Quick release automatic tensioning motor base and spring compression retention mechanism

A quick-release automatic tensioning motor base for supporting a motor relative to a fixed structure, the motor driving a device to be driven via a drive belt, the quick-release automatic tensioning motor base comprising:

• at least two base brackets connectable to a fixed structure,
• at least one guide rail being fixedly coupled between the at least two base brackets;
• a platform assembly slidably coupled to the at least one guide rail for movement along the at least one guide rail relative to the at least two base brackets, the platform assembly being configured to support and retain the motor thereon;
• a spring assembly being selectively coupled between the at least two base brackets and fixedly coupled to the platform assembly for movement therewith, the spring assembly applying a biasing force to the platform assembly to automatically maintain a predetermined belt tension along the drive belt;
• a quick-release assembly having a quick-release member selectively engageable between the spring assembly and a first of the at least two base brackets, the quick-release assembly being positionable in a first position to retain the spring assembly to the first of the at least two base brackets and a second position to release the spring assembly from the first of the at least two base brackets;
• and
• a spring compression retention assembly being operably coupled to the spring assembly, the spring compression retention assembly maintaining spring compression on the spring assembly even when the quick-release assembly is in the second position,
• wherein the second position that releases the spring assembly from the first of the at least two base brackets further releases the platform assembly for unrestricted movement between the at least two base brackets.