 12 is an enlarged partial bottom view of a portion of the segmentcarrier system of Figure 1 to better illustrate pivoting and rotating assemblies of the segment-carrier system being operatively mounted between the segment-receiving portion and the projecting-liking portion of the segment-carrier system according to possible embodiments of the present invention, some of the components having been removed to better illustrate also inner components of the rotating assembly, including possible motor, gear tensioner and others associated components.

Figure 13 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a rear portion of the segment-carrier system of Figure 1 to better illustrate skewing assembly and associated receiving area, including crossbeams, for corresponding counterweights thereon according to possible embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 14 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a portion of the segmentcarrier system of Figure 1 to better illustrate a side of the main-body portion interacting with a corresponding displacement assembly (ex. a drivable wheel assembly) via at least one corresponding vertical-adjustment assembly and associated actuator thereof (ex. a hydraulic cylinder), some of the components having been removed and/or being shown in an exploded relationship to better illustrate interaction between associated components.

Figure 15 is another enlarged partial bottom view of a portion of the segmentcarrier system of Figure 1 to better illustrate pivoting and rotating assemblies of the segment-carrier system being operatively mounted between the segment-receiving portion and the projecting-liking portion of the segment-carrier system according to possible embodiments of the present invention, some of the components having been removed and/or being shown in an exploded relationship to better illustrate interaction between associated components. Figure 16 is a schematic representation of an underground worksite where the segment-carrier system of Figure 1 is shown in an initial position inside the vertical access bore, the segment-carrier system being shown with its segment-receiving portion and associated peripheral profile in a substantially horizontal configuration, and with a resulting new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment to be added and fastened onto a previously-installed tunnel-segment of the tunnel-structure for continued formation of said tunnel-structure being shown fully-assembled on the segment-receiving portion and associated peripheral profile of segment-carrier system.

Figure 17 is another schematic representation of what is shown in Figure 16, the segment-carrier system being now shown with its segment-receiving portion and associated peripheral profile, as well as resulting new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment, in a substantially vertical configuration, prior to approaching the previously-installed tunnel-segment of the tunnel-structure.

Figure 18 is another schematic representation of what is shown in Figure 17, the segment-carrier system being advanced into the bore meant for receiving the tunnel-structure, and against the previously-installed tunnel-segment of the tunnelstructure, for continued formation of said tunnel-structure, via an assembling and/or fastening together of said last two tunnel-segments (i.e. previously installed one and the new one brought via the segment-carrier system).

Figure 19 is another view of what is shown in Figure 2 to be illustrate how the various components and features of the present segment-carrier system provide various different "degree-of-freedoms" (DOF), and/or different possible combination(s) thereof, in order to enable a given new closed-loop tunnel-segment to be individually displaced and adjusted, prior to being installed and fastened onto the tunnel-structure.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several reference numbers, only some figures have been provided with reference numbers, and components and features of the present invention illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are preferred, for exemplification purposes only.

Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for forming a tunnel-structure consisting of a series of sequential tunnel-segments being juxtaposed and fastened onto one another, in the context of underground work, for example, and/or the like, it may be used with other objects and/or in other types of applications, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as "forming", " tunnel-structure", "sequential", "tunnel-segments", "juxtaposed", "fastened", "underground", etc., used herein should not be taken so as to limit the scope of the present invention and include all other kinds of objects and/or applications with which the present invention could be used and may be useful. For example, the present segment-carrier system could also be used with and/or for various other types of tunnel-like structures (i.e. not necessarily being "underground", per se), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions "segmentcarrier system", "segment carrier", "carrier", "system", "product", "device", "assembly", "apparatus", "unit", "equipment", "method" and "kit", as well as any other equivalent expression(s) and/or compound word(s) thereof known in the art will be used interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This applies also for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as, for example: a) "forming", "assembling", "constructing", "building", "juxtaposing", "stacking", "fastening", "extending", "projecting", etc.; b) "actuator", "link", "arm", "member", "actuator", "rod", "cylinder", "piston", etc. (whether of "fixed" length and/or "variable" length); and even similarly and/or analogously "motor", "gear", "gearbox", "transmission", "powertrain", etc.; c) "moving", "displacing", "pulling", "pushing", "translating", "rotating", "pivoting", etc. (in that the present segment-carrier system, associated actuating assemblies and other corresponding components thereof, can move in various suitable ways other than the ones described and/or exemplified in the present patent specification); d) "effect", "interaction", "cooperation", "disposition", "collaboration", etc.; e) "operatively", "effectively", "equivalently", "practically", "directly", "mechanically", "indirectly", "interconnectedly", "remotely", etc.; f) "connected", "mounted", "affixed", "attached", "inserted", "fastened", "bolted", "riveted", "welded", "cast", etc.; g) "extended", "extendable", "disposed", "laid out", "ranging", "spanning", "connecting", "interconnecting", etc.; h) "hole", "orifice", "through-hole", "bore", "cavity", "recess", "notch", "groove", "slot", "indent", etc.; j) "axis", "pivot", "hinge", etc.; i) "blocking", "locking", "securing", "closing" "retaining", "stopping", etc. (as well as associated qualifiers, such as "blocked", "locked", "secured", "closed" and/or associated antonyms); as well as for any other mutually equivalent expressions, pertaining to the aforementioned expressions and/or to any other structural and/or functional aspects of the present invention, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art. Also, in the context of the present description, expressions such as "can", "may", "might", "will", "could", "should", "would", etc., may also be used interchangeably, whenever appropriate, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it will be considered that all elongated objects will have an implicit "longitudinal axis" or "centerline", such as the longitudinal axis of shaft for example, or the centerline of a coiled spring, for example, and that expressions such as "connected" and "connectable", or "mounted" and "mountable", may be interchangeable, in that the present invention also relates to a kit with corresponding components for assembling a resulting fully-assembled and fully-operational segment-carrier system.

Moreover, components of the present system(s) and/or steps of the method(s) described herein could be modified, simplified, altered, omitted and/or interchanged, without departing from the scope of the present invention, depending on the particular application(s) which the present invention is intended for, and the desired end result(s), as briefly exemplified herein and as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.

In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprise various components, and although the preferred embodiments of the present segment-carrier system and corresponding portion(s)/part(s)/component(s) as shown consist of certain geometrical configurations, as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken so as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the present segment-carrier system and corresponding portion(s)/part(s)/component(s) according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention. List of numerical references for some of the com illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

I . segment-carrier system (ex. "segment carrier", "kit", "method", etc.)

3. main-body portion

5. segment-receiving portion (ex. "table")

7. peripheral profile

9. pivoting assembly

I I . tunnel-segment(s) (ex. "ring" segment and/or other type of segment)

11 a. previously-installed tunnel-segment

11 b. new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment (to be installed)

13. rotating assembly

15. displacement assembly

17. projecting-linking portion

19. swivelling component

21. actuator (ex. hydraulic cylinder, motor, gear, chain, etc.)

21a. first extremity (of actuator)

21 b. second extremity (of actuator)

23. pivot axis

25. center of gravity

27. clearance

29. structural arm(s)

31 . centralized hub

33. center bore

35. rotational shaft

37. reinforcement component(s)

39. abutment wall

39a. first wall panel (of abutment wall)

39b. second wall panel (of abutment wall) . through-hole (ex. access-hole) . footbridge . outer supporting component a. supporting finger(s) b. upper supporting surface (of supporting finger) c. lower supporting surface (of supporting finger) d. gap (between upper and lower supporting surfaces . adjustment component (ex. threaded adjustment component). inner supporting component a. spud(s) b. distal component (of spud) . central point (of segment-receiving portion) . rotational gear (of segment-receiving portion) a. tooth (of rotational gear) b. recess (of rotational gear) . vertical-adjustment assembly . wheel a. drivable wheel b. support wheel (ex. driven wheel) . bumper assembly . latching assembly . pulling-lug assembly a. pulling plate (ex. first pulling plate) b. pulling plate (ex. second pulling plate) c. hole (of pulling plate) . counterweight portion . skewing assembly a. operative component (of skewing assembly) . receiving area (of skewing assembly) 69a. crossbeams (of receiving area)

71 . lateral-shifting assembly

71 a. operative component (of lateral-shifting assembly)

73. command post

75. safety brake

111. tunnel-structure (made up of tunnel-segments, etc.)

201 . access bore to underground worksite (ex. vertical access bore) 203. bore for receiving tunnel-structure (ex. horizontal tunnel bore) DOF. degree-of-freedom (for corresponding movement and adjustment)

Broadly described, and as better exemplified in the accompanying drawings, the present invention relates to a completely new and innovative approach of constructing tunnel-structures and/or the like, when compared to what is possible with conventional ways of doing, and more particularly, and according to one possible aspect, relates to a segment-carrier system (1 ) designed to be easily, conveniently and securely forming a tunnel-structure (111 ) consisting of a series of sequential tunnel-segments (11 ) being juxtaposed and fastened onto one another, thanks to the innovative nature of the different components and features of the segment-carrier system (1 ), as detailed hereinbelow, and as exemplified in the accompanying drawings.

Indeed, the present segment-carrier system (1 ) may come in the form of a segment-carrier system (1) including one and/or several of the following possible components and features (and/or different possible combination(s) and/or permutation(s) thereof): i) A segment-carrier system (1 ) for forming a tunnel-structure (111 ) consisting of a series of sequential tunnel-segments (11) being juxtaposed and fastened onto one another, the segment-carrier system (1 ) comprising: a main-body portion (3); a segment-receiving portion (5) being operatively mountable onto the main- body portion (3), and being selectively and adjustably movable with respect to said main-body portion (3) along at least one corresponding degree-of-freedom (DOF), the segment-receiving portion (5) being positioned, shaped and sized for defining a corresponding peripheral profile (7) meant for receiving therein corresponding pieces of a given new tunnel-segment (11 ) to be assembled firstly on said segmentreceiving portion (5) and then subsequently onto a previously-installed tunnelsegment (11a) of the tunnel-structure (111 ) to be formed, the corresponding pieces of said given new tunnel-segment (11) to be assembled being placeable circumferentially along the peripheral profile (7) of the segment-receiving for positioning and connecting of said pieces with respect to one another, in order to assemble a resulting new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment (11 b) to be added and fastened onto the previously-installed tunnel-segment (11a) of the tunnelstructure (111 ) for continued formation of said tunnel-structure (111 ); a pivoting assembly (9) being operatively mountable between the main-body portion (3) and the segment-receiving portion (5), and being further operable for allowing said segment-receiving portion (5) to be pivotably operated between a first mode where the segment-receiving portion (5) and associated peripheral profile (7) are disposed in a substantially horizontal configuration, and a second mode where the segment-receiving portion (5) and associated peripheral profile (7) are disposed in a substantially vertical configuration; a rotating assembly (13) being operatively mountable between the main-body portion (3) and the segment-receiving portion (5), and being further operable for allowing said segment-receiving portion (5) and associated peripheral profile (7) to rotate with respect to the main-body portion (3), in order to allow namely a rotational adjustment of the resulting new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment (11b) with respect to the previously-installed tunnel-segment (11a) prior to a corresponding installation thereon; and a displacement assembly (15) being operatively mountable with respect to the main-body portion (3) for allowing the segment-carrier system (1 ) and corresponding portions (3,5) thereof to be selectively displaceable towards and away from the tunnel-structure (111 ) to be formed, for allowing to sequentially add and fasten new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segments (11 b) onto said tunnel-structure (111 ). ii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-carrier system (1 ) includes a projecting-linking portion (17) being operatively mountable between the main-body portion (3) and the segment-receiving portion (5), the projecting-linking portion (17) being provided with a corresponding swivelling component (19) capable of swivelling between corresponding first and second positions, via at least one corresponding actuator (21 ), for selectively operating the segment-receiving portion (5) and associated peripheral profile (7) between the horizontal and vertical configurations. iii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one corresponding actuator (21 ) includes first and second actuators (21 ), each actuator (21 ) having a first extremity (21a) being operatively connectable to the swivelling component (19) and a second extremity (21 b) being operatively connectable to the projecting-linking portion (17). iv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first and second actuators (21 ) have complementary strokes, and wherein the actuators (21 ) are further configured so that when one actuator (21 ) is extended, the other actuator (21 ) is retracted, and vice versa, so as to in turn facilitate a resulting swivelling action of the swivelling component (19), and thus a corresponding swivelling action of the segment-receiving portion (5) and associated peripheral profile (7). v) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the first and second actuators (21 ) are disposed with respect to one another in a substantially X-shaped disposition. vi) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the swivelling component (19) is rotatable about a given pivot axis (23) of the segment-receiving portion (5). vii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the given pivot axis (23) of the segment-receiving portion (5) about which the swivelling component (19) is allowed to rotate is provided about a corresponding center of gravity (25) of the segment-receiving portion (5) and associated peripheral profile (7) being provided with a corresponding workload, in order to minimize a given force being required from the at least one corresponding actuator (21) to generate the corresponding swivelling action of said segmentreceiving portion (5) and associated peripheral profile (7) being provided with a corresponding workload. viii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one corresponding actuator (21 ) includes at least one corresponding hydraulic actuator (21 ). ix) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the projecting-linking portion (17) is further positioned, shaped and sized for allowing a clearance (27) under the given pivot axis (23) of the segment-receiving portion (5) and associated peripheral profile (7), so as to allow the segment-receiving portion (5) to be selectively operated into the vertical configuration. x) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-carrier system (1 ) includes at plurality of structural arms (29) extending between the peripheral profile (7) of the segmentreceiving portion (5) and a centralized hub (31) of said segment-receiving portion (5). xi) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the centralized hub (31 ) of the segment-receiving portion (5) includes a center bore (33) being positioned, shaped and sized for receiving a rotational shaft (35) of the segment-receiving portion (5). xii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the structural arms (29) include corresponding truss structures. xiii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the structural arms (29) are angularly-spaced equidistantly with respect to one another about the segment-receiving portion (5). xiv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the structural arms (29) are provided with reinforcement components (37) extendable between neighboring structural arms (29), for providing the segment-receiving portion (5) and associated peripheral profile (7) with additional structural rigidity. xv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the peripheral profile (7) includes at least one peripheral abutment wall (39) for abutting against an inner side of the resulting new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment (11 b) to be assembled. xvi) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one peripheral abutment wall (39) includes a plurality of corresponding wall panels (39a) defining an inner delimitation for the peripheral profile (7) of the segment-receiving portion (5). xvii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one peripheral abutment wall (39) includes at least one through-hole (41 ) being positioned, shaped and sized for providing a corresponding discrete access-hole to fasten a given pair of neighboring pieces of the new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment (11 b) to be assembled. xviii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one through-hole (41 ) extends circumferentially about a perimeter of the at least one peripheral abutment wall (39) for providing a corresponding continuous access-hole to fasten two given neighboring pieces of the new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment (11 b) to be assembled, irrespectively of a positioning of said two given neighboring pieces about the peripheral profile (7). xix) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the corresponding continuous access-hole is further positioned, shaped and sized for allowing a fastening of any two given neighboring pieces of the new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment (11 b) to be assembled, irrespectively of a positioning of said any two given neighboring pieces about the peripheral profile (7). xx) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-receiving portion (5) includes a corresponding footbridge (43) extending along and adjacent to the at least one peripheral abutment wall (39) for allowing an operator of the segment-carrier system (1 ) to walk, stand and work on said footbridge (43), and about said at least one peripheral abutment wall (39), for fastening pieces of the new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment (11 b) to be assembled. xxi) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), the segment-receiving portion (5) and the at least one peripheral abutment wall (39), are substantially circular, for assembling a resulting new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment (11 b) having a corresponding substantially circular cross-sectional profile. xxii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-carrier system (1 ) includes at least one outer supporting component (45) disposed along the peripheral profile (7) for supporting at least one corresponding outer section of the resulting new corresponding closed- loop tunnel-segment (11b) to be assembled. xxiii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one outer supporting component (45) is selectively and adjustably moveable with respect to the segment-receiving portion (5) for allowing in turn to selectively and adjustably rest said at least one outer supporting component (45) onto its at least one corresponding outer section of the resulting new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment (11 b) to be assembled. xxiv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one outer supporting component (45) is selectively and adjustably moveable with respect to the segment-receiving portion (5) via a corresponding movement of an associated threaded adjustment component (47). xxv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one outer supporting component (45) includes a plurality of supporting fingers (45a). xxvi) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the supporting fingers (45a) are spaced equidistantly with respect to one another about the peripheral profile (7) of the segment-receiving portion (5). xxvii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein each supporting finger (45a) is inwardly and outwardly adjustable with respect to the segment-receiving portion (5). xxviii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein each supporting finger (45a) is radially adjustable with respect to a central point (51 ) of the segment-receiving portion (5). xxix) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein each supporting finger (45a) is adjustable via a corresponding movement of an associated threaded adjustment component (47). xxx) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein each supporting finger (45a) includes upper and lower supporting surfaces (45b, 45c). xxxi) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the upper and lower supporting surfaces (45b, 45c) of each supporting finger (45a) are complementary to a corresponding outer shape of the resulting new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment (11 b) to be assembled. xxxii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the upper and lower supporting surfaces (45b, 45c) of each supporting finger (45a) are substantially arched, and further have a substantially rectangular surface area. xxxiii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the upper and lower supporting surfaces (45b, 45c) of each supporting finger (45a) define a corresponding gap (45d) thereinbetween so as to allow a corresponding fastening strap to be placed and fastened within said gap (45d) and about a corresponding perimeter of the resulting new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment (11b) to be assembled. xxxiv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-carrier system (1 ) includes at least one inner supporting component (49) disposed along the peripheral profile (7) for supporting at least one corresponding inner section of the resulting new corresponding closed- loop tunnel-segment (11b) to be assembled. xxxv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one inner supporting component (49) is selectively and adjustably moveable with respect to the segment-receiving portion (5) for allowing in turn to selectively and adjustably rest said least one inner supporting component (49) onto its at least one corresponding inner section of the resulting new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment (11 b) to be assembled. xxxvi) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one inner supporting component (49) is selectively and adjustably moveable with respect to the segment-receiving portion (5) via a corresponding movement of an associated threaded adjustment component (47). xxxvii)A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one inner supporting component (49) includes a plurality of supporting spuds (49a). xxxviii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the supporting spuds (49a) are spaced equidistantly with respect to one another about the peripheral profile (7) of the segment-receiving portion (5). xxxix) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein each supporting spud (49a) is inwardly and outwardly adjustable with respect to the segment-receiving portion (5). xl) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein each supporting spud (49a) is radially adjustable with respect to a central point (51 ) of the segment-receiving portion (5). xli) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein each supporting spud (49a) is adjustable via a corresponding movement of an associated threaded adjustment component (47). xlii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-carrier system (1 ) includes a pair of spuds (49a) associated to each corresponding outer supporting component (45). xliii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the pair of spuds (49a) includes upper and lower spuds (49a) being associated to corresponding upper and lower supporting surfaces (45b, 45c) respectively of its associated corresponding supporting finger (45a). xliv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein each spud (49a) includes a distal component (49b) being complementary to a corresponding inner shape of the resulting new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment (11b) to be assembled. xlv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein each spud (49a) includes a distal component (49b) having a substantially circular surface area. xlvi) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the rotating assembly (13) includes at least one rotational gear (53) operatively provided about the segment-receiving portion (5), said at least one rotational gear (53) being selectively and adjustable drivable by at least one corresponding actuator (21 ). xlvii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one rotational gear (53) is placeable centrally with respect to the segment-receiving portion (5). xlviii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one rotational gear (53) is shaped, positioned and sized for allowing a corresponding rotational movement and resulting adjustment of the segment-receiving portion (5) and associated peripheral profile (7) with respect to the main-body portion (3) about a range of about 360°. xlix) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one rotational gear (53) comprises corresponding teeth (53a) and recesses (53b) for allowing such rotational movement and resulting adjustment of the segment-receiving portion (5) and associated peripheral profile (7) with respect to the main-body portion (3), and for providing corresponding incremental rotations and adjustments within said range of about 360°, via a corresponding pitch ratio of the at least one rotational gear (53).

I) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one corresponding actuator (21 ) for selectively and adjustably driving said at least one rotational gear (53) includes at least one corresponding hydraulic actuator (21 ). li) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-carrier system (1 ) includes at least one vertical-adjustment assembly (55) operatively mountable between the main-body portion (3) and the displacement assembly (15), and being further operable to selectively and adjustably adjust a vertical positioning of the segment-receiving portion (5) with respect to a ground surface of the segment-carrier system (1). lii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one vertical-adjustment assembly (55) is selected from the group consisting of a left vertical-adjustment assembly (55), a right vertical-adjustment assembly (55), a central vertical-adjustment assembly (55) and a lateral vertical-adjustment assembly (55). liii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one vertical-adjustment assembly (55) is selectively and adjustably operable via at least one corresponding actuator (21 ), said at least one corresponding actuator (21 ) having a first extremity (21a) being operatively connectable to the main-body portion (3) and a second extremity (21 b) being operatively connectable to a corresponding displacement assembly (15) of the segment-carrier system (1 ). liv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one corresponding actuator (21 ) for selectively and adjustably operating the at least one vertical-adjustment assembly (55) includes at least one corresponding hydraulic actuator (21 ).

Iv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the displacement assembly (15) includes at least one wheel (57) selected from the group consisting of at least one drivable wheel (57a) capable of moving forward and backward via a corresponding driving action, and at least one support wheel (57b).

Ivi) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one drivable wheel (57a) is selected from the group consisting of at least one front drivable wheel (57a) and at least one rear drivable wheel (57a).

Ivii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one drivable wheel (57a) is driven via at least one corresponding actuator (21).

Iviii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one corresponding actuator (21 ) for selectively and adjustably driving the at least one wheel (57) includes at least one corresponding hydraulic actuator (21 ). lix) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one support wheel (57b) is selected from the group consisting of a least one front support wheel (57b) and at least one rear support wheel (57b). lx) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one drivable wheel (57a) includes at least left and right front drivable wheels (57a) and wherein the at least one support wheel (57b) includes at least left and right rear support wheels (57b).

Ixi) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the left front drivable wheel (57a) is independently operable from the right front drivable wheel (57a), and vice versa, so that an unsynchronized driving action of said front drivable wheel (57a) allows the segment-carrier system (1 ) to turn along a given path according to a combined action of said left and right front drivable wheels (57a).

Ixii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one wheel (57) is selected from the group consisting of at least rail wheel (57), at least one pneumatic wheel (57) and at least one fully-rigid wheel (57).

Ixiii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-carrier system (1 ) includes at least one rail for receiving thereon at least corresponding rail wheel (57) of the displacement assembly (15), the at least one rail extending between an initial loading position of the main-body portion (3) and a final position adjacent to a corresponding recent- most previously-installed tunnel-segment (11a) of the tunnel-structure (111 ) to be formed.

Ixiv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-carrier system (1 ) includes at least one bumper assembly (59) being operatively provided about the main-body portion (3) for providing a shock-absorption from a contact from the segment-receiving portion (5) when operated against the main-body portion (3) into a given mode and associated configuration.

Ixv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-carrier system (1 ) comprises first and second bumper assemblies (59) being operatively provided about the main-body portion (3) for providing a shock-absorption from a contact from the segment-receiving portion (5) when operated against the main-body portion (3) in the horizontal and vertical configurations respectively.

Ixvi) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-carrier system (1 ) includes at least one latching assembly (61 ) being operatively provided about the main-body portion (3) and being positioned, shaped and sized for selectively interacting with a corresponding component of the segment-receiving portion (5) for in turn selectively blocking movement of the segment-receiving portion (5) when operated against the main-body portion (3) into a given mode and associated configuration.

Ixvii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-carrier system (1 ) includes first and second latching assemblies (61 ) being operatively provided about the main-body portion (3) and being positioned, shaped and sized for selectively interacting with a corresponding component of the segment-receiving portion (5) for in turn selectively blocking movement of the segment-receiving portion (5) when operated against the main-body portion (3) in the horizontal and vertical configurations respectively.

Ixviii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-carrier system (1 ) comprises a pulling lug assembly (63) provided about an upper center point (51 ) of the segment-receiving portion (5) for allowing said segment-receiving portion (5) and associated resulting new corresponding closed-loop tunnel-segment (11 b) to be pulled against the previously-installed tunnel-segment (11 a) of the tunnel-structure (111 ) to be formed.

Ixix) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the pulling-lug assembly (63) includes a pair of pulling plates (63a, 63b) each being provided with a corresponding hole (63c).

Ixx) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein each pulling plate (63a, 63b) is substantially triangular.

Ixxi) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the main-body portion (3) is provided with a corresponding counterweight portion (65) for counteracting a corresponding weight of the segmentreceiving portion (5) and associated peripheral profile (7) being provided with a corresponding workload.

Ixxii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-receiving portion (5) is positioned frontwardly with respect to the segment-carrier system (1 ) and wherein the counterweight portion (65) is positioned rearwardly with respect to the segment-carrier system (1 ).

Ixxiii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the counterweight portion (65) includes a series of stackable weights.

Ixxiv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-carrier system (1 ) comprises a skewing assembly (67) being operatively mountable onto the main-body portion (3), and being selectively and adjustably movable with respect to said main-body portion (3) along opposite first and second skewing directions for in turn selectively and adjustably skewing the segment-carrier system (1 ) along said skewing directions.

Ixxv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the skewing assembly (67) comprises at least one operative component (67a) being relatively movable with respect to the main-body portion (3), via at least one corresponding actuator (21 ), for selectively and adjustably moving a positioning of said operative component (67a) with respect to the main-body portion (3) and for in turn generating a corresponding skewing movement and adjustment for the segment-carrier system (1).

Ixxvi) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one corresponding actuator (21 ) for selectively and adjustably skewing the at least one operative component (67a) includes at least one corresponding hydraulic actuator (21 ).

Ixxvii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one corresponding actuator (21 ) for selectively and adjustably skewing the at least one operative component (67a) includes a pair of corresponding hydraulic actuators (21 ), each one of said hydraulic actuators (21 ) being placed on either side of the at least one operative component (67a).

Ixxviii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the skewing assembly (67) is positioned rearwardly with respect to the segment-carrier system (1 ).

Ixxix) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the skewing assembly (67) is further operable between the main-body portion (3) and the displacement assembly (15). Ixxx) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the skewing assembly (67) includes a receiving area (69) for receiving corresponding counterweight blocks of the segment-carrier system (1 ).

Ixxxi) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the receiving area (69) of the skewing assembly (67) includes a plurality of crossbeams (69a).

Ixxxii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the skewing assembly (67) is positioned rearwardly with respect to the segment-receiving portion (5) of the segment-carrier system (1 ).

Ixxxiii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the skewing assembly (67) also acts as a counter-balancing assembly (65) for the segment-carrier system (1). lxxxiv)A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-carrier system (1 ) comprises a lateral-shifting assembly (71 ) being operatively mountable onto the main-body portion (3), and being selectively and adjustably movable in a transversal manner with respect to a longitudinal axis of said main-body portion (3) along opposite left and right lateralshifting directions for in turn selectively and adjustably laterally-shifting the segmentreceiving portion (5) along said left and right lateral-shifting directions.

Ixxxv) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the lateral-shifting assembly (71 ) comprises at least one operative component (71a) being relatively movable with respect to the main-body portion (3), via at least one corresponding actuator (21 ), for selectively and adjustably moving a positioning of said operative component (71a) with respect to the main-body portion (3) and for in turn generating a corresponding lateral-shifting movement and adjustment of the segment-receiving portion (5). lxxxvi)A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one corresponding actuator (21 ) for selectively and adjustably laterally-shifting the at least one operative component (71a) of the lateral-shifting assembly (71 ) includes at least one corresponding hydraulic actuator (21 ).

Ixxxvii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one corresponding actuator (21 ) for selectively and adjustably laterally-shifting the at least one operative component (71a) of the lateral-shifting assembly (71 ) includes a pair of corresponding hydraulic actuators (21 ), each one of said actuators (21 ) being placed on a same side of the at least one operative component (71a).

Ixxxviii) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the at least one corresponding actuator (21 ) for selectively and adjustably laterally-shifting the at least one operative component (71a) of the lateral-shifting assembly (71 ) includes a pair of corresponding hydraulic actuators (21 ), each one of said actuators (21 ) being placed on either side of the at least one operative component (71a). lxxxix)A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein actuators (21 ) of the segment-carrier system (1 ) are operatively connectable to a corresponding command post (73) of the segmentcarrier system (1 ), for enabling various movements and corresponding adjustments of the segment-carrier system (1 ) from a single location. xc) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein the segment-carrier system (1 ) comprises at least one safety brake (75) being operatively connectable to at least one corresponding actuator (21 ) for selectively activating said at least one safety brake (75), and thus selectively and securely maintaining in place a movable component of the segmentcarrier system (1 ) associated with said at least one corresponding actuator (21 ). xci) A segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s), wherein at least one outer supporting component (45) provided about an given outer span of the segment-receiving portion (5) is selectively detachable therefrom when the segment-carrier system (1 ) is operated in the vertical configuration for allowing the resulting new corresponding closed-loop tunnelsegment (11 b) to be added and fastened onto the previously-installed tunnelsegment (11a) in situations of reduced bore space. xcii) A kit with corresponding components for assembling a segment-carrier system (1 ) according to any one of the preceding combination(s).

It is worth mentioning that several modifications, alterations, replacements and/or omissions could be made to the present segment-carrier system (1 ), without departing from the scope of the present invention, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. For example, a floor portion of the peripheral profile (7) may be provided with corresponding shims, of varying heights, along a given periphery of the peripheral profile (7), in order to compensate and/or assist with any taper that may be present in given new tunnel-segment (11 b) to be assembled and installed. It is worth mentioning also that the present system (1 ) may be provided with corresponding mechanical, electromechanical, electric, electronic, fluid (ex. oil, etc.) and/or other types of appropriate circuits and/or components (ex. oil reservoir, motor(s), engine(s), pump(s), valve(s), gasket(s), etc.), including hardware and software, if need may be, for operating one and/or several of the various components and features of the present segment-carrier system (1 ), either directly and/or remotely, whether from the segment-carrier itself (ex. within the command post) and/or from outside thereof, as can also be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

As can now be better appreciated, the present invention is particularly advantageous in that it enables to provide a quick, simple and effective new way of forming tunnel-structures (111 ), by allowing each new closed-loop tunnel-segment (11 b) to be properly assembled, separately from the tunnel-structure (111 ), for increased quality-control and thus increased uniformity of the different segments (11 ) of the tunnel-structure (111 ) to be formed, without need for casting and/or expensive and complicated tunnel-boring-machines (TBMs).

The present segment-carrier system (1 ) is also particularly advantageous in that, as can easily be understood from the accompanying drawings, the present segment-carrier system (1 ) also enables for a given new closed-loop tunnel-segment (11 b) to be individually displaced and adjusted, prior to being installed and fastened onto another tunnel-segment (11 ), along various different "degree-of-freedoms" (DOF), and/or different possible combination(s) thereof, including but no limited to the following: swivelling adjustment, front-and-back adjustment, vertical adjustment, lateral adjustment, slanted adjustment, rotational adjustment, pitch adjustment, yaw adjustment, roll adjustment, skewing adjustment, etc., for ensuring that each tunnelsegment (11 ) is individually and properly installed (including fastening, taper adjustment, sealing, etc.) onto the tunnel-structure (111 ), something that is believed to not be possible according to conventional methods and other systems.

The present segment-carrier system (1 ) and corresponding parts are preferably made of substantially rigid materials, such as metallic materials, hardened polymers, composite materials, polymeric materials, and/or the like, so as to ensure a proper operation thereof depending on the particular applications for which the segment-carrier system (1 ) is intended and the different parameters (weights, loads, moments, etc.) in cause, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Of course, and as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the possible embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Furthermore, although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been briefly described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that various changes and modifications could be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims and as apparent to a person skilled in the art.