Clutch with wire pivot ring having straight sections

A clutch, comprising:

• an axis of rotation;
• a pressure plate including:
• a plurality of protrusions;
• and,
• a respective groove in each protrusion;
• a pivot ring including:
• a plurality of circumferentially curved portions;
• a plurality of engagement portions, each engagement portion:
• at least partially disposed in a respective groove;
• circumferentially disposed between respective first and second circumferentially curved portions from the plurality of circumferentially curved portions;
• and,
• including:
• an alignment portion;
• a first stiffened attachment portion extending in a first straight line from the alignment portion to the first circumferentially curved portion;
• and,
• a second stiffened attachment portion extending in a second straight line from the alignment portion to the second circumferentially curved portion;
• and,
• first and second circumferential distal ends fixed to the pressure plate;
• and,
• a plurality of levers displaceable to close the clutch, each lever pivotably connected to a respective engagement portion.

A clutch assembly, comprising:

• an axis of rotation;
• and,
• a first clutch including:
• a first pressure plate including a plurality of protrusions with respective grooves;
• a pivot ring fixedly connected to the pressure plate and including:
• a plurality of circumferentially curved portions;
• a plurality of engagement portions, each engagement portion:
• circumferentially disposed between respective first and second circumferentially curved portions from the plurality of circumferentially curved portions;
• and,
• including:
• an alignment portion disposed in a respective groove;
• a first attachment portion extending in a first straight line from the alignment portion to the first circumferentially curved portion and including a first surface having a first shape;
• and,
• a second attachment portion extending in a second straight line from the alignment portion to the second circumferentially curved portion and including a second surface having the first shape;
• and,
• first and second circumferential distal ends fixed to the pressure plate;
• and,
• a plurality of levers, each lever including third and fourth surfaces having the first shape and engaged with the first and second surfaces, respectively, wherein:
• the plurality of levers are pivotable about the plurality of engagement portions to close the clutch.