Center lock inside handle keeper

Claim 1

A latching mechanism for an overhead garage door including: door stop strikes for attachment on frame uprights on either side of the door; spring latches for attachment on either side of the door for engaging said door stop strikes when the door is closed; a lock on the outside of the door, said lock including a spindle extending through the door and an outside handle connected to rotate said spindle when turned, said lock being capable of being placed in a locked condition to prevent said outside handle from being turned to rotate said spindle; a stationary back plate anchored to the door and comprising a center portion spaced from the door and providing a space thereunder and a means forming a clearance opening through said center portion having said spindle extending therethrough, an inside handle mounted on the inside of the door on said spindle so as to be turned by the rotation thereof from a closed to an open position; said inside handle having a location extending through said space and beneath said center portion, and a cable connecting said spring latches to said inside handle for withdrawing said spring latches to release the door for opening when said inside handle is turned to its open position; said inside handle being mounted on said spindle with a rotatable lost motion connection so as to be capable of being turned to its open position to withdraw said spring latches even though said spindle is prevented from being rotated by said lock when said lock is in a locked condition; whereby said overhead garage door can be opened from the inside of the garage even though the door is locked from the outside.