US Patent 9234369 Furnace door latch assembly

A latch assembly for securing a furnace door to a furnace casing includes a latch for placement on an inside of the furnace door; a knob for placement on a front surface of the furnace door; a latch plate for placement between the latch and the knob; and a threaded screw for threadably coupling the knob to the latch. The latch plate supports the weight of the furnace door in a closed position and reduces a pinch force used for rotating the knob.