Spring-loaded retention and release mechanism for use on clipless bicycle pedals

A retention and release apparatus used in conjunction with a double-sided clipless pedal to secure cleat adapters, the cleat adapter having a rear retainer, the apparatus comprising:

• a. a cleat retainer, said cleat retainer further comprising a clamp head, the clamp head releasably securing a rear retainer of a cleat adapter;
• b. a tension adjuster, the tension adjuster having a tension force which resists deformation, the tension adjuster being affixed to the cleat retainer in a manner such that the cleat retainer resists releasing said rear retainer;
• c. a spar, the spar residing opposite the cleat retainer and providing a location whereat a releasing force is applied, said force being opposite to the tension force;
• and
• d. an attachment, the attachment affixing the retention and release apparatus to the clipless pedal.

A retention and release device used with a clipless pedal, comprising:

• a. the retention and release device replacing a rear receptor of the clipless pedal;
• b. a spar having a plurality of grips located on the top of the spar and support members on a bottom of the spar,
• c. a cleat retainer attachment which affixes the retention and release device to the pedal,
• d. the cleat retainer has a generally curved appearance, which arcs back towards the heel of a cyclist's foot, and also includes a series of angled planar surfaces, or a combination of both curved and planar surfaces, the underside and the top surface of the cleat retaining mechanism are joined together by a clamp head, the clamp head releasably secures a rear retainer of a cleat adapter through the application of downward pressure of the clamp head on the rear retainer, the downward pressure is the pressure caused by a spring actuator which is part of the cleat retaining retainer;
• e. a spring actuator which is a generally tight spring so as to secure the cleat adapter of a shoe or toe clip, a downward pressure exerted by the spring actuator allows the clamp head to apply downward pressure on the lower surface of a rear retainer of a cleat adapter;
• f. a toe clip that is engaged with a clipless pedal is retained thereon by the retention and release retainer, the clamp head of the retention and release retainer will engage the toe clip by entering a space between an upper surface and a lower surface of the rear retainer of the toe clip;
• and
• g. a spar integrally affixed to a rear of the cleat retainer, the spar extending away from the cleat retainer by a given distance so that a downward force on the spar will provide a mechanical advantage to overcome the spring retaining force and cause the clamp head to move away from the spring retaining member and a bicycle cleat retained by the cleat retaining mechanism, thereby releasing the bicycle cleat retained by the cleat retainer.