Patent Publication Number: US-2021161268-A1

Title: Strap attachment

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/073,032, titled “STRAP ATTACHMENT,” filed Jul. 26, 2018, which is a U.S. National Phase Application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/US2017/015042, titled “STRAP ATTACHMENT,” filed Jan. 26, 2017, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/287,296, titled “STRAP ATTACHMENT,” filed Jan. 26, 2016. Each of these applications is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to a removable strap attachment for removably attaching a strap to a luggage item or bag. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Bags and luggage items often times include a strap for holding, carrying, or pulling the bag or luggage item. Often times, the strap may be releasably attached to the bag using a clip or a hook. One common example of a strap attachment mechanism is a spring-loaded clip whereby a user may place a metal hook through a loop or metal eyelet attached to the bag or luggage item. Once the hook is extended through the loop or luggage item, a spring-loaded lever may close, thereby securing the hook onto the loop or eyelet. Another common strap attachment mechanism uses a hook with a spring-loaded clip bolt. In this example, the strap attachment employs a hook with a spring-loaded clip bolt. In order to attach the strap to the bag or luggage item, a user must pull down a spring-loaded bolt, place the hook through a loop or eyelet on the bag or luggage item, and then release the spring-loaded bolt, securing the strap to the bag. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing a strap attachment to connect a strap to a bag or luggage item. 
     Aspects and embodiments herein describe an improved strap attachment device for removably attaching a strap to an article such as a bag or suitcase. The improved strap attachment device includes a connecting plate configured to be attached to a surface material, for example the surface material of a bag or suitcase, and a strap connector configured to be attached to a strap of a bag or suitcase, and the strap connector is configured to removably attach to the connecting plate. 
     In various aspects and embodiments of described herein, the strap connector may have two ends, one end being configured to attach to a strap and the other end being configured to attach to the connecting plate. A bore can be provided in the surface of the connecting plate allowing a flanged connector post included on the strap connector to penetrate the connecting plate and removably engage a locking member, which may be housed beneath the connecting plate. The locking member may be biased into an engaged position by a spring and may include a ramped locking point adapted to cause the spring to compress in response to the flanged connector post being inserted into the connecting plate. The strap connector, connecting plate, flanged connecting post, connector bore, locking member, locking point, and other system components may be sized, shaped and arranged such that the strap connector is prevented from being orthogonally or laterally displaced relative to the connecting plate while in the engaged position. In certain embodiments, however, the strap connector may still be able to rotate in a radial direction even while engaged. 
     The connecting plate may further include a pull tab disposed within a pull track, the pull tab being coupled to the locking member. The pull tab may be moved along the pull track causing the spring to compress and biasing the locking member into a disengaged position, wherein the flanged connector post is released from the connecting plate. 
     In various aspects and embodiments, the strap connector may include a T-shaped bar with flanged end portions configured to secure the strap on a horizontal portion of the T-shaped bar. The T-shaped bar may further include a vertical portion for connecting the horizontal portion to a plug. The plug may be configured to receive and secure an attachment portion of the flanged connector post, and may further include a projection configured to engage an inner surface of the connector bore such that the flanged connector post cannot be displaced in a lateral direction parallel to the first plane while engaged. In some embodiments, the projection may be circular or cylindrical and allow the connector post to rotate freely in a radial direction parallel the first plane without being laterally displaced. 
     Additional aspects and embodiments the invention may also comprise a backplate disposed behind or underneath the surface material and configured to secure the connecting plate to the surface material. The backplate may provide one or more rigid mounting points for anchoring the connecting plate to the surface material using one or more rivets, screws, or other fastening means known to those in the art. A reinforcement material sized and shaped to substantially match the dimensions of the connecting plate or backplate may further be disposed behind or underneath the surface material for protecting the surface material against mechanical forces exerted by the connecting plate or backplate. 
     In certain aspects and embodiments, the flanged connector post may also include a rounded lower surface configured to engage the ramped locking point and further encourage the locking member to disengage. Specifically, the rounded lower surface may contact the ramped locking point at an angle more closely aligned with the locking member&#39;s direction of motion. The flanged connector post may further include a cylindrical body portion configured to abut and secure the ramped locking point in the lateral direction once the flange of the connector post has been secured beneath the locking point and the strap connector is fully engaged. 
     In further aspects and embodiments described herein, the locking point may include a ramped leading surface or edge configured to help urge the locking member to compress responsive to the flanged connector post being inserted into the connector bore and contacting the leading edge or surface of the locking point. The locking point may also include a concave leading edge designed to contact the cylindrical body portion such that the cylindrical body portion can rotate freely in a radial direction relative to the ramped locking point while increasing an amount of surface area contact between cylindrical body portion and the locking point, which can further enhance both the lateral and orthogonal stability of the connector post relative to the locking member and connecting plate. 
     According to aspects and embodiments of the strap attachment device described herein, the strap attachment device may possess any combination of or all of the structural features and functionality described above. 
     Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention include a bag or suitcase comprising a strap, a surface material, and any or all of the structural features and functionality of the strap attachment device described above. Specifically, the strap connector may be attached to the strap and the connecting plate may be affixed to the surface material of the bag or suitcase. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various aspects of at least one implementation of a strap attachment are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures are provided for the purposes of illustration and explanation and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1A  depicts a top view of a strap attachment device in a closed position according to one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  depicts a side, partially transparent view of the strap attachment device in the closed position according to one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 1C  depicts a bottom, partially transparent view of the strap attachment device in the closed position according to one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 1D  depicts a top view of the strap attachment device in an open position according to one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 1E  depicts a side, partially transparent view of the strap attachment device in the open position according to one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  depicts a top view of a strap connector in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2B  depicts a side view of the strap connector in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2C  depicts a bottom view of a strap connector post in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2D  depicts the strap connector post in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a top view of a connector plate in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  depicts a side view of the connector plate in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3C  depicts a bottom view of the connector plate in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a top view of a locking member in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a side view of the locking member in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A  depicts a bottom view of a cover in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  depicts a side view of the cover in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A  depicts a bottom view of the locking member in the process of being assembled into the connector plate in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  depicts a bottom view of the locking member in the process of being assembled into the connector plate in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6C  is a top view of the locking member in the process of being assembled into the connector plate in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6D  is a bottom view of the locking member in the process of being assembled into the connector plate in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a top view of a surface preparation for a bag or luggage item for securing the strap attachment device in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a bottom view of the surface backing for a bag or luggage item for securing the strap attachment device in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a bottom view of the connection plate after it has been inserted through the surface preparation and backing for a bag or luggage item in one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 10A  depicts a bottom view of a backplate according to one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 10B  depicts a side view of a backplate according to one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 11A  depicts a perspective view of a fully assembled strap connector device in an open position according to one implementation of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 11B  depicts a perspective view of a fully assembled strap connector device in a closed position according to one implementation of this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the disclosure to an exemplary implementation. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the described subject matter. 
     Known strap attachments have several potential drawbacks. First, known strap attachments tend to be bulky, mechanical fasteners with limited aesthetic appeal. They tend to be conspicuous on bags and luggage items although designers desire to minimize their impact on the overall appearance of the bag. Secondly, known strap attachments can be awkward to install, often requiring both of the users hands to hold the loop or eyelet in place while inserting a hook through the loop or eyelet and possibly also depressing a spring-loaded bolt or lever. Therefore a strap attachment that may be deployed with one hand only may be desirable. Third, known strap attachments typically have a limited range of motion because mechanisms using a hook cannot rotate around the entire circumference of the loop or eyelet to which they are attached. Typically the connecting loop or eyelet is attached to the bag, itself, and the hook is incapable of traversing the portion of the loop or eyelet that is attached to the bag. Thus, there remains a need for a strap attachment that may connect a strap to a bag or luggage item in such a way as to allow for a fuller range of motion for the user holding the strap. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1C , there is disclosed an implementation of a strap attachment device  1 .  FIG. 1A  depicts a top view of a strap attachment device  1  in a closed position according to one implementation of this disclosure. As shown in this example, a strap attachment device  1  includes a strap connector  3  illustrated as connected to a connector plate  5 . The connector plate  5  has a pull tab  7  illustrated in a closed position, a recessed pull track  9 , and a connector bore  11 .  FIG. 1B  depicts a side, partially transparent view of the strap attachment device  1 , while  FIG. 1C  depicts a bottom, partially transparent view of the strap attachment device  1  in a closed position according to one implementation of this disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 1B , the strap attachment device  1  may also include a backplate  13  for attaching the strap attachment to a surface of a bag or luggage item. Strap connector  3  may also include a strap connector post  15 , which may be inserted into or through the connector bore  11  for locking with locking member  17 . An embodiment of the locking member may be a locking bolt. The connector bore  11  may include a ramped or recessed perimeter portion  12  configured to aid the insertion of the strap connector post  15  into the connector bore  11 . The locking member  17  may be urged to a closed position by a spring  19  or other mechanical biasing means known to those skilled in the art. As shown, when the strap attachment device  1  is in a closed position, locking member  17  engages a flange or lip  14  on strap connector post  15 , thereby retaining strap connector  3  in a closed position such that the connector post  15  remains locked by the locking member  17 .  FIG. 1C  depicts a bottom, partially transparent view of a strap attachment device  1  in a closed position according to one implementation of this disclosure. 
       FIGS. 1D-1E  respectively depict a top and side view of a strap attachment in an open position according to one implementation of this disclosure. As shown, for example, in  FIG. 1D , a user may release strap connector  3  by moving the pull tab  7  within the pull track  9  in a downward direction so as to disengage the locking member  17  from the connector post  15 , resulting in compression of the spring  19 . Referring, for example to  FIG. 1E , once the strap connector  3  and the connector post  15  have been withdrawn from the connector bore  11 , the pull tab  7  may be released and spring  19  may decompress, thereby returning the pull tab  7  and the locking member  17  to its biased position (also referred to as the resting position, the locking position, or the engaged position). In various additional embodiments, an orientation of the recessed pull track  9  may differ from the vertical orientation depicted in  FIGS. 1D-1E  such that the pull tab  7  is movable in a direction corresponding to the pull track&#39;s orientation in order to disengage the locking member  17 . In a preferred embodiment, the diameter or width of the pull tab  7  is oriented along a plane parallel to a plane along which the connecting plate  5  is oriented. Accordingly, the preferred motion of the pull tab  7  along the pull track  9  responsively occurs in a direction parallel to the plane along which the connecting plate  5  is oriented. However, in various other embodiments, the direction of motion of the pull tab  7  may be partially offset from the plane along which to connecting plate  5  is oriented. The pull tab  7  depicted in  FIGS. 1D-1E  is shown as annular in shape, however the pull tab  7  may be designed to possess any suitable shape for mating with the pull track  9  and permitting motion in an operative direction along a length of the pull track  9  such that the locking member  17  is engaged and released from the connector post  15  responsive to said motion. 
     In various embodiments, the distance between an outer surface of the connecting plate  5  and an outer surface of the backplate  13  is between 1 mm and 20 mm, for example 7 mm. In certain embodiments, the distance between an inner surface of the connecting plate  5  and an inner surface of the backplate  13  is between 0.5 mm and 15 mm, for example 3.2 mm. 
       FIG. 2A  depicts a top view of a strap connector  3  in one implementation of this disclosure. In this example, strap connector  3  may comprise a T-shaped bar  21 . In this example, the horizontal portion  22  of T-shaped bar  21  may be intended to be fastened to a strap  23  (shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ). T-shaped bar  21  may be wrapped in an end portion of strap  23  which may be stitched to itself to secure T-shaped bar  21  as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . In other examples, strap  23  may be fastened to strap connector  3  using any suitable means known to one of ordinary skill in the art, including gluing, stitching, integrally forming, or using a mechanical fastener. In some examples a T-shaped bar  21  may not be necessary and a strap  23  may be fastened directly to a portion of strap connector  3  using any suitable means known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Where a T-shaped bar  21  is employed, it may also include flanged ends  25  to help retain strap  23  on T-shaped bar  21 . 
     The vertical portion  24  of T-shaped bar  23  may extend from the horizontal portion at one end to a plug  27  at an opposite end. Plug  27  may be integrally formed of the same materials as T-shaped bar  21 , which can include any suitably rigid materials, such as metal, plastic, rubber, or wood as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, plug  27  may be fastened to T-shaped bar  21  using a mechanical fastener or welding or soldering it to the T-shaped bar  21 . The plug  27  may comprise a top cap  29  that may abut connector plate  5  when strap connector  3  is engaged with connector plate  5 . Plug  27  may further comprise a projection  31  that may extend within or through the connector bore  11  into the connector plate  5  when strap connector  3  is engaged with connector plate  5  as shown, for example, in  FIG. 2B . The size of the projection  31  may be made to substantially match the size of the connector bore  11  (or slightly smaller) such that the projection  31  may mate with the connector bore  11  while the connector post  15  is in the locked position. The outer lateral faces of the projection  31  are provided to substantially abut the inner lateral faces of the connector bore  11 , for example, to provide lateral stability to the strap connector  3  while in the locked position such that the strap connector  3  cannot be laterally or transversely displaced relative to the connector plate  5  (although rotational displacement may still be possible due to the circular shape of the projection  31  and the connector bore  11 ). 
       FIG. 2C  depicts a bottom view of the plug  27  portion of strap connector  3  in one implementation of this disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 2C , plug  27  may include an O-ring  33  that may be formed of an epoxy, rubber, silicone, or any other suitable substance for cushioning the connection between plug  27  and connector plate  5  so as to avoid scratching or otherwise damaging connector plate  5 . Projection  31  may also include a hole or opening  35 , substantially at its center for receiving a strap connector post  15 . In some examples, opening  35  may be threaded for receiving a threaded upper portion  26  of connector post  15 . In other examples, connector post  15  may be fixed to one or more structures or surfaces within the opening  35  using a suitable attachment method known to those skilled in the art, such as adhesive, welding, soldering, etc. In other examples, connector post  15  may be integrally formed with strap connector  3  by using a single cast or mold. 
       FIG. 2D  depicts a strap connector post  15  in one implementation of this disclosure. In this example, strap connector post  15  may include an attachment portion  26 , a post portion  18 , and a flanged end  14  for mating with the locking member  17  when strap attachment device  1  is in the locked or closed position. The flanged end  14  may also include a lower surface  16  that may initially contact locking member  17 . In some examples, the lower surface of the flanged end may include a curved or rounded lower surface  16  so as to cooperate with a ramped portion of locking member  17 , thereby causing locking member  17  to retract as the spring  19  (or other mechanical biasing mechanism) compresses. Connector post  15  may be fixedly attached to plug  27  and/or top cap  29  using any suitable means known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the attachment portion  26  may be threaded as shown in  FIG. 2D  and configured to be removably or permanently attached to the plug  27  via the hole  35 , the hole  35  being adapted to receive the threaded end  26  and fix the connector post  15  relative to the plug  27 . In other embodiments, the connector post  15  may instead be integral with, soldered to, or otherwise permanently attached to the plug  27 . Connector post  15  may also be formed of the same materials as the remainder of strap connector  3 , such as a suitably rigid metal, plastic, or rubber, or any other suitably rigid material known to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In various embodiments, the depth of the flanged end  14  including the lower surface  16  is between 0.5 mm and 8 mm, for example 2 mm. The depth of the post portion  18  may be between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, for example 2.5 mm. The diameter of the flanged end  14  may be between 2 mm and 30 mm, for example 9 mm. The length of the horizontal portion  22  of the strap connector  3  may be between 5 mm and 100 mm, for example 25 mm. The width of the horizontal portion  22  of the strap connector  3  may be between 1 mm and 20 mm, for example 5 mm. The outer diameter of the connector bore  11  including the perimeter portion  12  may be between 4 mm and 64 mm, for example 16 mm. The inner diameter of the connector bore  11  excluding the perimeter portion  12  may be between 3 mm and 48 mm, for example 12 mm. The diameter of the flanged ends  25  of the strap connector  3  may be between 2 mm and 50 mm, for example 10 mm. The depth of the top cap  29  of the plug  27  may be between 1 mm and 16 mm, for example 4 mm. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  respectively depict top, side, and bottom views of the connector plate  5  in one implementation of this disclosure. Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3C , the connector plate  5  may comprise any suitably rigid material for fastening to a bag or luggage item and for housing a locking mechanism, such as such as a suitably rigid metal, plastic, or rubber, or any other suitably rigid material known to one of ordinary skill in the art. On a top surface, connector plate  5  may include the connector bore  11  for receiving the projection  31  and/or the strap connector post  15 . The top surface may also include a recessed pull track  9  for guiding pull tab  7 , along with a pull tab bore  37  through which the pull tab  7  may pass to connect with the locking member  17 . 
     As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , the underside of connector plate  5  may also include one or more barbs  39  to help hold connector plate  5  in place against the surface of a bag or luggage item. The underside of connector plate  5  may also include one or more posts  41  projecting from the underside of connector plate  5  so as to extend through the outer surface of a bag or luggage item and provide a fastening point for the backplate  13  or optional backing surface  75  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). A locking member housing  43  may also be disposed on the underside of connector plate  5  and may comprise a housing that is integrally formed with connector plate  5 . In some examples, locking member housing  43  may further surround connector bore  11  as well as pull tab bore  37 . Locking member housing  43  may also include a recessed portion for housing locking member  17  and spring  19 , while allowing locking member  17  to slide between an open and closed position. In some examples, the inner shape of locking member housing  43  may allow locking member  17  to slide between an open and closed position, while preventing locking member  17  from immovably blocking the path of connector post  15  when it is inserted into connector bore  11 . In some examples, locking member  17  may be prevented from immovably blocking the path of connector post  15  by one or more projections  47  within locking member housing  43  that may limit the movement of locking member  17 . In other examples, the movement of locking member  17  may be restricted by the dimensions of pull tab bore  37  which may also restrict the movement of locking member  17 . Locking member housing  43  may also comprise one or more bores or openings  45  for receiving a fastener for connecting housing cover  49  (shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B ). Bores  61  of connecting housing cover  49  may be configured to align with bores  45  of locking member housing  43  and secured using a fastening means known to those skilled in the art, for example via fastening screws  67  (shown in  FIG. 6D ). 
     In various embodiments, the length of the pull track  9  is between 4 mm and 64 mm, for example 16 mm. The depth of the connecting plate  5  may be between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, for example 2.2 mm. The depth of the locking member housing  43  may be between 0.5 mm and 12 mm, for example 3.2 mm. The width of the connecting plate  5  may be between 7 mm and 100 mm, for example 28 mm. The height of the connecting plate  5  may be between 13 mm and 150 mm, for example 42 mm. The width of the locking member housing  43  may be between 3 mm and 50 mm, but will be less than the width of the connecting plate  5 . The height of the locking member housing  43  may be between 6 mm and 75 mm, but will be less than the height of the connecting plate  5 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  respectively depict top and side views of the locking member  17  in one implementation of this disclosure. Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in some examples, locking member  17  may comprise a locking point  51  disposed on front end of the locking member  17 . Locking point  51  may include a top surface that ramps downward, as shown for example in  FIG. 4B . The downward slope of locking point  51  may cause locking member  17  to retract (and spring  19  or other mechanical biasing means to compress) when locking point  51  contacts the lower surface of connector post  15 . Once the flanged end of connector post  15  passes locking point  51 , spring  19  may be partially or fully released and locking point  51  may engage with the post portion  18  (shown in  FIG. 2D ) of connector post  15  thereby retaining the flanged portion  15  beneath locking point  51 . In some examples, the leading edge of locking point  51  may be generally concave so that connector post  15  (and by extension strap connector  3 ) may rotate freely, even when locking member  17  is engaged. In alternative examples, a separate locking point  51  may not be required, and the main body of locking member  17  may be used to engage with and lock connector post  15  in place. In some examples, more than one locking point  51  may be attached to the locking member  17  and each configured to couple with the connector post  15 , for example, to increase locking strength. 
     As shown, for example, in  FIG. 4A , locking member  17  may also include a neck  53  and a flanged base  55 . Neck portion  53  may be somewhat narrower, allowing it to slide between projections  47  in locking member housing  43 . Flanged base  55  may likewise allow projections  47  in locking member housing  43  to limit how far locking member  17  may slide, thereby preventing it from immovably blocking the path of connector post  15  during insertion. Locking member  17  may also include a spring guide  57 , which may include a projection disposed on a rear end of locking member  17 , as shown for example in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . Spring guide  57  may serve as a guide for mounting spring  19  between locking member  17  and the inner wall of locking member housing  43 . Once installed, spring guide  57  may also help to retain spring  19  in its proper position. In some embodiments, the spring guide  57  may be attached to the spring  19  (or other mechanical biasing means) using a pin, screw, rivet, hole, or other mechanical fastening means known to those in the art. Locking member  17  may also include a bore or opening  59 , which may be disposed within flanged base  55  to which pull tab  7  may be attached. Pull tab  7  preferably has a top surface diameter greater than a diameter of pull tab bore  37  and, once attached to locking member  17 , helps to maintain locking member  17  against the lower surface of connector plate  5  and within locking member housing  43 . 
     In various embodiments, the depth of the locking member  17  is between 0.5 mm and 15 mm, for example 3 mm. The depth of the pull tab  7  may be between 0.5 mm and 15 mm, for example 3 mm. The diameter of the pull tab  7  may be between 3 mm and 48 mm, for example 12 mm. The width of the locking member  17  may be between 2 mm and 40 mm, for example 10.5 mm. The height of the locking member  17  may be between 5 mm and 80 mm, for example 21 mm. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  respectively depict a bottom view and a side view of housing cover  49  in one implementation of this disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 5A , housing cover  49  may include a shape that generally matches the shape and dimensions of locking member housing  43  and may be installed over the open bottom of locking member housing  43  so as to retain locking member  17  within the housing and protect the spring  19 . Housing cover  49  may also include two bores  61  corresponding to the position of bores  45  in locking member housing  43  and through which a fastener may be inserted or screwed. In other examples, bores  61  or  45  may not be necessary and housing cover  49  may be attached to the underside of connecting plate  5  using any suitable means known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In some examples, housing cover  49  may also include a hole or opening  63  that generally corresponds to the shape, size, and location of connector bore  11  in connector plate  5 . Hole  63  may provide a viewing window to allow a user to visibly inspect the operation of locking member  17  to ensure that it is still working properly. However, hole  63  may not be necessary in other examples, where housing cover  49  may comprise a substantially complete cover for locking member housing  43 . 
     In various embodiments, the height of the housing cover  49  is between 8 mm and 140 mm, for example 35.7 mm. The width of the housing cover  49  may be between 3 mm and 56 mm, for example 13.7 mm. The depth of the housing cover  49  may be between 0.4 mm and 8 mm, for example 1.6 mm. 
       FIGS. 6A-6D  depict the process of assembling locking member  17  into connector plate  5  in one implementation of this disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 6A , in a first step, locking member  17  may be disposed within locking member housing  43  such that neck portion  53  may be disposed between projections  47 , and flanged base  55  may be disposed beneath pull tab bore  37 . At the same time, spring  19  may be mounted upon spring guide  57  at one end and disposed within a recessed portion of the internal wall of locking member housing  43  at a second end. In a second step, locking member  17  may be fastened to pull tab  7  by threading screw  65  through bore  59  and pull tab bore  37 , thereby fastening locking member  17  to pull tab  7  as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 6B and 6C . In a third step, housing cover  49  may be secured to the lower surface of connecting plate  5  so as to cover locking member housing  43 . In some examples, housing cover  49  may be secured by fastening screws  67  through bores  61  in housing cover  49  as well as bores  45  in locking member housing  43 , although any suitable means of fastening known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be employed. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a top view of a surface preparation for a bag or luggage item for securing a strap attachment device in one implementation of this disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 0.7 , surface material  69  may comprise any suitable surface material for a bag or luggage item, such as leather, cloth, canvas, silk, wood, plastic, or other suitable baggage materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art. As shown, surface material  69  may be prepared by cutting an opening  71  that substantially matches the shape and dimensions of locking member housing  43  and/or housing cover  49  in the surface material. Surface material  69  may further be prepared by punching one or more holes  73 , through which posts  41  are intended to be inserted. In some examples, holes  73  may substantially match the size, shape, and arrangement of posts  41  on connecting plate  5 . 
       FIG. 8  depicts a bottom view of an optional backing material  75  for a bag or luggage item for securing strap attachment device  1  in one implementation of this disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 8 , optional backing material  75  may comprise any suitable material for providing additional support to surface material  69  and to prevent unwanted damage to surface material  69  that may be caused by fastening the strap attachment device  1  or from the forces exerted by the strap  23 . Suitable materials may include leather, cloth, canvas, wood, plastic, rubber, foam, metal, or any other suitable materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art to serve as a backing. As shown, backing material  75  may be prepared by cutting a section of material that is at least as large as the dimensions of connecting plate  5 , but preferably somewhat larger. An opening  77  that substantially matches the shape and dimensions of the locking member housing  43 , the housing cover  49 , or the surface material opening  71  may also be cut in backing  75 . Backing material  75  may further be prepared by punching one or more holes  79 , through which posts  41  are intended to be inserted, similar to the holes  73  on the surface material  69 . In some examples, holes  79  may substantially match the size, shape, and arrangement of posts  41  on connecting plate  5 . Once backing material  75  has been prepared it may be attached to the back of surface material  69  such that opening  71  substantially aligns with opening  77  and one or more holes  73  substantially align with one or more holes  79 . Backing material  75  may be attached to the back of surface material  69  using any suitable means of attachment known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as gluing, stitching, or a combination thereof. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a bottom view of a connection plate  5  after it has been inserted through a surface material  69  and a backing material  75  for a bag or luggage item in one implementation of this disclosure. The assembled connection plate  5  is inserted through openings  71  and  77  (as shown in  FIGS. 7-8 ) such that housing cover  49  occupies the openings  71 ,  77  and partially protrudes through the backing material  75 . Posts  41  may also be inserted through one or more of the holes  73  and  79  (as shown in  FIGS. 7-8 ). 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  respectively depict a bottom view and a side view of the backplate  13  according to one implementation of this disclosure. In some examples, the backplate  13  may include a central opening  83  that substantially matches the size and shape of housing cover  49 . Backplate  13  may also comprise bores or openings  85  that substantially match the size and arrangement of holes  73  and  79 , as well as posts  41 . In some examples, backplate  13  may secure connection plate  5  upon surface material  69  or backing material  75  via one or more threading screws (not shown), which are inserted through corresponding the bores  85  and holes  73 ,  79  in order to fasten the backplate  13  to the posts  41 . In other examples, mechanical fasteners inserted through bores  85  may not be required and backplate  13  may instead be secured to the connection plate  5  using other suitable means of attachment known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In various embodiments, the width of the backplate  13  is between 8 mm and 130 mm, for example 32 mm. The height of the backplate  13  may be between 11 mm and 190 mm, for example 46 mm. The depth of the backplate  13  may be between 0.3 mm and 6 mm, for example 1.3 mm. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  depict perspective views of a fully assembled strap connector in an open and closed position, respectively, according to one implementation of this disclosure. As shown, strap connector  3  may be inserted into connecting plate  5  by inserting connector post  15  into connector bore  11 . Once inserted, locking point  51  may engage above the flanged end of connector post  15 , thereby temporarily attaching strap connector  3  (and strap  23 ) to connecting plate  5 . Notably, a user need not first disengage locking member  17  before inserting connector post  15 . Because connector post  15  may have a curved or rounded lower surface  16 , and locking point  51  may be ramped, locking member  17  may retract and engage with connector post  15  using nothing more than a downward force on strap connector  3 . In some examples, connecting plate  5 , strap connector  3 , or connector post  15  may be magnetized so as to help guide strap connector  3  into proper alignment with connector bore  11 . The locking member  17  may further include a locking point  51  (as shown in  FIG. 4A ) adapted to directly abut a body section  18  of connecting post  15  such that the body section  18  may rotate freely relative to the locking member  17  without disengaging the locking member  17  from the connector post  15 . 
     Furthermore, the locking point  51  may provide a concave leading edge or surface to engage with a cylindrical body section  18  of the connector post  15 , allowing an amount of surface area of the concave leading edge abutting the body section  18  to be increased while still allowing for the body section  18  to rotate freely relative to the leading portion of the locking point  51 . Maximizing the amount of surface area contact between the leading portion of the locking point  51  and the body section  18  of the strap connector  3  may, for example, reduce the likelihood of an accidental or inadvertent disconnection. Finally, to remove strap connector  3 , a user may simply pull downward on pull tab  7  thereby disengaging locking member  17  and compressing spring  19  before removing strap connector  3 . 
     While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms of certain exemplary implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements can be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from the scope thereof. As such, the particular features claimed below and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specifically directed to other implementations having any other possible permutations and combinations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the systems and methods of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.