Pulleys are devices well known in the art, and have existed for centuries. The literature discloses various types of pulleys, with the most varied shapes. However, no pulley is presently known to have the features of the pulley that is the object of the present invention.

Thus, the present invention provides a self-braking gripping pulley comprising two flanges joined in the shape of a pulley, each flange having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surfaces being inclined towards one another in the shape of a"V"and having a plurality of grooves disposed radially and facing each other in order to form a housing for a cable holding device.

The present invention will be better understood by means of the description provided with reference to the attached drawings, wherein : Figure 1 is an exploded front view of the self-braking gripping pulley that constitutes the object of the present invention, showing the main components thereof in separate and mounted ; Figure 2 is a side view in cross section of the pulley shown in Figure 1, without one of its flanges ; Figure 3 is a detailed side view of the mounting of the gripping insert in the grooves existing in the pulley of the present invention ; and,

Figure 4 depicts a practical application of the pulley of the present invention.

As may be seen in the attached Figures 1 to 3, the self-braking gripping pulley of the present invention comprises two flanges 1 and 2.

Fanges 1 and 2 are joined at the central portion thereof, by means of screws or any other means thereby forming a pulley. Each flange has an internal surface and an external surface. The inner surfaces of flanges 1 and 2 are inclined towards one another in the shape of a"V"and have a plurality of grooves 3 arrange radially facing each other forming a housing for a cable holding device.

The cable holding device is comprised of a gripping insert 4, a bumper with guide pin 5 and a spring 6. One of the flanges 2 has in the inner central portion thereof a cylindrical body having a plurality of holes 8 at the periphery thereof. The holes 8 are in alignment with the grooves 3 existing at the inner surfaces of flanges 1 and 2, and each hole 8 houses the spring 6 and the bumper with guide pin 5 of the cable holding device.

As may be seen in detail in Figure 1, the gripping insert 4 of the cable holding device is housed within the grooves 3 provided at the inclined inner walls of flanges 1 and 2. Thus, when the cable 9 is passed around the self-braking gripping pulley, it presses the cable holding device against the cylindrical body 7, and since the inner surfaces of flanges 1 and 2 are inclined forming a shape like a"V"the gripping insert is pressed against the inner surface of cable 9 preventing the latter from sliding or slipping, thereby braking the same.

A guide 10 may further be provided for cable 9, in order to maintain cable 9 gripped at the insert 4 at the pulley's exit.

As disclosed in more detail in Figure 3, the gripping inserts 4 slide along the grooves 3 supported on rollers or balls which provide a significant reduction of friction between the parts and allow a much smoother operation of the pulley.

Figure 4 depicts a practical embodiment of the invention, wherein the pulley is engaged with a motor 11 which drives the pulley and moves the cable 9 forward and backward.