Abstract:
A gooseneck coupler may be used on a towing vehicle to help tow certain types of towed vehicles, such as trailers. The gooseneck coupler may include a hitch ball attachment member selectively securable to a hitch ball of a towing vehicle, and a support member attached to the hitch ball attachment member, the support member including first and second ends. The gooseneck coupler may also include a trailer attachment member configured to secure a portion of a towed vehicle thereto, the trailer attachment member positionable on the support member between the first and second ends of the support member, where the support member is free of a telescoping relation with the trailer attachment member.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/635,017, entitled “Planar Mount Adjustable Height Gooseneck Coupler” filed on Apr. 18, 2012, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally related to a gooseneck coupler for securing a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle and, more particularly, to an adjustable height gooseneck coupler. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vehicles often transport freight, goods, merchandise, personal property, and other large cargo. Often, these vehicles may be arranged to transport such through the use of a towed vehicle, such as for example a trailer. The towing industry has developed a number of methods and apparatuses for securing or engaging the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle, such as to secure a trailer to a pick-up truck. For example, the towed vehicle may be secured to the towing vehicle through use of a preselected towing hitch. 
     There are many different types of towing hitches in the art that may be attached to the towing vehicle in a variety of ways depending on the type of towed vehicle and towing vehicle involved. Some of the most common types of hitches include gooseneck coupler, fifth wheel hitches, and rear mounted hitches. 
     Some towed vehicles may be designed to carry heavy loads. When a towed vehicle load is heavy as compared to the weight of the towing vehicle, applying the towed vehicle load generally over or in front of the rear axle of the towing vehicle may create a more desirable towing condition. In addition, such an arrangement may put much of the force of the towed vehicle load onto structural members of the towing vehicle, such as the frame, whereby the hitch ball may be located, for example, in the truck bed. 
     There are generally two arrangements for securing a towed vehicle to the bed of a towing vehicle—a fifth wheel hitch and a gooseneck coupler. A fifth wheel hitch may be utilized with towed vehicles having a king pin, which may be part of a pin box attached to the towed vehicle. Fifth wheel hitches may generally be attached in a bed of a truck or directly to the frame of the truck in a more permanent manner, whereby tools may generally be required to remove fasteners and other connectors to install or uninstall a fifth wheel hitch to the bed of a towing vehicle. 
     A gooseneck coupler may be utilized with a towed vehicle having a gooseneck coupler that may generally be coupled to a hitch ball that may be located in the bed of the towing vehicle. The hitch ball may be permanently or removably secured to the frame or bed of the towing vehicle. The towed vehicle coupler may utilize ball socket coupling mechanism that may be sized and shaped to receive the hitch ball. The ball socket coupling mechanism on the towed vehicle may mount over the hitch ball, which may allow for the towed vehicle to pivot behind the towing vehicle. 
     More specifically, the gooseneck coupler may engage the hitch ball to pivotally couple the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle. The gooseneck coupler to hitch ball connection may allow for relative movement between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle as the towing vehicle makes turns, traverses uneven or rough terrain, and passes along inclining and declining roadways. The hitch ball member may be removed or lowered to a stowed position below the bed to ensure that the use of the bed is not substantially hindered by the presence of the ball. 
     Many gooseneck coupler assemblies require attachment to the towed vehicle through welding at least a portion of the gooseneck coupler assembly to the towed vehicle. Welding the gooseneck coupler assembly to the towed vehicle, however, can prove to be difficult and time consuming. Specifically, portions of the towed vehicle or portions of an attachment device may need to be coped so as to appropriately engage the gooseneck coupler assembly. This is especially the case when the towed vehicle is being attached to a tubular portion of the gooseneck coupler assembly. In this situation, portions of the towed vehicle or an attachment portion may need to be coped to appropriately attach to the tubular portion of the gooseneck coupler assembly. 
     Many current gooseneck coupler assemblies utilize telescoping tubes, i.e., a first member nested within a second member where the second member circumscribes the first member (tube within a tube), which may result in a gooseneck coupler assembly that is generally symmetrical. The telescoping tubes, however, may result in the gooseneck coupler assembly rattling during operation as the tubes will engage each other during operation. Further, the forces applied to gooseneck coupler assembly during operation are not generally symmetrically applied. The generally symmetrical shape of the gooseneck coupler assembly may require that additional structure be added to portions of the gooseneck coupler assembly that do not need such to operate. Moreover, once a gooseneck coupler is attached to a towed vehicle, to remove such it often requires cutting and/or welding of the trailer frame. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved gooseneck coupler assembly that may reasonably remedy any of the above-identified issues. 
     SUMMARY 
     A gooseneck coupler is shown and described. The gooseneck coupler may include a hitch ball attachment member selectively securable to a hitch ball of a towing vehicle, and a support member attached to the hitch ball attachment member, the support member including first and second ends. The gooseneck coupler may also include a trailer attachment member configured to secure a portion of a towed vehicle thereto, the trailer attachment member positionable on the support member between the first and second ends of the support member, where the support member is free of a telescoping relation with the trailer attachment member. 
     A gooseneck coupler may include a hitch ball attachment member configured to be selectively secured to a hitch ball positioned on a load bed of a towing vehicle, and a coupler body attached to the hitch ball attachment member, the coupler body configured to attach to a portion of a towed vehicle, where the coupler body is non-symmetrical. 
     A gooseneck coupler may include a hitch ball attachment member configured to be selectively secured to a hitch ball of a towing vehicle, and a support member attached to and extending from the hitch ball attachment member. The gooseneck coupler may also include a trailer attachment member selectively secured to the support member, the trailer attachment member attachable to a portion of the towed vehicle, where the support member is asymmetrical. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of some embodiments of a gooseneck coupler in a non-limiting example attached to a towing vehicle. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the gooseneck coupler of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the gooseneck coupler of  FIG. 1  extending generally vertically. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the gooseneck coupler of  FIG. 2  taken along line  4 - 4 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the gooseneck coupler of  FIG. 2  taken along line  5 - 5 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the gooseneck coupler of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of a portion of a frame of towed vehicle attached to a portion of a gooseneck coupler. 
         FIG. 8  is a rear view of a portion of a frame of a towed vehicle attached to a gooseneck coupler. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a portion of the gooseneck coupler of  FIG. 1  in a locked position. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a portion of the gooseneck coupler of  FIG. 1  in an unlocked position. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of a portion of the gooseneck coupler of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional front view taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11  with a hitch ball in phantom. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of other embodiments of a gooseneck coupler. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of other embodiments of a gooseneck coupler. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of other embodiments of a gooseneck coupler with other embodiments of a hitch ball attachment member. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of other embodiments of a gooseneck coupler. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of other embodiments of a gooseneck coupler. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of other embodiments of a gooseneck coupler with a portion of a towed vehicle attached. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of other embodiments of a gooseneck coupler with a portion of a towed vehicle attached. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of other embodiments of a gooseneck coupler with a portion of a towed vehicle attached. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of other embodiments of a gooseneck coupler with a portion of a towed vehicle attached. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of other embodiments of a gooseneck coupler with a portion of a towed vehicle attached. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a portion the gooseneck coupler of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a portion of other embodiments of a gooseneck coupler. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of other embodiments of a gooseneck coupler with a portion of a towed vehicle attached. 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a portion the gooseneck coupler of  FIG. 25 . 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of other embodiments of a gooseneck coupler. 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of other embodiments of a gooseneck coupler. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of other embodiments of a gooseneck coupler. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     A gooseneck coupler  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 and 8 . The gooseneck coupler  10  may be configured to be secured to a towed vehicle, such as a trailer (not shown) and to engage a towing vehicle  11 , such as a pick-up truck, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The gooseneck coupler  10  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration. The gooseneck coupler  10  may include a coupler body  12 , a hitch ball attachment member  13  and a locking mechanism  24 . 
     The coupler body  12  may be attached to the hitch ball attachment member  13  in any appropriate manner. The coupler body  12  may include a generally vertically extending support member  30  that may be attached to the hitch ball attachment member  13  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-liming example, the support member  30  may welded, fastened, adhered, or the like to the hitch ball attachment member  13 . The support member  30  may extend along an axis  34 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The support member  30  may be of any appropriate shape and size. By way of a non-limiting example, the support member  30  may be of a generally hollow tubular member, an I-beam member, a C-channel member, a solid member and the like. Moreover, the support member  30  may be of any appropriate cross-sectional shape, including, without limitation, being of a generally asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. By way of a non-limiting example, the support member may have a cross-sectional shape that is generally pentagonal, circular, rectangular, square, C-shaped, I shaped, U-shaped, D-shaped or any other suitable shape. 
     In some embodiments, such as that shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , the support member  30  may have a generally pentagonal cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape may be generally asymmetrical. The asymmetrical cross-sectional shape may permit more material to be provided in the appropriate position, which may provide additional support for the coupler body  12 . By way of a non-limiting example, the shape of the support member  30  may permit more material to be positioned generally fore to aft relative to a location of attachment of a portion of the towed vehicle to the coupler body  12  as opposed to laterally. In some embodiments, the generally pentagonal cross-sectional shape results in greater material being positioned fore to aft relative to the location of attachment of the portion of the towed vehicle to the support member  30 . Further, the asymmetrical cross-sectional shape may permit less material to be positioned laterally relative to the location of attachment of the portion of the towed vehicle to the coupler body  12 . Having less material laterally may allow the gooseneck coupler  10  to be of less weight while retaining the at least the same strength as prior art gooseneck couplers. 
     Further, in some embodiments, such as shown by way of a non-limiting example in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the support member  30  may be formed from a first member or coupler housing  31  and a second member or adjustable channel member  32  that may be attached together in any appropriate manner, such as by way of a non-limiting example, through welding, fastening, adhering or the like. For example, the coupler housing  31  may include four enclosed sides  31   a  with one open side  31   b , which may have a generally V-shaped cross-sectional shape. The adjustable channel member  32  may have three enclosed sides  32   a  with one open side  32   b , which may have a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape. The adjustable channel member  32  may be secured to the coupler housing  31  at the open sides  31   b ,  32   b . This may form the generally pentagonal cross-sectional shape of the support member  30 . In some embodiments, the support member  30  may be integrally formed of a single member that includes an appropriate cross-sectional shape, i.e., the coupler housing  31  and the adjustable channel member  32  may be integrally formed. Further still, the dimensions of at least the coupler housing  31  may be altered to provide additional rigidity and strength to the support member  30 . By way of a non-limiting example, the length of the sides  31   a  may be increased to increase the rigidity and strength of the support member  30 . Similarly, the length of the sides  31   b  may be increased to increase the strength and rigidity of the support member  30 . 
     The coupler body  12  may include a trailer attachment member  38  that may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  30  in any appropriate manner. In some embodiments, the support member  30  may include first and second end portions  40 ,  42 , respectively. The trailer attachment member  38  may be positioned at any position between the first and second end portions  40 ,  42  of the support member  30 , i.e., at an infinite number of positions between the first and second end portions  40 ,  42 . The trailer attachment member  38  may be capable of being selectively positioned along the axis  34  at any position between the first and second end portions  40 ,  42  in any appropriate manner. In some embodiments, the support member  30  may include a positioning member  50  that may extend along the axis  34  generally between the first and second end portions  40 ,  42  or otherwise along a portion of the length of the support member  30 . In some embodiments, the trailer attachment member  38  may be selectively positionable at any point along the positioning member  50 . The positioning member  50  may permit the trailer attachment member  38  to be selectively positioned along the length of the support member  30 . By way of a non-limiting example, the positioning member  50  may include a slot, such as shown in  FIG. 6 . While a slot  50  is shown, any appropriate positioning member may be used, such as for example, a plurality of apertures extending along at least the length of the support member, a groove, a female member, or a male member extending generally laterally from the support member. Moreover, the trailer attachment member  38  maybe adjustably secured to the support member  30  through friction fit—such as described below—or any other appropriate method. 
     The trailer attachment member  38  may include a generally planar portion  54 . The generally planar portion  54  may be generally flat or smooth to provide an appropriate surface to which the towed vehicle may attach. In some embodiments, the generally planar portion  54  may comprise the entire attachment member  38 . In other embodiments, only a portion of the trailer attachment member  38  may include the generally planar portion  54 . In some embodiments, a remaining portion of the trailer attachment member  38  may include winged members  56  that may extend generally perpendicularly from the generally planar member  54  toward the support member  30 . The winged members  56  may provide additional support for the gooseneck coupler  10 . Specifically, the winged members  56  may provide additional material in the fore-aft direction to provide additional support fore and aft. The winged members  56  may be integrally formed with the generally planar portion  54 , such as casting or bending, or may be attached through a subsequent operation. Moreover, the winged members  56  may provide lateral support to the gooseneck coupler  10 , or more particularly to the trailer attachment member  38 . Further, the winged members  56  may “stiffen” or reinforce the planar member  54 , which may generally provide additional support to the planar member  54 , especially during operation of the gooseneck coupler  10 . 
     A portion of the towed vehicle, such as by way of a non-limiting example, the trailer frame  58 , may be secured with the trailer attachment member  38  such that the frame  58  is generally flush with the trailer attachment member  38 . An example of which is shown in  FIGS. 7-8 . The frame  58  may be secured with the trailer attachment member  38  in any appropriate manner. In some embodiments, the frame  58  may be welded to the trailer attachment member  38 . In some embodiments, the frame  58  may include a generally flat end  62  that may be capable of being welded generally flush to the generally planar portion  54  of the trailer attachment member  38 . The flat end  62  of the frame  58  may be positioned generally parallel with the generally planar portion  54  and then may be weld thereto. This may permit more material of the frame  58  to remain in order to be attached to the support member  30 . 
     In other embodiments, the frame  58  may be selectively secured to the trailer attachment member  38 . In some embodiments, the generally flat end  62  of the frame  58  may be capable of generally engaging flush with the trailer attachment member  38 , or more specifically, with the generally planar portion  54  of the trailer attachment member  38 . The flat end  62  of the frame  58  may be positioned generally parallel with the generally planar portion  54  and may be fastened thereto. This may permit more material of the frame  58  to remain in order to be attached to the support member  30  as opposed to other prior art gooseneck couplers that may require coping to be secured to the outer tube of the telescoping tubes of the gooseneck coupler. In addition, the generally flat end  62  of the frame  58  may be formed using a machine cut as opposed to hand guided cutting torches used in coping. The engagement of the flat end  62  with the generally planar portion  54  of the trailer attachment member  38  may yield a more controlled fit therebetween. This controlled fit may generally prevent gaps, especially those gooseneck couplers utilizing telescoping tubes, which may prevent rattling during operation. Still further, the engagement of the flat end  62  with the generally planar portion  54  of the trailer attachment member  38  may yield a good weld therebetween. 
     Further, in some embodiments, a fastening device  65 , such as a clamp bolt  66 , or more specifically a pair of clamp bolts  66  as best seen in  FIGS. 2, 5 and 6  may be selectively attached to the frame  58  and the trailer attachment member  38 . This may allow the coupler body  12  to be replaced without any cutting or welding of the frame  58 . In some embodiments, portions of the clamp bolts  66  may be positioned within and generally held within the slot  50 . Another portion of the clamp bolts  66  may extend outward from the slots  50 . The clamp bolts  66  may generally engage the support member  30 . Further, the clamp bolts  66  may generally engage the frame  58  positioned adjacent to the frame attachment member  38 , which may selectively attach the frame  58  of the towed vehicle to the support member  30 . The fastening device  65  may further include nuts  70 , which may selectively engage the clamp bolts  66  that may selectively secure the frame  58  and the trailer attachment member  38  to the support  30 . Further a washer or plate member  71  may be positioned generally between the clamp bolts  66  and the trailer attachment member  38 , such as best shown in  FIG. 6 . Still further, the fastening device  65  may include an anti-rotation member  72 , as best seen in  FIG. 5 . The anti-rotation member  72  may include an acircular washer or plate that may be engaged with the clamp bolts  66  between the second member  32  and the nut  70 . The anti-rotation member  72  may generally prevent the nut  70  from rotating during installation, which may generally not require grasping either of the nut  70  with an additional tool or set of hands during installation. While clamp bolts  66  and nuts  70  are shown, the present teachings are not limited to such. Any appropriate fastening device  65  may be used. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp bolts  66  may be positioned within the slots  50  such that they may be selectively positioned, such as through sliding along the axis  34 , without being removed from the slot  50 . This may make securing the frame  58  to the coupler body  12  easier for the operator. The operator may position, such as through sliding, the clamp bolts  66  to the appropriate position. The operator may then selectively engage the trailer attachment member  38  to the clamp bolts  66 . Next, the operator may selectively engage the frame  58  with the clamp bolts  66 . The nuts  70  may then be engaged with the clamp bolts  66 . The frame  58  may then be selectively secured with the support member  30  through the trailer attachment member  38 . 
     The fastening device  65  may include an installation aid, such as by way of a non-limiting example a spring  1768 , as shown in  FIG. 28 . The spring  1768  may engage the nut  70 . In some embodiments, the nut  70  may be welded to the anti-rotation member  72 , such as the square washer shown that may be located and positioned within the support member  30 . The square washer  72  may resist any tightening torque while the installation aid may help with positioning of the fastening device  65 , or more specifically the clamp bolt  66 . The installation aid  1768  may generally hold the fastening device  65 , or more specifically the clamp bolt  66 , at a selected position during engagement of the clamp bolts  66  with the support member  30  and/or the frame  58  of the towed vehicle and the trailer attachment member  38 . By way of a non-limiting example, the installation aid  1768  may generally retain the clamp bolts  66  within the slot  50 . The installation aid  1768  may be of any appropriate construction, not just that shown and described in  FIG. 28 . By way of a non-limiting example, the installation aid may include disposable, temporary, single use, multiple use or furnished device. 
     In some embodiments, the hitch ball attachment member  13  and locking mechanism  24  may be as described and shown in U.S. application Ser. Nos. 13/299,453 and 13/299,424, both of which were filed on Nov. 18, 2011 and both of which are incorporated herein by reference. By way of a non-limiting example, the attachment member  13  may include a base plate  116  and a locking plate  120 . The base plate  116  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, such as of a generally ovular configuration as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , or a generally rectangular configuration. The base plate  116  may have an upper surface  132  and a lower surface  133 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the coupler body  12 , or more specifically, the support member  30 , is attached to the upper surface  132  of the base plate  116 . Additionally, the base plate  116  may include a pivotal male extension  137  to pivotally attach the locking plate  120  with the base plate  116 . In an exemplary embodiment, the pivotal male extension  137  may be integrally formed with the base plate  116 . More specifically, the locking plate  120  may include an aperture  138  shaped and sized to receive the pivotal male extension  137  therein to pivotally attach the locking plate  120  and the base plate  116 . In some embodiments however, pivotal male extension  137  may be a component separate from base plate  116 , such as a pivot pin or the like. 
     The base plate  116  may further include an opening  141 . The opening  141  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, such as a generally circular shape. The opening  141  may be located at any appropriate position on the base plate  116 , such as at an approximate central location on the base plate  116  as shown in the exemplary embodiment. The base plate  116  may further include a socket  139  that may be positioned directly over the opening  141  such that the opening  141  may provide access to the socket  139 . 
     The socket  139  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, such as of a generally semi-spherical shape as shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 7, 8 and 10 . For example, the socket  139  may be of a shape and size to receive a hitch ball  142 , which may be attached to a towing vehicle in a conventional manner, within the socket  139 . The socket  139  may be located at any appropriate position, such as adjacent the opening  141  of the base plate  116 . The socket  139  may be secured to the base plate  116  by any appropriate means, such as by welding, or the like. While the base plate  116  and socket  139  may be shown as separate components, it is to be understood that the base plate  116  and socket  139  may be fabricated as a single integral piece and should not be limited to that shown or described herein. 
     The base plate  116  may include a slot  162 . The slot  162  may be positioned in proximity to the locking mechanism  24  such that when the gooseneck coupler  10  is in the locked position, the locking mechanism  24  engages the slot  162  as more fully described below. The slot  162  may be integrally formed with the base plate  116  or may be formed therein such as by machining the slot  162  into the base plate  116  after formation of the base plate  116 , by way of a non-limiting example. 
     The locking plate  120  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, such as of a generally ovular or rectangular configuration. For example, the locking plate  120  may be of a similar shape and size as that of the base plate  116 . The locking plate  120  may be located at any appropriate position on the gooseneck coupler  10 , such as adjacent base plate  116 . For example, the locking plate  120  may be located in pivoting engagement with the base plate  116  and in particular to the underside  133  of the base plate  116 . More specifically, the locking plate  120  may be pivotably connected to the base plate  116  at a pivot  167 . The pivot  167  may be located on the base plate  116  and the locking plate  120  as is shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
     The locking plate  120  may include a hitch ball opening  174 . The hitch ball opening  174  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, such as of a generally circular shape as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 12 . For example, the hitch ball opening  174  may be of a similar shape and size as that of the opening  141  in the base plate  116 . The hitch ball opening  174  may be located at any appropriate position on the locking plate  120 , such as at an approximate central location on the locking plate  120 , whereby the hitch ball opening  174  may generally align with the opening  141  in the base plate  116  when the base plate  116  and locking plate  120  are pivotably attached and are in the unlocked position. 
     In some embodiments, the hitch ball opening  174  may be a continuous opening in locking plate  120  (wherein the opening  174  may have a continuous perimeter that defines the opening  174 ) or a discontinuous opening  174  such as a recess, slot or other surface feature on a perimeter or side of locking plate  120 . In some embodiments, locking plate  120  may be generally blade shaped with a surface feature on the periphery, such as a recess, slot or the like, that may generally align with the opening  141  in base plate  116  and may be capable of engaging a portion of the hitch ball  42  when in the locked or engaged position. 
     This alignment of the opening  141  in the base plate  116  and the hitch ball opening  174  of the locking plate  120  may provide an entrance for the hitch ball  142  to enter into the socket  139  of the base plate  116 . The hitch ball  142  of the towing vehicle may generally be located within and abut the socket  139  during engagement of the gooseneck coupler  10  and the towed vehicle. 
     The locking plate  120  may be of a shape and size to include a symmetric entry distended surface  180 . In particular, the distended surface  180  may be shaped so that it extends as a funnel out from the hitch ball opening  174  of the locking plate  120  to create a larger surface, which may make it easier to install the hitch ball  142  through the hitch ball opening  174 , through the opening  141 , and into the socket  139 . For example, when the gooseneck coupler  10  is lowered onto the hitch ball  142  the distended surface  180  may create a large target such that any minor misalignment between the gooseneck coupler  10  and the hitch ball  142  may be substantially corrected. As the gooseneck coupler  10  is lowered onto the hitch ball  142 , gravity helps to move the gooseneck coupler  10  into substantial alignment with the hitch ball  142  by riding along the distended surface  180  until the hitch ball  142  enters the opening  174  in the locking plate  120  and the opening  141  in the base plate  116 . 
     The locking mechanism  24  may be attached to the locking plate  120 . The locking mechanism  24  may include a body portion  182  that may be attached to the locking plate  120 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9-10 . The body portion  182  may be welded to the locking plate  120  or alternatively, may be integrally formed with the locking plate  120  so that they are formed of one integral piece. The body portion  182  may include at least one aperture  185 . Although, in the exemplary embodiment shown, by way of a non-limiting example, two apertures  185  are shown located on opposite sides of the body portion  182 . 
     The locking mechanism  24  may further include a handle  190 . The handle  190  may comprise a substantially straight tubular portion  192  and a curved portion  194 . The straight portion  192  and the curved portion  194  may be integrally formed together, may be welded together, or otherwise attached using fasteners, or the like. The straight portion  192  may extend through the body portion  182 , and in particular, through the apertures  185  such that at least a portion of the straight portion  192  is retained within the body portion  182 . At least one bushing  196  may be retained within the apertures  185  in the body portion  182  to help retain the handle  190  within the body portion  182 . In particular, a single bushing  196  may be positioned within either one of the apertures  185 , or alternatively, a bushing  196  may be positioned in each of the apertures  185 . 
     The locking mechanism  24  may further include a cam  197  and a spring  198 . The spring  198  may telescopingly or rotationally engage the handle  190  within the body portion  182  of the locking plate  120 . In particular, the spring  198  telescopingly engages the straight portion  192  of the handle  190 . In this exemplary embodiment, the spring  198  works as a dual action spring, particularly working in compression and torsion. For example, the torsion of the spring  198  may bias the handle  190  and the cam  197  in the locked position under a predetermined preload based upon the torsional compressibility of the spring  198 . The compression of the spring  198  may also help keep the spring  198  and bushing  196  in place on the handle  190 . The torsion of the spring  198  may help prevent the handle  190  from rattling within the body portion  182 . 
     As shown in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the cam  197  may be attached to the handle  190  adjacent the spring  198 . In particular, the cam  197  may be secured to the straight portion  192  of the handle  190  and may be positioned between the spring  198  and the body portion  182  in close proximity to one of the apertures  185 . By way of a non-limiting example, the cam  197  may be secured to the handle  190  such as by using a fastener, such as a pin mechanism. The cam  197  may be cast, forged, or the like. The cam  197  may include a blade  200  that may be attached by welding, integrally forming it with the cam  197 , or the like. In a non-limiting example, the blade  200  may be shaped, sized and positioned on the cam  197  to create a substantially helix like structure. 
     The curved handle portion  194  includes a gripping portion  210 . The gripping portion  210  may be made of a material such as plastic, rubber, or any such similar material. The gripping portion  210  may be of an ergonomically beneficial shape such that it may make gripping the handle  190  easier. The gripping portion  210  may be attached to the handle  190  as through fasteners, adhesives or the like or may be integrally formed with the handle  190 . 
     In operation, the gooseneck coupler  10  is capable of engaging the hitch ball  142  attached to the towing vehicle such that the towing vehicle may tow the towed vehicle. More specifically, the gooseneck coupler  10  may be positioned over the hitch ball  142  on the towing vehicle. The locking mechanism  24  is put in the unlocked position and the locking plate  120  is lined up with the base plate  116 . The hitch ball  142  is then positioned through the hitch ball opening  174  in the locking plate  120  and through the opening  141  in the base plate  116  until the hitch ball  142  rests within the socket  139 . Then the locking plate  120  may be pivoted against the hitch ball  142  to wedgingly engage the locking plate  120  with the hitch ball  142 . The handle  190  may be used to help pivot the locking plate  120 . 
     The locking mechanism  24  may then be engaged to the locking position to lock the gooseneck coupler  10  to the hitch ball  142 . The locking mechanism  24  may be rotated from the unlocked position to the locked position. By way of a non-limiting example, to lock the locking mechanism  24  the handle  190 , and in particular, the gripping portion  210 , may be rotated counter-clockwise by a user. As the handle  190  is rotated counter-clockwise the blade  200  rotates in a substantially helical path and begins to engage the slot  162  of the base plate  116 , which wedgingly engages the locking plate  120  to the hitch ball  142 . The more the handle  190  is rotated counter-clockwise the more the blade  200  engages the slot  162  of the base plate  116 . More specifically, the blade  200  moves helically toward the slot  162  of the base plate  116 . As the blade  200  engages the slot  162  of the base plate  116 , the locking plate  120  may be pivoted relative to the base plate  116  at the pivot  167 . The more the locking plate  120  pivots relative to the base plate  116  the more the locking plate  120  engages the hitch ball  142  further securing the gooseneck  10  to the hitch ball  142 . The relative rotation between base plate  116  and locking plate  120  causes openings  141 ,  174  to become misaligned and secures the hitch ball  142  within socket  139 . 
     The blade  200  further may create a hard stop when it is fully engaged with the slot  162  of the base plate  116 . This may prevent further rotation of the handle  190  beyond the locked position. More specifically, when the handle  190  is in the fully locked position, the blade  200  may rest on top of the base plate  116 , which may prevent further rotation of the handle  190 . When in the locked position, the handle  190  may be in an approximate coplanar position relative to the base plate  116 . When handle  190  is in the unlocked position, the handle  190  may be in a substantially vertical position relative to the base plate  116  and more specifically is disengaged from the slot  162  of the base plate  116 . 
     The structure of the exemplary embodiment of the locking mechanism  24  permits an operator to use the handle  190  to lock the gooseneck coupler  10 . In operation, the operator may only need to use the handle  190  to move the locking plate  120  to pivot relative to the base plate  116  to lock the gooseneck coupler  10  in place. 
     Further, the generally flat end  62  of the frame  58  being capable of generally engaging flush with the trailer attachment member  38 , or more specifically, with the generally planar portion  54  of the trailer attachment member  38  may result in a planar mounted gooseneck coupler  10  with the frame  58  of the towed vehicle. Also, the gooseneck coupler  10  may be capable of engaging the frame  58  of the towed vehicle at various heights. In some embodiments, the range of applicable heights may be selective positions or in other embodiments, the range of applicable heights may be any position—in infinite number of positions—between two predetermined locations or ends of the support member  30 . 
     Additional embodiments of a gooseneck coupler according the present teachings are described below. In the descriptions, all of the details and components may not be fully described or shown. Rather, the features or components are described and, in some instances, differences with the above-described embodiments may be pointed out. Moreover, it should be appreciated that these additional embodiments may include elements or components utilized in the above-described embodiments although not shown or described. Thus, the descriptions of these additional embodiments are merely exemplary and not all-inclusive nor exclusive. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the features, components, elements and functionalities of the various embodiments may be combined or altered to achieve a desired gooseneck coupler without departing from the spirit and scope of the present teachings. 
     In some embodiments, such as that shown in  FIG. 13 , a gooseneck coupler  400  may include a coupler body  412 , a hitch ball attachment member  13  and a locking mechanism  24 . The coupler body  412  may include a support member  430  that may be of a generally D-shaped cross-sectional shape. This may result in the cross-sectional shape being generally asymmetrical. The support member  430  may be formed from a first member or coupler housing  431  and a second member or adjustable channel member  432  that may be attached together in any appropriate manner. For example, the first member  431  may have a generally semi-circular or oval cross-sectional shape. The second member  432  may have a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape. The second member  432  may be secured to the first member  431  forming the D-cross-sectional shape of the support member  430 . 
     The coupler body  412  may include a trailer attachment member  438  that may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  430  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the support member  430  may include a positioning member  450 . The trailer attachment member  438  may be selectively positionable at any point along the positioning member  450 . The positioning member  450  may permit the trailer attachment member  438  to be selectively positioned along a portion of the length of the support member  430 . 
     The trailer attachment member  438  may include a generally planar portion  454  and may include winged members  456  that may extend generally perpendicularly from the generally planar member  454  toward the support member  430 . The winged members  456  may provide additional support for the gooseneck coupler  400 . The generally planar portion  454  may provide a generally flat surface to which a portion of the towed vehicle may attach, such as the frame  58 . 
     Further, the gooseneck coupler  400  may include at least one fastening device  466 , such as the pair of clamp bolts shown in  FIG. 13 , which may be selectively attached to the towed vehicle, such as the frame  58  and the trailer attachment member  438 . This may allow the coupler body  412  to be replaced without any cutting or welding of the frame  58 . Portions of the clamp bolts  466  may be positioned within and generally held within the slot  450 . Another portion of the clamp bolts  466  may extend outward from the slots  450 . The clamp bolts  466  may generally engage the support member  430 . Further, the clamp bolts  466  may generally engage the frame  58  positioned adjacent to the frame attachment member  438 —or more specifically, the generally planar portion  454 . This may selectively attach the frame  58  of the towed vehicle to the support member  430 . 
     In some embodiments, such as that shown in  FIG. 14 , a gooseneck coupler  500  may include a coupler body  512 , a hitch ball attachment member  13  and a locking mechanism  24 . The coupler body  512  may include a support member  530  that may have a generally asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. The support member  530  may be formed from a first member or coupler housing  531  and a second member or adjustable channel member  532  that may be attached together in any appropriate manner. For example, the first member  531  may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape. The second member  532  may have a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape. The second member  532  may be secured to the first member  531  forming the asymmetrical cross-sectional shape of the support member  530 . 
     The coupler body  512  may include a trailer attachment member  538  that may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  530  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the second member  532  of the support member  530  may include a positioning member  550 . The trailer attachment member  538  may be selectively positionable at any point along the positioning member  550 . The positioning member  550  may permit the trailer attachment member  538  to be selectively positioned along a portion of the length of the support member  530 . 
     The trailer attachment member  538  may include a generally planar portion  554 . The generally planar portion  454  may provide a generally flat surface to which a portion of the towed vehicle may attach, such as the frame  58 . Further, the gooseneck coupler  500  may include at least one fastening device  566 , such as the pair of clamp bolts shown in  FIG. 14 , which may be selectively attached to the towed vehicle, such as the frame  58  and the trailer attachment member  538 . This may allow the coupler body  512  to be replaced without any cutting or welding of the frame  58 . Portions of the clamp bolts  566  may be positioned within and generally held within the slot  550 . Another portion of the clamp bolts  566  may extend outward from the slots  550 . The clamp bolts  566  may generally engage the support member  530 . Further, the clamp bolts  566  may generally engage the frame  58  positioned adjacent to the frame attachment member  538 —or more specifically, the generally planar portion  554 . This may selectively attach the frame  58  of the towed vehicle to the support member  530 . 
     In some embodiments shown in  FIG. 15 , a gooseneck coupler  600  may include a coupler body  612 , a hitch ball attachment member  613  and a locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the hitch ball attachment member  613  and locking mechanism  624  may be as shown and disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 20030047908, and U.S. application Ser. No. 12/971,960 filed Dec. 17, 2010—both of which are hereby incorporated by reference—or may be a combination of such. The present teachings are not limited to the hitch ball attachment member  13  or  613  or the locking mechanism  24  or  624 . Any appropriate such hitch ball attachment member and/or locking mechanism may be used without departing from the present teachings. Moreover, in those embodiments shown with the hitch ball attachment member  13  may alternatively utilize the hitch ball attachment member  613  and vice verse—those embodiments shown the with the hitch ball attachment member  613  may alternatively utilize the hitch ball attachment member  13 . Similarly, in those embodiments shown with the locking mechanism  24  may alternatively utilize the locking mechanism  624  and vice verse—those embodiments shown with the locking mechanism  624  may alternatively utilize the locking mechanism  24 . Still further, those embodiments utilizing the hitch ball attachment member  13  may alternatively utilize the locking mechanism  624 , and those embodiments utilizing the hitch ball member  613  may alternatively utilize the locking mechanism  24 . 
     The coupler body  612  may include a support member  630  that may have a generally asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. The support member  630  may be formed from a first member or coupler housing  631  and a second member or adjustable channel member  632  that may be attached together in any appropriate manner. For example, the first member  631  may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape. The second member  632  may have a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape and may include an upper portion  633  and a lower portion  634 , which may be attached together or may be formed from an integral single member. The second member  632  may be secured to the first member  631 , or more specifically, the upper portion  633  and lower portion  634  may be attached to the first member  631 , forming the asymmetrical cross-sectional shape of the support member  630 . 
     The coupler body  612  may include a trailer attachment member  638  that may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  630  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the second member  632 —or more specifically, the upper portion  633 —of the support member  630  may include a positioning member  650 . The trailer attachment member  638  may be selectively positionable at any point along the positioning member  650 . The positioning member  650  may permit the trailer attachment member  638  to be selectively positioned along a portion of the length of the support member  630 . 
     The trailer attachment member  638  may include a generally planar portion  654 . The generally planar portion  654  may provide a generally flat surface to which a portion of the towed vehicle may attach, such as the frame  58 . Further, the gooseneck coupler  600  may include at least one fastening device  666 , such as the pair of bolts shown in  FIG. 15 , which may be selectively attached to the towed vehicle, such as the frame  58  and the trailer attachment member  638 . The fastening device  666  may include nuts  671  that may selectively engage the bolts. This may allow the coupler body  612  to be replaced without any cutting or welding of the frame  58 . Portions of the bolts  666  may be positioned within and generally held within the slot  650  using the nuts  671 . The bolts  666  may generally engage the support member  630 . Further, the bolts  666  may generally engage the frame  58  positioned adjacent to the frame attachment member  638 —or more specifically, the generally planar portion  654 . This may selectively attach the frame  58  of the towed vehicle to the support member  630 . 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIG. 16 , a gooseneck coupler  700  may include a coupler body  712 , a hitch ball attachment member  13  and a locking mechanism  24 . The coupler body  712  may include a support member  730  that may have a generally asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. The support member  730  may be formed from a first member or coupler housing  731  and a second member or adjustable channel member  732  that may be attached together in any appropriate manner. For example, the first member  731  may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape. The second member  732  may have a generally D-shaped cross-sectional shape. The second member  732  may be secured to the first member  731  forming the asymmetrical cross-sectional shape of the support member  730 . Further, the second member  732  may be formed from a partial tubular member  734  that may have a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape and a generally C-shaped plate member  735 . The tubular member  734  may be attached to the C-shaped plate member  735  in any appropriate manner to form the second member  732 . In some embodiments, the second member  732  may be selectively positionable on the first member  731 . 
     The coupler body  712  may include a trailer attachment member  738  that may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  730  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the second member  732  of the support member  730 , or more specifically, the plate member  735 , may include a positioning member  750 . The trailer attachment member  738  may be selectively positionable at any point along the positioning member  750 . The positioning member  750  may permit the trailer attachment member  738  to be selectively positioned along a portion of the length of the support member  730 . 
     The trailer attachment member  738  may include a generally planar portion  754 . The generally planar portion  754  may provide a generally flat surface to which a portion of the towed vehicle may attach, such as the frame  58 . Further, the gooseneck coupler  700  may include at least one fastening device  766 , such as the pair of clamp bolts shown in  FIG. 16 , which may be selectively attached to the towed vehicle, such as the frame  58  and the trailer attachment member  738 . This may allow the coupler body  712  to be replaced without any cutting or welding of the frame  58 . Portions of the clamp bolts  766  may be positioned within and generally held within the slot  750 . Another portion of the clamp bolts  766  may extend outward from the slots  750 . The clamp bolts  766  may generally engage the support member  730 . Further, the clamp bolts  766  may generally engage the frame  58  positioned adjacent to the frame attachment member  738 —or more specifically, the generally planar portion  754 . This may selectively attach the frame  58  of the towed vehicle to the support member  730 . 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIG. 17 , a gooseneck coupler  800  may include a coupler body  812 , a hitch ball attachment member  13  and a locking mechanism  24 . The coupler body  812  may include a support member  830  that may have a generally asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. The support member  830  may be formed from a first member or coupler housing  831  and a second member or adjustable channel member  832  that may be attached together in any appropriate manner. For example, the first member  831  may have a generally semi-circular cross-sectional shape. The second member  832  may have a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape. The second member  832  may be secured to the first member  831  forming the asymmetrical cross-sectional shape of the support member  830 . Further, an end cap  841  may be attached to the support member  830 . By way of a non-limiting example, the end cap  841  may be secured to the first member  831  in any appropriate manner, such as by the use of fasteners or the like. In some embodiment, the end cap  841  may be removably secured to the support member  830 , which may permit access to the interior of the support member  830 , such as to secure the first and second members  831 ,  832 , to access the fastening devices  866  mentioned below, or for any other appropriate need. 
     The coupler body  812  may include a trailer attachment member  838  that may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  830  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the second member  832  of the support member  830  may include a positioning member  850 . The trailer attachment member  838  may be selectively positionable at any point along the positioning member  850 . The positioning member  850  may permit the trailer attachment member  838  to be selectively positioned along a portion of the length of the support member  830 . 
     The trailer attachment member  838  may include a generally planar portion  854 . The generally planar portion  854  may provide a generally flat surface to which a portion of the towed vehicle may attach, such as the frame  58 . The trailer attachment member  838  may include winged members  56  that may extend generally perpendicularly from the generally planar member  854  toward the support member  30 . The winged members  856  may provide additional support for the gooseneck coupler  800 . Specifically, the winged members  856  may provide additional material in the fore-aft direction to provide additional support fore and aft. The winged members  856  may be integrally formed with the generally planar portion  854 , such as casting or bending, or may be attached through a subsequent operation. 
     Further, the gooseneck coupler  800  may include at least one fastening device  866 , such as the pair of clamp bolts shown in  FIG. 17 , which may be selectively attached to the towed vehicle, such as the frame  58  and the trailer attachment member  838 . This may allow the coupler body  812  to be replaced without any cutting or welding of the frame  58 . Portions of the clamp bolts  866  may be positioned within and generally held within the slot  850 . Another portion of the clamp bolts  866  may extend outward from the slots  850 . The clamp bolts  866  may generally engage the support member  830 . Further, the clamp bolts  866  may generally engage the frame  58  positioned adjacent to the frame attachment member  838 —or more specifically, the generally planar portion  854 . This may selectively attach the frame  58  of the towed vehicle to the support member  830 . 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIG. 18 , a gooseneck coupler  900  may include a coupler body  912 , a hitch ball attachment member  13  and a locking mechanism  24 . The coupler body  912  may include a support member  930  that may have a generally asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. The support member  930  may be formed from a first member or coupler housing  931  and a second member or adjustable channel member  932  that may be attached together in any appropriate manner. For example, the first member  931  may have a generally semi-circular cross-sectional shape. The second member  932  may have a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape. The second member  932  may be secured to the first member  931  forming the asymmetrical cross-sectional shape of the support member  930 . The first and second members  931 ,  932  may be of generally similar height, but need to be so. 
     The coupler body  912  may include a trailer attachment member  938  that may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  930  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the second member  932  of the support member  930  may include a positioning member  950 . The trailer attachment member  938  may be selectively positionable at any point along the positioning member  950 . The positioning member  950  may permit the trailer attachment member  938  to be selectively positioned along a portion of the length of the support member  930 . 
     The trailer attachment member  938  may include a generally planar portion  954 . The generally planar portion  954  may provide a generally flat surface to which a portion of the towed vehicle may attach, such as the frame  58 . Further, the gooseneck coupler  900  may include at least one fastening device  966 , such as the pair of clamp bolts shown in  FIG. 18 , which may be selectively attached to the frame  58  of the towed vehicle and the trailer attachment member  938 . This may allow the coupler body  912  to be replaced without any cutting or welding of the frame  58 . The fastening device  966  may generally engage the support member  930 . Further, the fastening device  966  may generally engage the frame  58  positioned adjacent to the frame attachment member  938 —or more specifically, the generally planar portion  954 . This may selectively attach the frame  58  of the towed vehicle to the support member  930 . 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIG. 19 , a gooseneck coupler  1000  may include a coupler body  1012 , a hitch ball attachment member  13  and a locking mechanism  24 . The coupler body  1012  may include a support member  1030  that may have a generally asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. The support member  1030  may be formed from a first member or coupler housing  1031  and a second member or adjustable channel member  1032  that may be attached together in any appropriate manner. For example, the first member  1031  may have a generally semi-circular cross-sectional shape. The second member  1032  may have a generally Π-shaped cross-sectional shape. The second member  1032  may be secured to the first member  1031  forming the asymmetrical cross-sectional shape of the support member  1030 . The first and second members  1031 ,  1032  may be of generally similar height, but need to be so. 
     The coupler body  1012  may include a trailer attachment member  1038  that may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  1030  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the second member  1032  of the support member  1030  may include a positioning member  1050 . The trailer attachment member  1038  may be selectively positionable at any point along the positioning member  1050 . The positioning member  1050  may permit the trailer attachment member  1038  to be selectively positioned along a portion of the length of the support member  1030 . 
     The trailer attachment member  1038  may include a generally planar portion  1054 . The generally planar portion  1054  may provide a generally flat surface to which a portion of the towed vehicle may attach, such as the frame  58 . Further, the gooseneck coupler  1000  may include at least one fastening device  1066 , such as the pair of clamp bolts shown in  FIG. 19 , which may be selectively attached to the frame  58  of the towed vehicle and the trailer attachment member  1038 . This may allow the coupler body  1012  to be replaced without any cutting or welding of the frame  58 . The fastening device  1066  may generally engage the support member  1030 . Further, the fastening device  1066  may generally engage the frame  58  positioned adjacent to the frame attachment member  1038 —or more specifically, the generally planar portion  1054 . This may selectively attach the frame  58  of the towed vehicle to the support member  1030 . 
     In some embodiments shown in  FIG. 20 , a gooseneck coupler  1100  may include a coupler body  1112 , a hitch ball attachment member  613  and a locking mechanism  624 . The coupler body  1112  may include a support member  1130  that may be of a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape, which may result in a generally asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. The support member  1130  may include a generally flat portion  1131  and rear extending portions  1132 . The flat portion  1131  may act as an adjustable channel member and the rear extending portion  1131  as a coupler housing. 
     The coupler body  1112  may include a trailer attachment member  1138  that may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  1130  in any appropriate manner. The trailer attachment member  1138  may include a generally planar portion  1154 . The generally planar portion  1154  may provide a generally flat surface to which a portion of the towed vehicle may attach, such as the frame  58 . Further, the gooseneck coupler  1100  may include at least one fastening device  1166 , such as the two pairs of clamp bolts shown in  FIG. 20 . 
     In some embodiments shown in  FIG. 21 , a gooseneck coupler  1200  may include a coupler body  1212 , a hitch ball attachment member  613  and a locking mechanism  624 . The coupler body  1212  may include a support member  1230  that may be of a generally I-shaped cross-sectional shape. The support member  1230  may be a generally I-beam shaped member that may be attached to the hitch ball attachment member  613  in any appropriate manner. The support member  1230  may include a generally flat portion  1231  and rear extending portions  1232 . The flat portion  1231  may act as an adjustable channel member and the rear extending portion  1232  as a coupler housing. 
     The coupler body  1212  may include a trailer attachment member  1238  that may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  1230  in any appropriate manner. More particularly, the trailer attachment member  1238  may be attached to the generally flat portion  1231  of the support member  1230 . The trailer attachment member  1238  may include a generally planar portion  1254 . The generally planar portion  1254  may provide a generally flat surface to which a portion of the towed vehicle may attach, such as the frame  58 . Further, the gooseneck coupler  1200  may include at least one fastening device  1266 , such as the two pairs of clamp bolts shown in  FIG. 21 . 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 22-23 , a gooseneck coupler  1300  may include a coupler body  1312 , a hitch ball attachment member  13  and a locking mechanism  24 . The coupler body  1312  may include a support member  1330  that may be attached to the hitch ball attachment member  13  in any appropriate manner. The support member  1330  may include a tubular member as shown in  FIGS. 22-23 . 
     The coupler body  1312  may include a trailer attachment member  1338  that may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  1330  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the trailer attachment member  1338  may include arms  1341  that may generally circumscribe the support member  1330 . In some embodiments, a pair of arms  1341  may be used, but the present teachings are not limited to such. Any appropriate number of arms  1341  may be used. The arms  1341  may each include fastening member  1366 . The fastening devices  1366  may selectively tighten the arms  1341  around the support member  1330  selectively securing the trailer attachment member  1338  to the support member  1330 . The fastening devices  1366  may be loosened and the trailer attachment member  1338  may be selectively positioned along a length of the support member  1330 . Once the trailer attachment member  1338  is positioned at the appropriate location, the fastening devices  1366  may be tightened. This may selectively secure the trailer attachment member  1338  to the support member  1330 . This may create an appropriate friction fit between the trailer attachment member  1338  and the support member  1330 . 
     The trailer attachment member  1338  may include a generally planar portion  1354 , as best shown in  FIG. 23 . The generally planar portion  1354  may provide a generally flat surface to which a portion of the towed vehicle may attach, such as the frame  58 . The frame  58  may be attached to the generally planar portion  1354  in any appropriate manner. This may result in the coupler body  1312  having a generally asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. More particularly, this may allow more material to be positioned fore-aft as opposed to laterally, which may provide additional support for the gooseneck coupler  1300 . 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIG. 24 , a gooseneck coupler  1400  may include a coupler body  1412 , a hitch ball attachment member  13  and a locking mechanism  24 . The coupler body  1412  may include a support member  1430  that may be attached to the hitch ball attachment member  13  in any appropriate manner. The support member  1430  may have a generally D-shaped cross-sectional shape. 
     The coupler body  1412  may include a trailer attachment member  1438  that may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  1430  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the trailer attachment member  1438  may include a generally sleeve or tubular member portion  1442  that may generally circumscribe the support member  1430 . The sleeve member  1442  may be of a shape and size to telescopingly engage the support member  1430  and may be selectively secured thereto in any appropriate manner. This may selectively secure the trailer attachment member  1438  to the support member  1430 . 
     The trailer attachment member  1438  may include a generally planar portion  1454 , as best shown in  FIG. 24 . The generally planar portion  1454  may provide a generally flat surface to which a portion of the towed vehicle may attach, such as the frame  58 . The frame  58  may be attached to the generally planar portion  1454  in any appropriate manner. This may result in the coupler body  1412  having a generally asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. More particularly, this may allow more material to be positioned fore-aft as opposed to laterally, which may provide additional support for the gooseneck coupler  1400 . 
     In some embodiments, the trailer attachment member  1438  may include winged members  1457  that may extend angularly from the generally planar member  1454  away from the support member  1430 . The winged members  1457  may provide additional support for the gooseneck coupler  1400 . Specifically, the winged members  1457  may provide additional material in the fore-aft direction to provide additional support fore and aft. The winged members  1457  may also be used to further secure the frame  58  of the towed vehicle to the gooseneck coupler  1400 . 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 25-26 , a gooseneck coupler  1500  may include a coupler body  1512 , a hitch ball attachment member  13  and a locking mechanism  24 . The coupler body  1512  may include a support member  1530  that may be attached to the hitch ball attachment member  13  in any appropriate manner. The support member  1530  may be a generally tubular member. The support member  1530  may include a plurality of apertures  1531 , which may selectively secure a trailer attachment member  1538  to the support member  1530 . 
     The trailer attachment member  1538  may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  1530  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the trailer attachment member  1538  may include a generally sleeve or tubular member portion  1542  that may generally circumscribe the support member  1530 . The sleeve member  1542  may be of a shape and size to telescopingly engage the support member  1530  and may be selectively secured thereto in any appropriate manner. The sleeve member  1542  may include a trailer attachment member  1538  and a backing member  1539 . The backing member  1539  may adjustably attach to the trailer attachment member  1538  to account for support members  1530  of varying diameters. The width of the backing member  1539  may be adjusted to generally allow the trailer attachment member  1538  to circumscribe and selectively attach to support members  1530  of varying diameters. Further, the trailer attachment member  1538  may include a plurality of apertures  1551  that may extend through the trailer attachment member  1538 . The apertures  1551 , or a plurality of such apertures  1551 , may be generally aligned with the apertures  1531  of the support member  1530 . More particularly, a plurality of the apertures  1551  may generally align with a plurality of the apertures  1531 . A fastening device  1566  may pass through the apertures  1551  and  1531  to selectively secure the trailer attachment member  1538  to the support member  1530 . 
     The trailer attachment member  1538  may include a generally planar portion  1554 , as best shown in  FIG. 26 . The generally planar portion  1554  may provide a generally flat surface to which a portion of the towed vehicle may attach, such as the frame  58 . The frame  58  may be attached to the generally planar portion  1554  in any appropriate manner. 
     In the embodiments shown in  FIG. 27 , a gooseneck coupler  1600  may include a coupler body  1612 , a hitch ball attachment member  13  and a locking mechanism  24 . The coupler body  1612  may include a support member  1630  that may have a generally asymmetrical cross-sectional shape. The support member  1630  may be formed from a first member or coupler housing  1631  and a second member or adjustable channel member  1632  that may be attached together in any appropriate manner. For example, the first member  1631  may have a generally semi-circular cross-sectional shape. The second member  1632  may have a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape. The second member  1632  may be secured to the first member  1631  in any appropriate manner, such as by way of non-limiting example, fastening, welding, adhesives or any other method. Securing the second member  1632  to the first member  1631  may form the asymmetrical cross-sectional shape of the support member  1630 . 
     The coupler body  1612  may include a trailer attachment member  1638  that may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  1630  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the second member  1632  of the support member  1630  may include a positioning member  1650 . The trailer attachment member  1638  may be selectively positionable at any point along the positioning member  1650 . The positioning member  1650  may permit the trailer attachment member  1638  to be selectively positioned along a portion of the length of the support member  1630 . 
     The trailer attachment member  1638  may include a generally planar portion  1654 . The generally planar portion  1654  may provide a generally flat surface to which a portion of the towed vehicle may attach, such as the frame  58 . The trailer attachment member  1638  may include winged members  1656  that may extend generally perpendicularly from the generally planar member  1654  toward the support member  1630 . The winged members  1656  may provide additional support for the gooseneck coupler  1600 . Specifically, the winged members  1656  may provide additional material in the fore-aft direction to provide additional support fore and aft. The winged members  1656  may be integrally formed with the generally planar portion  1654 , such as casting or bending, or may be attached through a subsequent operation. 
     Further, the gooseneck coupler  1600  may include at least one fastening device  1666 , such as the pair of clamp bolts shown in  FIG. 27 , which may be selectively attached to the towed vehicle, such as the frame  58  and the trailer attachment member  1638 . This may allow the coupler body  1612  to be replaced without any cutting or welding of the frame  58 . Portions of the clamp bolts  1666  may be positioned within and generally held within the slot  1650 . Another portion of the clamp bolts  1666  may extend outward from the slots  1650 . The clamp bolts  1666  may generally engage the support member  1630 . Further, the clamp bolts  1666  may generally engage the frame  58  positioned adjacent to the frame attachment member  1638 —or more specifically, the generally planar portion  1654 . This may selectively attach the frame  58  of the towed vehicle to the support member  1630 . 
     In some embodiments, such as that shown in  FIG. 28 , a gooseneck coupler  1700  may include a coupler body  1712 , a hitch ball attachment member  613  and a locking mechanism  624 . The coupler body  1712  may include a support member  1730  that may be of a generally D-shaped cross-sectional shape. This may result in the cross-sectional shape being generally asymmetrical. The support member  1730  may be formed from a first member or coupler housing  1731  and a second member or adjustable channel member  1732  that may be attached together in any appropriate manner. For example, the first member  1731  may have a generally semi-circular or oval cross-sectional shape. The second member  1732  may have a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape. The second member  1732  may be secured to the first member  1731  forming the D-cross-sectional shape of the support member  1730 . 
     The coupler body  1712  may include a trailer attachment member  1738  that may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  1730  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the support member  1730 , or more particularly, the second member  1732 , may include a positioning member  1750 . The trailer attachment member  1738  may be selectively positionable at any point along the positioning member  1750 . The positioning member  1750  may permit the trailer attachment member  1738  to be selectively positioned along a portion of the length of the support member  1730 . 
     The trailer attachment member  1738  may include a generally planar portion  1754  and may include winged members  1756  that may extend generally perpendicularly from the generally planar member  1754  toward the support member  1730 . The winged members  1756  may provide additional support for the gooseneck coupler  1700 . The generally planar portion  1754  may provide a generally flat surface to which a portion of the towed vehicle may attach, such as the frame  58 . 
     Further, the gooseneck coupler  1700  may include at least one fastening device  1766 , such as the pair of clamp bolts shown in  FIG. 28 , which may be selectively attached to the towed vehicle, such as the frame  58  and the trailer attachment member  1738 . This may allow the coupler body  1712  to be replaced without any cutting or welding of the frame  58 . Portions of the clamp bolts  1766  may be positioned within and generally held within the slot  1750 . Another portion of the clamp bolts  1766  may extend outward from the slot  1750 . The gooseneck coupler  1700  may include an indicator aid engaged, such as a biasing or spring member  1768  shown in  FIG. 28 . The biasing member  1768  may generally retain the clamp bolts  1766  within the slot  1750  and may permit the clamp bolts  1766  to be loosened without being generally removed from the slot  1750  and generally retained in a selected position. The clamp bolts  1766  may generally engage the support member  1730 . Further, the clamp bolts  1766  may generally engage the frame  58  positioned adjacent to the frame attachment member  1738 —or more specifically, the generally planar portion  1754 . This may selectively attach the frame  58  of the towed vehicle to the support member  1730 . The biasing member  1768  may assist with engaging the clamp bolts  1766  with the support member  1730  and/or frame  58  by keeping the clamp bolts  1766  within the slot  1750  and retaining the same at the appropriate position. The biasing member  1768  may be used with any of the embodiments shown and described herein. 
     In some embodiments, such as that shown in  FIG. 29 , a gooseneck coupler  1800  may include a coupler body  1812 , a hitch ball attachment member  13  and a locking mechanism  24 . The coupler body  1812  may include a support member  1830  that may be of a generally D-shaped cross-sectional shape. This may result in the cross-sectional shape being generally asymmetrical. The support member  1830  may be formed from a first member or coupler housing  1831  and a second member or adjustable channel member  1832  that may be attached together in any appropriate manner. For example, the first member  1831  may have a generally semi-circular or oval cross-sectional shape. The second member  1832  may have a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape. The second member  1832  may be secured to the first member  1831  forming the D-cross-sectional shape of the support member  1830 . 
     The coupler body  1812  may include a trailer attachment member  1838  that may be selectively and adjustably attached to the support member  1830  in any appropriate manner. By way of a non-limiting example, the support member  1830  may include a positioning member  1850 . The trailer attachment member  1838  may be selectively positionable at any point along the positioning member  1850 . The positioning member  1850  may permit the trailer attachment member  1838  to be selectively positioned along a portion of the length of the support member  1830 . 
     The trailer attachment member  1838  may include a generally planar portion  1854  and may include winged members  1856  that may extend generally perpendicularly from the generally planar member  1854  toward the support member  1830 . The winged members  1856  may provide additional support for the gooseneck coupler  1800 . The generally planar portion  1854  may provide a generally flat surface to which a portion of the towed vehicle may attach, such as the frame  58 . 
     Further, the gooseneck coupler  1800  may include at least one fastening device  1866 , such as the pair of clamp bolts shown in  FIG. 29 , which may be selectively attached to the towed vehicle, such as the frame  58  and the trailer attachment member  1638 . This may allow the coupler body  1812  to be replaced without any cutting or welding of the frame  58 . Portions of the clamp bolts  1866  may be positioned within and generally held within the slot  1850 . Another portion of the clamp bolts  1866  may extend outward from the slots  1850 . The clamp bolts  1866  may generally engage the support member  1830 . Further, the clamp bolts  1866  may generally engage the frame  58  positioned adjacent to the frame attachment member  1838 —or more specifically, the generally planar portion  1854 . This may selectively attach the frame  58  of the towed vehicle to the support member  1830 . 
     Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the invention described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.