Patent Publication Number: US-2013240681-A1

Title: Conduit tray, cam connector and associated methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/611,919, filed Mar. 16, 2012. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to the conduit industries and, more particularly, brace members to support conduits, connecting members, and methods relating thereto. 
     2. Related Art 
     Structural systems with various assembled support members, such as cable trays for carrying cables, wires, tubing, piping, or other conduits, are well known. The support members of such systems have generally been preformed as a u-shaped channel, welded or pinned, connected with the use of adhesive, or some combination of these methods. Such systems may require extensive labor to make up in the field, especially where custom fitting is required. Alternatively, the support system may be required to be prefabricated at a remote location before being shipped to the field, leading to increased shipping costs as well as increasing the probability that the system will not properly fit within the space allotted at the installation site. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing, Applicant recognized that there is a need for support and connector members that can be efficiently assembled on site with simple tools, as well as a method for such assembly. Such an invention would reduce shipping costs and labor costs. In addition, such an invention would allow the installers to custom fit the connector parts to the space available at the site rather than attempting to build the structure ahead of time at a remote location and increasing the risk that the product would not fit within the required space. This in turn reduces refitting time and costs. 
     Applicant further recognized use of adhesive to bond members is undesirable. Applicant therefore recognized a need to develop improved support and connector members and assembly methods that also eliminates or reduces the need for adhesives. Embodiments, however, are not limited to implementations offering all of these advantages, as various engineering and cost tradeoffs are envisioned. 
     The disclosed invention includes embodiments relating to conduit trays that support various types of conduits, embodiments that include a brace to retain a cam-shaped member, embodiments that include a cam member to mate with a brace, embodiments that include a connector with a earn-shaped portion, embodiments relating to brace and rung structures, and embodiments that include associated methods of assembly and manufacture. 
     In one embodiment, a conduit tray to support conduits is disclosed. The conduit tray has a first brace member having a substantially overall E-shape, which may be referred to as a first E-beam. A second brace member of the conduit tray may also be an E-beam. The second E-beam is positioned spaced apart and facing an opposite direction as the first E-beam, so that lower surfaces of a lowermost leg member of each the first and second E-beams is positioned in substantially the same plane. Collectively, the first and second E-beams may be called a conduit tray brace. 
     In some embodiments of the conduit tray, each of the E-beams include an elongated web member defining an E-beam body. An uppermost leg member is connected to, extending substantially perpendicular to, and extending inwardly from an upper end portion of the E-beam body toward an opposite facing E-beam body. In other embodiments, no uppermost leg member is required and the shape of the beam instead resembles an inverted F than an E, which is not to suggest that other features may not also be omitted in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, the lowermost leg member is connected to, extending substantially perpendicular to, and extending inwardly from a lower end portion of the E-beam body toward an opposite facing E-beam body. The lowermost leg member has substantially the same width as the uppermost leg member and extends in a substantially similar direction as and substantially parallel to the uppermost leg member. An upward extending lip extends upward from a medial portion of the lowermost leg member. The upward extending lip has an outward facing surface, and extends substantially the length of the lowermost leg member. The lowermost leg member may further include a portion extending inward of the upward extending lip to thereby define a lower ledge. 
     An embodiment of a conduit tray may also include a middle leg member connected to, extending substantially perpendicular to, and extending inwardly from a medial portion of the F-beam body in a location between the uppermost and lowermost leg members. The middle leg member may be in a plane closer to the plane of the lowermost leg than the plane of the uppermost leg and have a width less than the width of the uppermost and lowermost leg members. The middle leg member may extend in a substantially similar direction as and substantially parallel to each of the uppermost and lowermost leg members. A downward extending lip may extend downward from a distal end portion of the middle leg member toward the lowermost leg member. The downward facing lip has an outward facing surface, and extends substantially the length of the middle leg member, so that interstitial space located between outward surfaces of the upward extending tip and the downward extending lip, portions of the middle leg member, portions of the lowermost leg member, and inward facing portions of the E-beam body extending therebetween have a substantially C-shape. The interstitial space extends substantially the length of the E-beam to thereby define a C-channel. 
     An embodiment of a conduit tray may additionally include a plurality of cam rungs, each spaced apart from another cam rung, having respective opposite end portions connectively positioned in each respective C-channel of the first and second E-beams. The cam rungs extend between each of the E-beams, so that an inward facing surface of each of the first E-beam and second E-beam and an upward facing portion of each cam rung form a substantially U shape to define a conduit cavity. When conduit is positioned in the conduit tray the conduit is contained within the conduit cavity. 
     Each cam rung of an embodiment of the conduit tray many have an elongated rung body member. The elongated body member may have a first end portion that includes a first end and a head member extending inwardly from the first end toward the rung body member to define a first cam section. A first circumferential groove spaced apart from, and proximal to, the first end, is formed in the rung body member. The first circumferential groove defines an inward boundary of the first cam section and the first end defines an outward boundary of the first cam section. The first groove has a width substantially similar to the each of the widths of the upward extending and downward extending lips of the C-channel of the first E-beam. The first groove is positioned to contactingly engage the upper extending and downward extending lips of the C-channel of the first E-beam. 
     In some embodiments, a second end portion of the elongated rung body includes a second end positioned opposite to the first end and extending inwardly from the second end toward the rung body member. The second end defines an outward boundary of the second cam section. A second circumferential groove is spaced apart from, but proximal to the second end and the second cam section, formed in the rung body member. The second circumferential groove defines an inward boundary of the second cam section. The second groove also has a width substantially similar to each of the widths of the upward extending and downward extending lips of the C-channel of the second E-beam and is positioned to contactingly engage the upper extending and downward extending lips of the C-channel of the second E-beam. 
     Each of the first and second cam sections may have a width substantially similar to the distance between the outward facing surfaces of the lips and the inward facing portions of the E-beam body. Each of the first and second cam sections may also have a height substantially similar to the distance between an upper surface of the lower lowermost leg member and a lower surface of the middle leg member of the E-beam body so that each of the first and second cam sections matingly connect to and are retained within a respective C-channel of the first and second E-beams to connectively support the cam rung to the C-channel within the conduit tray brace. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a brace to retain a cam body member includes a brace member having an elongated web member defining a beam body. The can body member may be, for example, a cam rung. A lowermost leg member may be connected to, extend substantially perpendicular to, and extend inwardly from a lower end portion of the beam body. The lowermost leg member may extend substantially the length of the beam body. An upward extending lip may extend upward from a medial portion of the lowermost leg member, extending substantially the length of the lowermost leg member. 
     A middle leg member may be connected to, extend substantially perpendicular to, and extend inwardly from a medial portion of the beam body in a location above the lowermost leg member. The middle leg member may extend substantially the length of the beam body, have a width less than a width of the lowermost leg member, and extend in a substantially similar direction as lowermost leg members, so that the extent of the middle leg member is substantially parallel to the lowermost leg member. A downward extending lip may extend downward from a distal end portion of the middle leg member toward the lowermost leg member. The downward extending lip may extend substantially the length of the middle leg member, so that interstitial space located between surfaces of the upward extending lip and the downward extending lip, portions of the middle leg member, portions of the lowermost leg member, and portions of the beam body extending therebetween have a substantially C-shape. The interstitial space may extend substantially the length of the E-beam body to define a C-channel. 
     In another alternative embodiment, a cam member to mate with a brace includes a cam body member having an end. A circumferential groove is formed in the cam body member and is located proximal to the end to engage a portion of a brace. The cam body member also has an end portion that can be matingly positioned within a portion of the brace. The end portion extends inwardly from the end toward the rung body member to define a cam section. The end defines an outward boundary of the cam section, and the circumferential groove defines an inward boundary of the cam section. The cam section includes a top end, a bottom end, a first side surface, and a second side surface. The first side surface is opposite and substantially parallel to the second side surface. The bottom end comprises a plurality of surfaces on different planes and meets the first side surface at an interior angle greater than 90 degrees. The top end comprises a plurality of surfaces on different planes and meets the second side surface at an interior angle greater than 90 degrees. 
     In yet another alternative embodiment, a cam connector includes both a cam member and a brace member, the brace member having a brace body. The brace member has a lowermost leg member connected to, extending substantially perpendicular to, and extending from a lower end portion of the brace body. An upward extending lip extends upward from a medial portion of the lowermost leg member. A middle leg member may be connected to, extend substantially perpendicular to, and extend from a medial portion of the brace body in a location above the lowermost leg member. The middle leg member extends in a substantially similar direction as lowermost leg member so that the extent of the middle leg member is substantially parallel to the lowermost leg member. A downward extending lip extends downward from a distal end portion of the middle leg member toward the lowermost leg member, so that interstitial space located between surfaces of the upward extending lip and the downward extending lip, portions of the middle leg member, portions of the lowermost leg member, and portions of the beam body extending therebetween have a substantially C-shape to thereby define a C-channel. 
     A cam member to mate with the brace member may include a cam body member having an end. A circumferential groove may be formed in the cam body member and located proximal to the end to engage a portion of a brace. An end portion of the cam body can be matingly positioned within a portion of the brace. The end portion extends inwardly from the end toward the rung body member to define a cam section. The end defines an outward boundary of the cam section, and the circumferential groove defines an inward boundary of the cam section. 
     The cam section includes a top end, a bottom end, a first side surface, and a second side surface. The first side surface is opposite and substantially parallel to the second side surface. The bottom end comprises a plurality of surfaces on different planes and meets the first side surface at an interior angle greater than 90 degrees. The top end comprises a plurality of surfaces on different planes and meets the second side surface at an interior angle greater than 90 degrees. The cam section substantially fills an interstitial space within the C-channel of the brace, and portions of the top end, bottom end, first side surface, and second side surface of the cam section contact surfaces within the C-channel. 
     In other embodiments, a brace and rung structure includes a first brace member and a second brace member, the second brace member being positioned spaced apart and facing an opposite direction of the first brace member. The brace members include a web member defining a brace body. A lowermost leg member is connected to, extends substantially perpendicular to, and extends inwardly from a lower end portion of the brace body. An upward extending lip may extend upward from the lowermost leg member. 
     A middle leg member may be connected to, extend substantially perpendicular to, and extend inwardly from a medial portion of the brace body in a location above the lowermost leg member. A downward extending lip may extend downward from a distal end portion of the middle leg member toward the lowermost leg member, so that interstitial space located between surfaces of the upward extending lip and the downward extending lip, portions of the middle leg member, portions of the lowermost leg member, and portions of the E-beam body extending therebetween have a substantially C-shape to define a C-channel. 
     In some embodiments, a cam rung is connected to and extends between each of the brace members. Each of the cam rungs includes an elongated rung body member. Each of the at least one cam rungs may also include a first end portion with a first end. A head member extends inwardly from the first end toward the rung body member to define a first cam section. The first end defines an outward boundary of the first cam section, and a first circumferential groove spaced apart from, proximal to the first end and the first cam section, formed in the rung body member, defines an inward boundary of the first cam section. The first groove is positioned to contactingly engage the upper extending and downward extending lips of the C-channel of the first brace member. 
     The cam rungs may also have a second end portion with a second end positioned substantially opposite to the first end and extending inwardly from the second end toward the rung body member to define a second cam section. The second end defines an outward boundary of the second cam section, and a second circumferential groove spaced apart from, proximal to the second end and the second cam section, formed in the rung body member, defines an inward boundary of the second cam section. The second groove is positioned to contactingly engage the upper extending and downward extending lips of the C-channel of the second brace member. 
     In alternative embodiments, a method of assembling a rung interface includes providing a brace member. The brace member has a web portion defining a brace body, and a lowermost leg member connected to, extending substantially perpendicular to, and extending inwardly from a lower end portion of the brace body, extending substantially the length of the brace body. An upward extending lip extends upward from a medial portion of the lowermost leg member, having an outward facing surface, and extending substantially the length of the lowermost leg member. A middle leg member is connected to, extends substantially perpendicular to, and extends inwardly from the brace body in a location above the lowermost leg member, extending substantially the length of the brace body. The middle leg member has a width less than the width of the lowermost leg member and extends in a substantially similar direction as the lowermost leg member so that the extent of the middle leg member is substantially parallel to the extent of the lowermost leg member. A downward extending lip extends downward from a distal end portion of the middle leg member toward the lowermost leg member. The downward extending lip has an outward facing surface, and extends substantially the length of the middle leg member, so that interstitial space located between outward surfaces of the upward extending lip and the downward extending lip, portions of the middle leg member, portions of the lowermost leg member, and an inward facing portions of the brace body extending therebetween has a substantially C-shape. The interstitial space extends substantially the length of the brace member to thereby define a C-channel. 
     The method of an alternative embodiment also includes positioning an end portion of a rung body member between the downward extending lip and the upward extending lip within the C-channel such that an end surface of the rung body abuttingly contacts an inward facing portion of the brace body and the end portion of the body member is located within the C-channel in an unsupported position. 
     The method may further include rotating the rung body member such that a circumferential groove formed in the rung body member and located proximal to a rung end of the rung body member matingly engages the downward extending lip and upward extending lip of the beam. The end portion of the rung body proximal to the rung end extends outwardly from the circumferential groove, defining a cam section of the rung body such that the cam section of the rung body member is in a supported position within the C-channel; 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       So that the manner in which the features and benefits of the invention, as well as others which will become apparent, may be understood in more detail, a more particular description of the invention, aspects of which are briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings, which form a part of this specification. It is also to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only various embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the inventions scope as it may include other effective embodiments as well. 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective environmental view of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is another perspective environmental view of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of a portion of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2C  is a detail sectional view of a portion of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2D  is a front view of the conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2E  is a side view of the conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2F  is a detail sectional side view of the end portion of a cam rung according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a cross sectional detail view of an end portion of a cam rung being inserted into a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective detail view of an end portion of a cam rung inserted into a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is a perspective detail view of a tool turning a cam rung to a supported position within a support member according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4D  is a perspective detail view of a drop out being mounted on a cam rung according to an embodiment of a conduit tray of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4E  is a perspective detail view of a drop out mounted on a cam rung according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a front elevational view of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a left side elevational view of a conduit tray with lock notches according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5C  is a right side elevational view of a conduit tray with lock notches according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5D  is a top plan view of a conduit tray with lock notches according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5E  is a bottom plan view of a conduit tray with lock notches according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a cam rung according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6B  is a front elevational view of a rung according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6C  is a rear elevational view of a rung according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6D  is a left side elevational view of a rung according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6E  is a right side elevational view of a rung according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6F  is a top plan view of a rung according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6G  is a bottom plan view of a rung according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a brace with lock notches according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is a front elevational view of a brace with lock notches according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7C  is a left side elevational view of a brace with lock notches according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7D  is a right side elevational view of a brace with lock notches according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7E  is a top plan view of a brace with lock notches according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7F  is a bottom plan view of a brace with lock notches according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7G  is a detail sectional view a brace according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7H  is a perspective view of a portion of a brace according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an environmental view of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of the end portion of a cam rung according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9C  is a detail sectional view of the end portion of a cam rung according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9D  is a front view of the conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9E  is a side view of the conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9F  is a detail sectional side view of the end portion of a cam rung according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10C  is a side elevational view of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10D  is a front view of the conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10E  is a detail sectional side view of the end portion of a cam rung according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10F  is a detail sectional view of a portion of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10G  is a perspective view of a cam member according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10H  is a perspective view of a portion of a cam member according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of a drop out positioned on a rung of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11B  is a sectional view of a drop out positioned on a rung of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11C  is a top plan view of a drop out positioned on a rung of a conduit tray according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of a drop out according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of a drop out according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12C  is a front elevational view of a drop out according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12D  is a left side elevational view of a drop out according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12E  is a right side elevational view of a drop out according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12F  is a top plan view of a drop out according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 12G  is a bottom plan view of a drop out according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various embodiments of the invention. This invention, however, may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Applicants recognized a need for support and connector members that can be efficiently assembled on site with simple tools, as well as a method for such assembly. Applicant additionally recognized a need to develop improved support and connector members, and a method of assembly, that also eliminates or reduces the need for adhesives. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, in some embodiments, a support system of braces and cam rungs can be made up with a separate tool on site. It should be noted, though, embodiments are not limited to implementations providing all of these benefits, as various engineering and cost tradeoffs are envisioned. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 5  and  9  through  11 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, an example of a brace and rung structure  30  may be a conduit tray to support conduits  32 . Conduits  32  may be, for example, cables, wires, tubing, piping, or other elongated components. Conduit tray  30  may be installed, for example, in a building, on a platform, or in another type of structure and, as such, may assume a variety of different shapes in accordance with the surrounding structure by assembling the component embodiments described herein to accommodate such structures. Conduit tray  30  may include a first brace member  40 , having a substantially overall E-shape to define a first E-beam. The conduit tray  30  has a second brace member  80 . The second brace member  80  also has a substantially overall E-shape to define a second E-beam. The second E-beam  80  is positioned spaced apart and facing an opposite direction as the first E-beam  40 , so that lower surfaces  42 ,  82  of a lowermost leg member  44 ,  84  of each the first and second E-beams  40 ,  80  is positioned in substantially the same plane. The E-beams  40 ,  80  are therefore situated as mirror images of each other with the lowermost leg members  44 ,  84  of the F-beams  40 ,  80  extending towards each other. Collectively the first and second E-beams  40 ,  80  define a conduit tray brace  34 . The distance between the first and second E-beams  40 ,  80 , will be tailored to suit the site and application for which the conduit tray  30  is being used. 
     The F-beams  40 ,  80  each include an elongated web member  46 ,  86  ( FIGS. 2A and 2C ) defining an E-beam body. An uppermost leg member  48 ,  88  is connected to, extends substantially perpendicular to, and extends inwardly from an upper end portion of each E-beam body  46 ,  86  toward the opposite facing E-beam body. The lowermost leg members  44 ,  84  are connected to, extend substantially perpendicular to, and extend inwardly from a lower end portion of each E-beam body  46 ,  86  towards the opposite facing E-beam body. The lowermost leg members  44 ,  84  have substantially the same width  47 ,  87  as the uppermost leg members  48 ,  88  and extend in a substantially similar direction as and substantially parallel to the uppermost leg members  48 ,  88 . 
     Each lowermost leg member  44 ,  84  has an upward extending lip  50 ,  90  extending upward from a medial portion of the lowermost leg member  44 ,  84 . The upward extending lip  50 ,  90  has an outward facing surface  52 ,  92 . The outward facing surfaces  52 ,  92  extend substantially the length  45 ,  85  of each of the lowermost leg members  44 ,  84 . The lowermost leg members further including a portion extending inward of the upward extending lips  50 ,  90  to thereby define a lower ledge  55 ,  95 . 
     Each of the E-beams  40 ,  80  of the conduit tray have a middle leg member  56 ,  96  connected to, extending substantially perpendicular to, and extending inwardly from a medial portion of the E-beam bodies  46 ,  86  in a location between the uppermost  48 ,  88  and lowermost leg members  44 ,  84  in a plane closer to the plane of the lowermost leg members  44 ,  84  than the plane of the uppermost leg members  48 ,  88 . The middle leg members  56 ,  96  have a width less than the width  49 ,  89  of the uppermost  48 ,  88  and lowermost  44 ,  84  leg members and extending in a substantially similar direction as and substantially parallel to each of the uppermost  48 ,  88  and lowermost  44 ,  84  leg members. In some embodiments, the distance between the middlemost leg members  56 ,  96  and lowest leg members  44 ,  84  is less than 1.25 inches and in other embodiments, equal to 1.0 inches. 
     A downward extending lip  58 ,  98  extends downward from a distal end portion of each of the middle leg member  56 ,  96  toward each of the lowermost leg members  44 ,  84 . The downward extending lips  58 ,  98  have an outward facing surface  60 ,  100  and extending substantially the length  51 ,  91  of the middle leg members  56 ,  96 . An interstitial space is located between outward surfaces  52 ,  92  of the upward extending lip  50 ,  90  and the outward surfaces  60 ,  100  of the downward extending tip  58 ,  98 , portions of the middle leg members  56 ,  96 , portions of the lowermost leg member  44 ,  84 , and inward facing portions of the E-beam body  46 ,  86  extending therebetween. The interstitial spaces have a substantially C-shape and extend substantially the length  53 ,  93  of the E-beam  40 ,  80  to thereby define a C-channel  62 ,  102 . 
     In an embodiment of the conduit tray, a plurality of cam rungs  120 , each have respective opposite end portions  122 ,  124  connectively positioned in a C-channel  62 ,  102  of the first and second E-beams  40 ,  80 . The cam rungs  120  extend between each of the E-beams  40 ,  80  and are spaced apart from each other. An inward facing surface  64 ,  104  of each of the first E-beam  40  and second E-beam  80  and an upward facing portion  126  of each cam rung  120  form a substantially U shape conduit cavity  128 . In operation, conduit  32  is positioned in the conduit cavity  128  and is contained therein. 
     As can best be seen in  FIG. 6 , each cam rung  120  of this embodiment has an elongated rung body member  130 . Each cam rung  120  has a first end portion  122 , which includes an end  134 . A first head member  136  extends inwardly from the first end  134  toward the rung body member  130  to define a first cam section  138 . The outward boundary of the first cam section  138  is a first circumferential groove  140 . The first circumferential groove  140  is formed in the rung body member  130  and is spaced apart from, but proximal to the first end  134 . The first groove  140  also has a width  142  substantially similar to the width  66  of the downward extending lip  58  of the C-channel  62  of the first E-beam.  40  and being positioned to contactingly engage the upper extending  50  and downward extending  58  tips of the C-channel  62  of the first E-beam  40 . In some embodiments the first circumferential groove  140  of each of the cam rungs extends continuously on all sides of each of the rung body members  130 . In other embodiments, the first circumferential groove  140  of each of the cam rungs does not extend continuously on all sides of each of the rung body members  130 , but instead only extends far enough around the rung body member  130  to engage the upper extending  50  and downward extending  58  lips of the C-channel  62  of the first E-beam  40 . 
     Each cam rung  120  has a second end portion  124  including a second end  154  positioned substantially opposite to the first end  134  and extending inwardly from the second end  154  toward the rung body member  130 . A second head member  156  extends inwardly from the second end  154  toward the rung body member  130  to define a second cam section  158 . The second end  154  defines an outward boundary of the second cam section  158 , and a second circumferential groove  160  formed in the rung body member, spaced apart from but proximal to the second end  154  defines an inward boundary of the second cam section  158 . The second groove  160  has a width  162  substantially similar to the width  108  of the downward extending lip  98  of the C-channel  102  of the second E-beam  80 . The second cam section  158  is positioned to contactingly engage the upper-extending and downward-extending lips  90 ,  98  of the C-channel  102  of the second E-beam  80 . In some embodiments on the conduit tray, the second circumferential groove  160  of each of the cam rungs extends continuously on all sides of each of the rung body members  130 . In other embodiments, the second circumferential groove  160  of each of the cam rungs does not extend continuously on all sides of each of the rung body members  130 , but instead only extends far enough around the rung body member  130  to engage the upper extending  90  and downward extending  98  lips of the C-channel  102  of the second E-beam  80 . 
     Each of the first and second cam sections  138 ,  158  have a width  144 ,  164  substantially similar to the distance between the outward facing surfaces  52 ,  92 ,  60 ,  100  of the lips and the inward facing portions  70 ,  110  of the E-beam bodies  40 ,  80 . Each of the first and second cam sections  138 ,  158  have a height  146 ,  166  substantially similar to the distance between an upper surface  72 ,  112  of the lower lowermost legs  44 ,  84  and a lower surface  74 ,  114  of the middle leg members  56 ,  96  of the E-beam bodies  40 ,  80  so that each of the first and second cam sections  138 ,  158  matingly connect to and are retained within a respective C-channel  62 ,  102  of the first and second E-beams  40 ,  80  to connectively support the cam rung  120  thereto and within the conduit tray brace  30 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 5  and  9  through  11 , in other embodiments, the first and second E-beams  40 ,  80  further include a plurality of slots  76 ,  116  formed in and extending downwardly from upper surfaces of the lower ledge  55 ,  95  of the lowermost leg  44 ,  84  of each of the E-beams  40 ,  80 . Each of the plurality of slots  76 ,  116  being spaced apart from another slot at preselected distances along the length of the lowermost leg  44 ,  84 . Gaps  77 ,  117  are formed in and extend downwardly from upper surfaces of the lower ledge  55 ,  95  of the lowermost leg  44 ,  84  of each of the E-beams  40 ,  80 . Gaps  77 ,  117  extend substantially the length  45 ,  85  of the lowermost leg members  44 ,  84 . Gaps  77 ,  117  have a width  59 ,  99  equal to the distance between an inward facing surface,  54 ,  94  and an outward fixing surface,  57 ,  97  of the lower ledges  55 ,  95 . In some embodiments, the widths  59 ,  99  are greater than zero and, in other embodiments, the widths  59 ,  99  may be zero. 
     A first portion  148  of the rung body member  130  proximal to the first cam section  138  of one of a plurality of rungs body members  130  being positioned in one of the plurality of the slots  76  of the first E-beam  40 . A second portion  168  proximal to the second cam section  158  of one of a plurality of rungs  130  being positioned in one of the plurality of the slots  116  of the second E-beam  80  and being positionally aligned with the slot  76  of the first E-beam  40  to thereby stabilize the rung body member  130  within the conduit tray brace  34 . 
     In other embodiments, there are no slots  76 ,  116 , such as shown in  FIG. 9 . The use of slots would increase the stability of the rungs  130  in the E-beams  40 ,  80 . However it may not always be possible to predict where to locate the slots and in such a case, it would be desirable to support the rung at any position along the length of E-beams  40 ,  80 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , a corner is one such place. Although E-beams  40 ,  80  with slots  76 ,  116  may be beneficial for the long run straight portions  202  of the conduit tray, when using short segments to round a corner  204 , it may instead be beneficial to use E-beams without slots. In such a case, a fastener, such a screw, may be used, if desired to further support the rung  130  in the E-Beams  40 ,  80 . 
     In other embodiments, the cam sections  138 ,  158  of each of the plurality of cam body members  130  include a top end  131 ,  151  a bottom end  133 ,  153 , a first side surface  135 ,  155  and a second side surface  137 ,  157 , as best seen in  FIG. 6B . The first side surfaces  135 ,  155  are opposite and substantially parallel to the second side surfaces  137 ,  157 . The bottom ends  133 ,  153  comprise a plurality of surfaces extending along different planes and adjoining the first side surfaces  135 ,  155  at an interior angle  139 ,  159  greater than 90 degrees. The top ends  131 ,  151  also comprise a plurality of surfaces on different planes and adjoin the second side surfaces  137 ,  157  at an interior angle  141 ,  161  greater than 90 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, the height  143 ,  163  of the first side surfaces  135 ,  155  of each cam section  138 ,  158  is substantially similar in height to a height  145 ,  165  of the second side surfaces of that cam. A length  147 ,  167  of a portion of the top end  131 ,  151  being positioned perpendicular to the first side surfaces  135 ,  155  and the second side surfaces  137 ,  157  are substantially similar to a length  149 ,  169  of a portion of the bottom end  133 ,  153  positioned perpendicular to the first side surfaces  135 ,  155  and second side surfaces  137 ,  157 . The first and second cam sections  138 ,  158  of each of the plurality of cam rungs  130  fill the interstitial space within the C-channels  62 ,  102  of the first and second E-beams  40 ,  80 , and portions of the top ends  131 ,  151 , bottom ends  133 ,  153 , first side surfaces  135 ,  155  and second side surfaces  137 ,  157  of each cam section  138 ,  158  contacts surfaces within the C-channel  62 ,  102 . 
     In some embodiments, the top surfaces  131 ,  151  of the cam sections  138 ,  158  include two separate surfaces. Each top surface  131 ,  151  includes a first top surface  170 ,  190  extending from the first side surface  135 ,  155  and being substantially perpendicular to the first side surface  135 ,  155  and the second side surface  137 ,  157  and a second top surface  172 ,  192  extending from the first top surface  170 ,  190  to the second side surface  137 ,  157 . The second top surface  172 ,  192  is on a plane that is angled downward at a top angle  174 ,  194  from the plane of the first top surface  170 ,  190 . In some embodiments, the top angle  174 ,  194  may be in the range of 20.5 is 21.5 degrees. In other embodiments, the top angle  174 ,  194  may be 20.95 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom surfaces  133 ,  153  of the cam sections  138 ,  158  include two separate surfaces. Each bottom surface  133 ,  153  includes a first bottom surface  178 ,  198  extending from the second side surface  137 ,  157  and being substantially perpendicular to the first side surface  135 ,  155  and the second side surface  137 ,  157  and a second bottom surface  180 ,  200  extending from the first bottom surface  178 ,  198  to the first side surface  135 ,  155 . The second bottom surface  180 ,  200  is on a plane that is angled downward at a bottom angle  176 ,  196  from the plane of the first bottom surface  178 ,  198 . In some embodiments, the bottom angle  176 ,  196  may be in the range of 20.5 is 21.5 degrees. In other embodiments, the bottom angle  176 ,  196  may be 20.95 degrees. 
     In other embodiments, such as those shown in  FIG. 10 , each of the first and second E-beams  40 ,  80  includes a secondary upward extending lip  210 ,  230  extending upward from a distal end portion of the lowest leg member  44 ,  84  toward the middle leg member  56 ,  96  and extending substantially the length  45 ,  85  of the lowest leg member  44 ,  84 . In such embodiments, each of the plurality of cam rungs  120  further includes a first auxiliary circumferential groove  212  formed in the rung body member  130  and located proximal to the first end  134  and inward along the rung body member  130  from the first circumferential groove  140  to contactingly engage the secondary lip  210  of the first E-beam  40  to further support the first end portion  122  of the rung body member  130  to the E-beam  40 . A second auxiliary circumferential groove  232  is formed in the rung body member  130  and located proximal to the second end  154  and inward along the rung body from the second circumferential groove  158  to contactingly engage the secondary lip  230  of the second E-beam  80  to further support the second end portion  124  of the rung body member  130  to the E-beam  80 . The engagement of the auxiliary grooves  212 ,  232  with the secondary lips  210 ,  230  will provide additional support between the E-beams  40 ,  80  and the rung body members  130 . Slots  214 ,  234  may be formed in secondary lips  210 ,  230 , and extending downwardly from upper surfaces of the secondary tips  210 ,  230  and each spaced apart from another slot at preselected distances along the length  45  of the lowermost leg  44 . Slots  214 ,  234  may have a length that is less than the length of rung body member  130  so that auxiliary grooves  212 ,  232  engage secondary lips  210 ,  230  at the same time as a lower surface of the rung body member  130  is supported by the slot  214 . 
     In some embodiments, a drop out may be desired. As can be seen in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , a drop out may comprise a curvilinear shaped plate member  302  defining a drop out  300 . The shaped plate member  302  includes a central flat portion  306  with a width  308  substantially similar to the distance between the first circumferential groove  140  and the second circumferential groove  160  of a rung body member  130 . Alternative, the width  308  may be smaller than the distance between the first circumferential groove  140  and the second circumferential groove  160  of a rung body member  130 . In some embodiments, the central flat portion  306  has a plurality of holes  307  spaced along its width  308  and in other embodiments there are no holes through central flat portion  306 . 
     At a first end of the shaped plate member  302 , there is a first end portion  310  with a surface  312  extending in a downward arc in a direction from the central flat portion  306 . The width of the first end portion  310  may be substantially similar to the width  308  of the central flat portion. The curvature of first end portion  310  is such that distal end  314  of the first end portion  310  is in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the central flat portion  306 . 
     At an end of the shaped plate member  302  opposite the first end portion  310 , there is a rung engaging portion  304  of shaped plate member  302 . The rung engaging portion  304  may have a width substantially similar to the width  308  of the central flat portion  306 . The rung engaging portion  304  has an orthogonal plate section  316  extending from, and perpendicular to, the central flat portion  306 . The height of the orthogonal plate section  316  is substantially similar to the height of a rung body member  130 . Extending from the orthogonal plate section  316  and towards the first end portion  310  is a lower flat plate portion  318 , which extends substantially perpendicular to the orthogonal plate section  316  and parallel to the central flat portion  306 . The length  320  of lower flat plate portion  318  is longer than the length  322  of a rung body member  130 . 
     At the proximal end of the lower flat plate portion  318  is a generally triangular shaped clamp end portion  324  extending from the lower flat plate portion  318  towards the central flat portion  306 . Clamp end portion  324  has a surface  326  which is substantially parallel to the orthogonal plate section  316  to form a rung grip. Surface  326  of clamp end portion  324  abuttingly contacts a side of a rung body member  130 . The distance between a surface  326  and the interior surface of the orthogonal plate section  316  is substantially similar to the length  322  a rung body member so that the and the rung engaging portion  304  of the drop out  300  engages a rung body member  130  to position the drop out  300  to the rung body member  130 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment of a brace member  40 , an elongated web member defines a beam body  46 . A lowermost leg member  44  is connected to and extending substantially perpendicular to a lower end portion of the beam body  46 , and extends substantially the length  53  of the beam body  46 . An upward extending lip  50  extending upward from a medial portion of the lowermost leg member  44 , extending substantially the length  45  of the lowermost leg member  44 . 
     A middle leg member  56  is connected to and extending substantially perpendicular to, a medial portion of the beam body  46  in a location above the lowermost leg member  44 , extending substantially the length  45  of the beam body  46 . The middle leg member has a width less than a width  47  of the lowermost leg members  44  and extends in a direction substantially similar to the lowermost leg members  44 , so that the extent of the middle leg member  56  is substantially parallel to the lowermost leg member  44 . In some embodiments, there is no uppermost leg member  48 . 
     A downward extending lip  58  extends downward from a distal end portion of the middle leg member  56  toward the lowermost leg member  44 . The downward extending tip  58  extends substantially the length  51  of the middle leg members  56 . An interstitial space is located between surfaces of the upward extending tip  50  and the downward extending lip  58 , portions of the middle leg members  56 , portions of the lowermost leg member  44 , and portions of the beam body  46  extending therebetween. The interstitial space has a substantially C-shape and extends substantially the length  53  of the E-beam  40  to thereby define a C-channel  62 . 
     Although  FIG. 7  shows an uppermost leg member, in some embodiments, there is no uppermost leg member and the shape of the brace member  40  resembles an inverted F rather than an E. 
     In some embodiments, the lowermost leg member  44  has a portion extending beyond the upward extending lip  50  to thereby define a lower ledge  55 . The lower ledge may have a plurality of slots  76  formed in and extending downwardly from upper surfaces of the lower ledge  55  and each spaced apart from another slot at preselected distances along the length  45  of the lowermost leg  44 . In other embodiments, there are no slots  76  in lower ledge  55 . In other embodiments, there may be no lower ledge  55 . Both the slots  76  and the lower ledge  55  provide additional support to any member connecting with the brace member, however in some design situations, the additional support may not be needed, which is not to suggest that other features are required in every embodiment. 
     In other embodiments, the lowermost leg member  44  has a secondary upward extending lip  210  extending upward from a distal end portion of the lowermost leg member  44  toward the middle leg member  56 , extending substantially the length  45  of the lowermost leg member  44 . 
     An embodiment of a cam member, shown as a rung body member  300  in  FIG. 6 , has a circumferential groove  140  formed in the cam body member  300  and located proximal to the end  134  to engage a portion of a brace. The end portion  134  will be matingly positioned within a portion of the brace. The cam section  138  is defined at its outward end by the end  134  and at its inner end by the circumferential groove  140 . The cam section includes a top end  131 , a bottom end  133 , a first side surface  135  and a second side surface  137 . The first side  135  surface is opposite and substantially parallel to the second side surface  137 . The bottom end  133  comprises a plurality of surfaces on different planes and meeting the first side surface  135  at an interior angle  139  greater than 90 degrees. The top end  131  comprises a plurality of surfaces on different planes and meets the second side surface  137  at an interior angle  139  greater than 90 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, the height  143  first side surface  135  is substantially similar in height to a height  145  of the second side surface  137 . A length  147  of a portion of the top end  131  which is perpendicular to the first side surface  135  and second side surface  137  is substantially similar to a length  149  of a portion of the bottom end  133  which is perpendicular to the first side surface  135  and second side surface  137 . 
     In some embodiments, the top surface  131  of the cam section  138  includes two separate surfaces. The top surface  131  includes a first top surface  170  extending from the first side surface  135  and being substantially perpendicular to the first side surface  135  and the second side surface  137  and a second top surface  172  extending from the first top surface  170  to the second side surface  137 . The second top surface  172  is on a plane that is angled downward at a top angle  174  from the plane of the first top surface  170 . In some embodiments, the top angle  174  may be in the range of 20.5 is 21.5 degrees. In other embodiments, the top angle  174 ,  194  may be 20.95 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom surface  133  of the cam sections  138  includes two separate surfaces. The bottom surface  133  includes a first bottom surface  178  extending from the second side surface  137  and being substantially perpendicular to the first side surface  135  and the second side surface  137 , and a second bottom surface  180  extending from the first bottom surface  178  to the first side surface  135 . The second bottom surface  180  is on a plane that is angled downward at a bottom angle  176  from the plane of the first bottom surface  178 . In some embodiments, the bottom angle  176  may be in the range of 20.5 is 21.5 degrees. In other embodiments, the bottom angle  176  may be 20.95 degrees. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, a cam connector mating connects a member therein. The cam connector comprises both a cam member and a brace member. An example of a brace member is the C-channel  62  as previously described. An example of a cam connector is the cam rung  120  as previously described. However, alternative cam member and brace members may be understood by those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the cam connector includes a brace member  40  having a brace body  46 . The brace member also has a lowermost leg member  44  connected to, extending substantially perpendicular to, and extending from a lower end portion of the brace body  46 . An upward extending lip  50  extends upward from a medial portion of the lowermost leg member  44 . 
     A middle leg member  56  is connected to, extends substantially perpendicular to, and extends from a medial portion of the brace body  46  in a location above the lowermost leg member  44 , extending in a substantially similar direction as lowermost leg member  44 , no that the extent of the middle leg member  56  is substantially parallel to the lowermost leg member  44 . A downward extending lip  58  extends downward from a distal end portion of the middle leg  56  member toward the lowermost leg member  44 , so that interstitial space is located between surfaces of the upward extending lip  50  and the downward extending lip  58 , portions of the middle leg member  56 , portions of the lowermost leg member  44 , and portions of the brace body  46  extending therebetween. The interstitial space has a substantially C-shape to thereby define a C-channel  62 . 
     The cam connector also includes a cam member  130  to mate with the brace member  40 . The cam body member  130  has a circumferential groove  140  formed in the cam body member  300  and located proximal to the end  134  to engage a portion of a brace. The end portion  134  will be matingly positioned within a portion of the brace. The cam section  138  is defined at its outward end by the end  134  and at its inner end by the circumferential groove  140 . The cam section includes a top end  131 , a bottom end  133 , a first side surface  135  and a second side surface  137 . The first side  135  surface is opposite and substantially parallel to the second side surface  137 . The bottom end  133  comprises a plurality of surfaces on different planes and meeting the first side surface  135  at an interior angle  139  greater than 90 degrees. The top end  131  comprises a plurality of surfaces on different planes and meets the second side surface  137  at an interior angle  139  greater than 90 degrees. The cam section  138  substantially fills the interstitial space within the C-channel  62  of the brace, and portions of the top end  131 , bottom end  133 , first side surface  135 , and second side surface  137  of the cam section contacting surfaces within the C-channel. 
     In some embodiments of the cam connector, the height  143  first side surface  135  is substantially similar in height to a height  145  of the second side surface  137 . A length  147  of a portion of the top end  131  which is perpendicular to the first side surface  135  and second side surface  137  is substantially similar to a length  149  of a portion of the bottom end  133  which is perpendicular to the first side surface  135  and second side surface  137 . 
     In some embodiments of the cam connector, the top surface  131  of the cam section  138  include two separate surfaces. The top surface  131  includes a first top surface  170  extending from the first side surface  135  and being substantially perpendicular to the first side surface  135 , the second side surface  137 , and a second top surface  172  extending from the first top surface  170  to the second side surface  137 . The second top surface  172  is on a plane that is angled downward at a top angle  174  from the plane of the first top surface  170 . In some embodiments, the top angle  174  may be in the range of 20.5 is 21.5 degrees. In other embodiments, the top angle  174 ,  194  may be 20.95 degrees. 
     In some embodiment of the cam connector, the bottom surface  133  of the cam sections  138  includes two separate surfaces. The bottom surface  133  includes a first bottom surface  178  extending from the second side surface  137  and being substantially perpendicular to the first side surface  135  and the second side surface  137 , and a second bottom surface  180  extending from the first bottom surface  178  to the first side surface  135 . The second bottom surface  180  is on a plane that is angled downward at a bottom angle  176  from the plane of the first bottom surface  178 . In some embodiments, the bottom angle  176  may be in the range of 20.5 is 21.5 degrees. In other embodiments, the bottom angle  176  may be 20.95 degrees. 
     In other embodiments of the cam connector  300 , the lowermost leg member  44  has a secondary upward extending lip  210  extending upward from a distal end portion of the lowermost leg member  44  toward the middle leg member  56 , extending substantially the length  45  of the lowermost leg member  44 . In such embodiments, each of the cam rungs  130  further includes a first auxiliary circumferential groove  212  to contactingly engage the secondary lip  210  to further support the rung body member  130  to the brace body  46 . 
     In some embodiments of the cam connector, the lowermost leg member  44  has a portion extending beyond the upward extending lip  50  to thereby define a lower ledge  55 . The lower ledge may have a plurality of slots  76  formed in and extending downwardly from upper surfaces of the lower ledge  55  and each spaced apart from another slot at preselected distances along the length  45  of the lowermost leg  44 . In other embodiments, such as show in  FIG. 9 , there are no slots. 
     Other embodiments of the current invention include a brace and rung structure. This structure includes a first brace member  40  and a second brace member  80 , the second brace member  80  being positioned spaced apart and facing an opposite direction of the first brace member  40 . Each of the brace members  40 ,  80  has a web member defining a brace body  46 ,  86 . Each brace member also has a lowermost leg member  44 ,  84  connected to, extending substantially perpendicular to, and extending inwardly from a lower end portion of the brace body  46 ,  86 . 
     In this embodiment of a brace and rung structure, an upward extending tip  50 ,  90  extends upward from the lowermost leg members  44 ,  84 . A middle leg member  56 ,  96  is connected to, extending substantially perpendicular to, and extending inwardly from a medial portion of each brace body  46 ,  86  in a location above the lowermost leg member  44 ,  84 . A downward extending lip  58 ,  98  extends downward from a distal end portion of each of the middle leg members  56 ,  96  towards the lowermost leg members  45 ,  85 , so that interstitial space is located between surfaces of the upward extending lip  50 ,  90  and the downward extending lip  58 ,  98 , portions of the middle leg member  56 ,  96 , portions of the lowermost leg member  44 ,  84 , and portions of the brace body  46 ,  86  extending therebetween have a substantially C-shape to thereby define a. C-channel  62 ,  102  for each brace body  46 ,  86 . 
     The embodiment of the brace and rung structure also includes at least one cam rung  120  connected to and extending between each of the brace members  40 . Each cam rung has an elongated rung body member  130 . Each cam rung  120  also has a first end portion  122 , which includes an end  134 . A head member  136  extends inwardly from the first end  134  toward the rung body member  130  to define a first cam section  138 . The outward boundary of the first cam section  138  is a first circumferential groove  140 . The first circumferential groove  140  is formed in the rung body member  130 , and is spaced apart from but proximal to the first end  134 . The first groove being positioned to contactingly engage the upper extending  50  and downward extending  58  lips of the C-channel  62  of the first brace member  40 . 
     Each cam rung  120  has a second end portion  124  including a second end  154  positioned substantially opposite to the first end  134  and extending inwardly from the second end  154  toward the rung body member  130 . The second end  124  defines an outward boundary of the second cam section  158 , and a second circumferential groove  160  formed in the rung body member, spaced apart from but proximal to the second end  154  defines an inward boundary of the second cam section  158 . The second cam section  158  is positioned to contacting engage the upper extending  90  and downward extending  98  lips of the C-channel  102  of the second E-beam  80 . 
     The cam section of the brace and rung structure includes a top end  131 , a bottom end  133 , a first side surface  135  and a second side surface  137 . The first side  135  surface is opposite and substantially parallel to the second side surface  137 . The bottom end  133  comprises a plurality of surfaces on different planes and meeting the first side surface  135  at an interior angle  139  greater than 90 degrees. The top end  131  comprises a plurality of surfaces on different planes and meets the second side surface  137  at an interior angle  139  greater than 90 degrees. The cam section  138  substantially fills the interstitial space within the C-channel  62  of the brace, and portions of the top end  131 , bottom end  133 , first side surface  135 , and second side surface  137  of the cam section contacting surfaces within the C-channel. 
     In some embodiments of the cam connector for the brace and rung structure, the height  143  first side surface  135  is substantially similar in height to a height  145  of the second side surface  137 . A length  147  of a portion of the top end  131  which is perpendicular to the first side surface  135  and second side surface  137  is substantially similar to a length  149  of a portion of the bottom end  133  which is perpendicular to the first side surface  135  and second side surface  137 . 
     Another embodiment of the current invention is a method of assembling a rung interface, as best illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The method of this embodiment includes providing a brace member  40 . The brace member has a web portion defining a brace body  46  and a lowermost leg member  44  connected to, extending substantially perpendicular to, and extending inwardly from a lower end portion of the brace body  46 , extending substantially the length of the brace body  46 . The brace member  40  also includes an upward extending lip  50  extending upward from a medial portion of the lowermost leg member  44 , and extending substantially the length of the lowermost leg member  44 . A middle leg member  56  is connected to, extending substantially perpendicular to the brace body in a location above the lowermost leg member  44 . The middle leg member  56  extends substantially the length of the brace body  46 . The middle leg member  56  has a width less than the width  45  of the lowermost leg member  44  and extends in a substantially similar direction as the lowermost leg member  44 , so that the extent of the middle leg member  56  is substantially parallel to the extent of the lowermost leg member  44 . A downward extending lip  58  extends downward from a distal end portion of the middle leg member  56  toward the lowermost leg member  44  and extends substantially the length of the middle leg member. Interstitial space is located between surfaces of the upward extending lip  50  and the downward extending lip  58 , portions of the middle leg member  56 , portions of the lowermost leg member  44 , and an inward facing portions of the brace body  46  extending therebetween. The interstitial space has a substantially C-shape and extends substantially the length of the brace member  40  to thereby define a C-channel  62 . 
     The next step in the method of an embodiment of the current invention is to position an end portion of a rung body member  130  between the downward extending lip  58  and the upward extending lip  90  within the C-channel  62 , such that an end surface of the rung body  130  abuttingly contacts an inward facing portion of the brace body  46  and the end portion of the body member  40  is located within the C-channel  62  in an unsupported position. 
     Then the rung body member  40  is rotated such that a circumferential groove  140  formed in the rung body member  130  and located proximal to a rung end  134  of the rung body member  130  matingly engages the downward extending lip  58  and upward extending lip  50  of the brace member  40 . The end portion  134  of the rung body  130  proximal to the rung end extending outwardly from the circumferential groove  140  defines a cam section  138  of the rung body  130 , such that the cam section  138  of the rung body member is  130  in a supported position within the C-channel. 
     As is apparent from this description, in some embodiments, mating engaging the rung body member  40  and the lips  58  and  50  may entail forming an interference fit (e.g., a friction fit) between these parts, such that the respective parts press against each other, causing each other to deviate slightly from their nominal dimensions, and thereby enhancing friction at their mating surfaces, such that the parts tend to stay locked into position. Consequently, when assembled, the rung body memory  40  may experience an internal compressive strain from top to bottom, e.g., in the direction of dimension  1154  of  FIG. 6C , and the C-channel may experience a net tensile strain, from having the top and bottom lips  58  and  50  pressed apart by the rung body memory  40 . In some cases, the member  40  resiliently distorts the shape of the C-channel as the member  40  is rotated, driving the lips  58  and  50  apart, and then when in the installed position, the lips  58  and  50  resiliently return (partially or fully) to their un-distorted position, thereby tending to hold the member  40  in place. Friction fitting and resiliently locking components in place is expected to reduce the use of more complicated assembly techniques, such as use of adhesives. 
     In alternative method embodiments of the present invention, a second brace member  80  is positioned spaced apart and facing an opposite direction as the first brace member  40 . A second end portion  124  of the rung body member  130  is positioned between the downward extending lip  58  and the upward extending lip  50  within the C-channel of the second brace member  80 . The rung body  130  is rotated such that the cam section  138  of the rung body member  130  is in a supported position and the second end portion  154  of the rung body member  130  is in a supported position within the second brace member  80 . 
     In another alternative embodiment the rung body member  130  is rotated until the cam section  138  of the rung body member  130  substantially fills the interstitial space of the C-channel  62  and a portion of a top end  131 , a portion of a bottom end  133 , a portion of a first side surface  135 , and a portion of a second side surface  137  of the cam sections, abuttingly contacting surfaces within the C-channel  62 . The rotation of the rung body  130  may be accomplished by using a special tool  400 . Alternatively, it made me rotated by hand or by machine. The rung body  130  may be rotated 90 degrees. 
     Yet another embodiment includes the steps of locating a rung engaging portion  304  of a drop out  300  over the rung body  130 . The dropout  300  comprises a central flat portion of plate  306  and a first end portion  310  with a surface extending in a downward arc away from the central flat portion  306 . The rung engaging portion  304  is at a second end of the central fiat portion  306  opposite the curved first end portion  310 . Linear and rotating force is then applied to the drop out  300  to create an abutting contact between a face of a rung grip  324  of the drop out  300  and a bottom surface of the rung body member  130 . The rung grip  324  being located at the distal end of the rung engaging portion  304  and having a generally triangular shape. 
     Embodiments of conduit trays to support conduits, braces to retain a cam body member, cam members to mate with braces, a cam connector, a brace and rung structure, and associated methods have been described and illustrated herein that allow for simple construction of support conduits. Although the example of a conduit tray has been used throughout, the invention may equally apply to other connecting structures, such as covers and lids. 
     Further, as will be apparent from the above description of assembly methods, embodiments include various permutations of the above-described component embodiments, such as kits containing one or more pairs of brace members, a plurality of the above described rungs, and one or more of the above-described drop-outs, or permutations thereof. In some cases, the individual components described above are independently useful, for instance for mating with existing structures like those described above as replacement parts or expansion parts. Thus, it should be understood that while the above description addresses embodiments being installed into exemplary site-specific rung structures, embodiments are no limited to such assembled structures and may include kits of individual components or individual components themselves. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the illustrated embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.