Holly "Universal Grip" strength tester Patent # -

[ozymandias]

In my search for the Holly "Universal Grip" Strength Tester patent, I have found more information that might be helpful, most of it from Google Books back issues of Billboard between 1940 and 1952.

The Holly Universal Grip was developed by Edward A. Gorney. Edward Gorney died on August 2, 1952 at 61 years of age, he was survived by a daughter, Mrs. Rosalyn Price. In 1935 Edward Gorney designed 'Bang-A-Deer', a target type game while he was employed as an engineer for the Tru-Shot Mfg. Co. of Detroit. The Holly Universal Grip was developed by Edward A. Gorney who owned Holly Engineering Co (later Holly Mfg. Co.) of Detroit , although their actual factory was first in Ann Arbor. I have found the Holly Universal Grip advertised in issues of Billboard from 1940 through 1952.

Gorney became a partner in Craft Engineering Co. which produced 'The Nerve Scale'. In 1945 Gorney bought out the line of combination Mercury Scales, organized the Mercury Athletic Scale Corp., and the Mercury Steel Corp, as well as Quizette line which produced coin-op napkin/quiz card dispensers for diners in nearby Albion, MI. Gorney was president of the Mercury companies until his death in 1952, he was suceeded by a longtime associate, Chester Rozinski. Gorney also owned the Continental Service & Equipment Co., which was the selling outlet for the Mercury Steel Corp in 1949. The Sept 6, 1952 issue of Billboard has an interesting article on him on page 104 entitled "Gorney, Manufacturer-Designer Of Games, Passes Away". It was interesting that whenever one of Gorney's companies underwent a merger, everyone but him was axed and 'gentlemen from the community' appeared on the new board of directors. I'm not suggesting a tie in with Detroit's ruling Purple Gang, but it was interesting reading...

The only Gorney patent I can find is his "Shooting Range", Patent No 2146066, filed May 25, 1937 and issued Feb 7, 1939. E. A. Gorney was the inventor and Rose A was the assignee. Still looking for the patent number of the Holly Universal Grip, any help would be appreciated.