Abstract:
A hitch is disclosed for vertical and horizontal loading of a trailer latching device. The hitch includes a locking extension positionable to interface with a lesser diameter portion of a coupling member to prevent vertical movement of the coupling member. The hitch also includes a cup comprising an at least partially arcuate sidewall positionable to interface with a greater diameter portion of the coupling member to prevent horizontal coupling member movement. Linkage coordinates relative movement of the locking extension and the cup such that the coupling member is receivable into lockable engagement with the hitch upon either vertical or horizontal movement of the coupling member relative to the hitch.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/746,590 entitled “VERTICALLY AND HORIZONTALLY LOADING FIFTH WHEEL HITCH ASSEMBLY” and filed on May 5, 2006 for David J. Burns and Erik M. Mumford which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to towing devices and, more particularly, to a fifth wheel hitch configured for vertical and horizontal loading. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Fifth wheel hitches have been used for decades to tow a trailer behind a vehicle. Conventional fifth wheel hitches typically include a support frame for mounting the hitch to the towing vehicle, such as, for example, to a bed of a pickup truck and a head assembly which includes the mechanism for attaching the hitch assembly to a king pin of the fifth wheel trailer. 
         [0006]    The support frame or conventional fifth wheel hitches often includes a pair of base rails that are bolted to the bed and or frame of the truck, side brackets that are releasably mounted to the base rails and a head support mounted to the side brackets. The head assembly is mounted to the head support by means of a trunnion arrangement allowing for pivotal fore-and-aft movement relative to the side brackets. 
         [0007]    For fifth wheel hitches designed to couple to a king pin-type fifth wheel, the head assembly includes a jaw assembly operable by means of a control handle. The jaw assembly is specifically adapted to releasably engage and hold the kingpin of the trailer. 
         [0008]    Conventional fifth wheel trailer hitches are typically centered over the axles of the rear wheels of towing vehicle so as to place the tongue-weight of the vehicle over the rear tires. This results in a desired weight positioning of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle for traveling at highway speeds. 
         [0009]    Unfortunately, current fifth wheel hitches are often difficult to connect to fifth wheel trailers. Great care must be taken to ensure that as a trucks backs up to a fifth wheel trailer the hitch is at the correct height. Fifth wheel hitches must approach kingpins at substantially the same height as the kingpin. The margin for error is small, on the order of inches. Often, the hitch is too high or too low for the kingpin. If the hitch is too high it may appear to the driver of the truck that a proper coupling has occurred between the kingpin and the hitch, even though it has not. This situation is extremely unsafe and may lead to the uncoupling of the trailer, and severe damage to the truck, trailer, driver, and passengers. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, there exists a need in the relevant art to provide a fifth wheel hitch that is capable of securely coupling to a kingpin during a vertical and horizontal approach. Furthermore, there exists a need in the relevant art to provide a fifth wheel hitch that is capable pf overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an improved hitch. The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available hitches. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a hitch that overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the hitch includes a locking extension positionable to interface with a lesser diameter portion of a coupling member to prevent vertical movement of the coupling member, a cup comprising an at least partially arcuate sidewall positionable to interface with a greater diameter portion of the coupling member to prevent horizontal coupling member movement, and a linkage coordinating relative movement of the locking extension and the cup such that the coupling member is receivable into lockable engagement with the hitch upon either vertical or horizontal movement of the coupling member relative to the hitch. 
         [0013]    The hitch also includes a ramp pivotally coupling the cup with a shroud, a bar coupled with the ramp and configured to transfer pivotal movement of the ramp with the locking extension, and a handle coupled with the locking extension and configured to release the coupling member. In a further embodiment, the cup comprises a surface configured to receive the larger diameter portion of the coupling member, and the locking extension comprises a surface configured to receive the smaller diameter portion of the coupling member. In one embodiment, the surface is integrally formed in a cam, the smaller diameter portion of the coupling member comprises a shank of a kingpin, and the larger diameter potion of the coupling member comprises a head of a kingpin. 
         [0014]    A method of the present invention is also included. In one embodiment, the method comprises positioning and interfacing a locking extension with a lesser diameter portion of a coupling member to prevent vertical movement of the coupling member, positioning a cup comprising an at least partially arcuate sidewall and to interfacing with a greater diameter portion of the coupling member to prevent horizontal coupling member movement, and coordinating relative movement of the locking extension and the cup such that the coupling member is receivable into lockable engagement with the hitch upon either vertical or horizontal movement of the coupling member relative to the hitch. 
         [0015]    Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0016]    Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
         [0017]    These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view diagram illustrating a fifth wheel trailer  100  connected to a pickup truck using a fifth wheel hitch  104  in accordance with the prior art; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a hitch capable of horizontal and vertical loading in accordance with the present invention 
           [0021]      FIG. 3   a  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a hitch shown in a closed position in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3   b  is a perspective view diagram illustrating the hitch of  FIG. 3   a  shown in an open position in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the shroud in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  are perspective view diagrams illustrating a partial view of the hitch in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  are schematic block diagrams illustrating an alternative partial view of the hitch in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of a jaw mechanism in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  are bottom perspective view diagrams illustrating embodiments of the locking extension interaction with the lever in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9   a  is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a cross section of a kingpin in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9   b  is a cross-section diagram illustrating one embodiment of a ball hitch in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10   a  is a cross-section diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of a hitch in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10   b  is a cross-section diagram illustrating another embodiment of the hitch in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  are side view diagrams illustrating alternative embodiments of the shroud in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view diagram illustrating one embodiment of the cam and cup in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for operating the hitch in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
         [0036]    Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a fifth wheel trailer  100  connected to a pickup truck  102  using a fifth wheel hitch (hereinafter “hitch”)  104  in accordance with the prior art. Fifth wheel trailers  100  may include one or more axles, and in the depicted embodiment, include tandem axles having front and rear wheels  106 ,  108 . The wheels  106 ,  108  together with the axles support a body  110  having a forward portion  112  that projects over a bed  114  of the truck. 
         [0038]    The forward portion  112  generally includes a downwardly projecting support system that connects to the hitch  104  of the truck  102 . The support system typically includes a protruding male portion referred to herein as a coupling member. In one embodiment, the coupling member is formed in the shape of a cylinder referred to as a “kingpin” that engages a jaw mechanism of the hitch  104 . The kingpin must engage the jaw mechanism of prior art hitches in such a way as to create a secure connection. Of course, other types of coupling members may be used. For instance, the coupling member may also be a ball such as is used in a ball hitch. The embodiment in which a king pin is used will be described hereafter as an example of the invention, but one skilled in the art will readily recognize the manner in which other types of coupling members may be substituted. 
         [0039]    In order to create a secure connection, the driver of the truck  102  must “back-up” the truck towards the trailer  110  and ensure that the hitch is at the same horizontal elevation as the kingpin. Aligning the hitch  104  with the kingpin is often a difficult task without having to worry about the correct horizontal elevation. Unfortunately, truck drivers often lower the kingpin into the hitch instead of horizontally sliding the kingpin into the hitch  104 . A vertical loading of the kingpin results in an improper coupling of the kingpin and hitch  104 , and the trailer may become disconnected from the hitch  104  and subsequently the truck  102 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a fifth wheel hitch  200  capable of horizontal and vertical loading in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, the fifth wheel hitch (hereinafter “hitch”)  200  comprises a cover plate  202  removably coupled with a shroud  204 . The shroud  204 , as depicted, is in the general shape of a horseshoe and is configured to receive and connect with a kingpin  206  of the trailer  110  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0041]    The hitch  200  may be connected with the bed of a truck  102  ( FIG. 1 ) in any number of different manners, including, but not limited to, directly welded to the truck  102 , and bolted directly to the truck  102 . In one embodiment, the hitch  200  includes a framework that securely connects the hitch  200  with the truck  102  frame, and enables fine positioning of the hitch  200 . The framework  208  may comprise a tubular frame as depicted, or alternatively be formed of solid plates of material, bar stock, angle-iron, or the like. 
         [0042]    The hitch  200  may also include a lever  210  configured to release the kingpin  206  from the hitch  200 . For example, the lever  210  may be configured to open the jaw mechanism (not shown here) in order to release the kingpin  206 . In a further embodiment, the hitch  200  includes a ramp  212 . The ramp  212  is preferably a pivotally connected member disposed toward the front side of the hitch  200 . The ramp  212  is in one embodiment configured to pivot to a lower position as the kingpin  206  slides across the ramp  212  during the hitching process. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  are a perspective views illustrating one embodiment of the internal components of the hitch  200  of  FIG. 2  in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, a cup  504  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) and a locking extension  502  (also shown in  FIG. 5 ) are coupled with a linkage. In one embodiment, the ramp may is also connected through the linkage to the cup and the locking extension. 
         [0044]    While the linkage may be any suitable connecting mechanism, in the depicted example, the hitch  200  includes a plurality of linkage bars  302 ,  304  that connect a locking extension  502  and the cup  504 . A block  306  having a pin  308  couples the linkage bars  302 ,  304  together. A slot  310  formed in the shroud  204  is configured to receive the block  306 . Furthermore, the slot  310  is formed substantially in the shape of an arc of a circle that is defined by the movement of the bars  302 , 304 . Subsequently, the block  306  follows the path of the slot  310 . As used herein, the term “arc” refers to a portion of the circumference of a circle or other curved planar shape. 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 3   a,  the lever  210  is shown in a closed position which may also be referred to as a latched position. As used herein, the term “closed position” refers to the position of the locking extension  502  and the cup  504 , and more specifically refers to a closed or locked position in which the coupling member is locked to the hitch. In  FIG. 3   b,  the lever  210  is shown in the open position. The term “open” or “open position” refers to a position in which the kingpin or coupling member is released. Furthermore, the term “open” may refer to a cup position and a locking extension position that are ready to receive the kingpin  206  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0046]    As used herein, the phrase “receiving the kingpin” refers to the operation of connecting a truck to a trailer. Typically when connecting to a trailer, the trailer is stationary and the driver of the truck backs the truck up to the trailer, carefully aligning the hitch with the kingpin of the trailer. The truck may be a pickup truck or alternatively a truck of the diesel semi type. Furthermore, the trailer may be of the fifth wheel type, a tractor trailer, or other similar arrangement. 
         [0047]    In one embodiment, the block  306  is configured to move in a direction indicated by the arrow  312 . The movement of the block  306  causes the bars  302 ,  304  to pivot and in turn pivot the locking extension  502  and the cup  504  (see  FIGS. 5   a - 7 ). 
         [0048]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the shroud  204  in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, the shroud  204 , and consequently the hitch  200 , is positioned in the bed of a truck in a manner such that the lever  210  is closest to the cab of the truck. Arrow  402  indicates a direction towards the front of the truck, and arrow  404  indicates a direction towards the rear of the truck. As described above, the truck backs in a direction indicated by arrow  404  when connecting to a trailer. 
         [0049]    In the depicted embodiment, the forward bar  302  is configured with a slot  310  that enables the downward sweeping motion as the block  306  slides in the slot  310 . Alternatively, the block  306  may be replaced with a fastening mechanism such as a nut and bolt  408  as depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0050]      FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  are perspective view s illustrating a partial view of the hitch  200  in accordance with the present invention. The hitch  200 , as described above, comprises the ramp  212 , bars  302 ,  304 , the locking extension  502 , and the cup  504 . The term “cup” refers to a mechanism that holds the coupling member in place. In the depicted embodiments, the cup is formed with an at least partially arcuate sidewall that is positionable to interface with a greater diameter portion of the coupling member to prevent horizontal coupling member movement. Of course, the cup need not be arcuate, if for instance, the coupling member is of a shape other than circular or cylindrical. 
         [0051]    The locking extension  502  is also a mechanism that holds the coupling member in place. In the depicted embodiments, the locking extension  502  is positioned to oppose the cup and is positionable to interface with a lesser diameter portion of the coupling member to prevent vertical movement of the coupling member. 
         [0052]    In one embodiment, an axle  506  is fixedly coupled with the locking extension  502 . For example, the axle  506  may be welded or otherwise attached to the locking extension  502  such that the axle rotates with the pivoting of the locking extension  502 . 
         [0053]    In one embodiment, the bar  302 , at a first end  302   a  is fixedly connected with the axle  506  such that a rotating axle  506  causes the bar  302  to pivot about the axle  506 . A second end  302   b  of the bar  302  is slidably connected with the bar  304 . The slot  406  enables both bars  302 ,  304  to move in their respective arcs while maintaining the coupling of the bars  302 ,  304 . 
         [0054]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  are schematic block diagrams illustrating an alternative partial view of the hitch  200  in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, the bar  304  includes a downwardly extending portion  602  that may comprise a spring lever configured to return the ramp  212  to the closed position.  FIG. 6   a  illustrates an “open” or unlatched configuration with the ramp  212  pivoted downward and the locking extension  502  pivoted outward. Similarly,  FIG. 6   b  illustrates the “closed” configuration. 
         [0055]    In a further embodiment, the locking extension  502  includes a downwardly extending rod  606  for interfacing with the lever  210 . The rod  606  is configured to engage an opening in the lever  210  ( FIG. 2 ) and subsequently transfer motion of the lever  210  through the hitch  200 . For example, pulling on the lever  210  towards the front of the truck causes the locking extension  502  to pivot outward, or toward the front of the truck. This pivoting motion causes the axle  506  to also rotate, which in turn pivots the bar  302  downward towards the truck bed. 
         [0056]    Likewise, the bar  304  is forced to pivot downward and cause the ramp  212  to pivot downward, thereby completing the “opening” of the hitch. The interaction of the lever  210  and the locking extension  502  will be discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b.    
         [0057]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a jaw mechanism  700  in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, the jaw mechanism  700  includes the above described components including the ramp  212 , bars  302 ,  304 , and axle  506 . The locking extension  502  may comprise a lip  702  having a semi-circular cutout for engaging the cylindrical kingpin  206 . As depicted, the lip  702  is chamfered with an angle to allow the locking extension  502  to rotate away from the kingpin (not shown) in order to release the kingpin. When in a “closed” position, the lip  702  of the locking extension  502  engages the shank of the kingpin (See  FIG. 9   a ) and prevents vertical movement of the kingpin and subsequently the trailer. 
         [0058]    Similarly, the ramp  212  and the cup  504  may comprise a semi-circular cutout  704  for engaging the head (See  FIG. 9   a ) of kingpin  206 . The cup  504  together with the ramp  212  prevent horizontal or lateral movement of the kingpin  206  when in a closed position. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  are bottom perspective views illustrating embodiments of the interaction of the locking extension  502  with the lever  210  in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated, the rod  606  engages an opening in the lever  210  in order to allow the lever  210  to open and close the jaw mechanism, as depicted in  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 8   a  depicts an extended or open position. The opening in the lever  210  is configured to enable the semi-circular movement of the lever to be translated into the lateral pivoting of the locking extension  502 . 
         [0060]    In a further embodiment, the lever  210  may comprise a safety mechanism  802 . The safety mechanism  802  may comprise a protruding tab that locks into a support plate  804  that extends outward from the shroud  204 . Examples of safety mechanisms  802  that may be utilized with the present invention include, but are not limited to, pins, locks, bolts, etc. Such safety mechanism may be utilized in maintaining the jaw mechanism in an open position. 
         [0061]      FIG. 9   a  is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a cross section of a coupling member in accordance with the present invention. In the depicted example, the coupling member is a kingpin  206 . As depicted, the kingpin  206  is formed with a larger diameter portion  902  and a smaller diameter portion  904 . The kingpin  206  is typically fixedly coupled with a trailer as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . The larger diameter portion  902 , is often referred to as the “head” of the kingpin, and the smaller diameter portion  904  is known as the “shank.” Trailers are connected with the end of the kingpin  206  opposite the larger diameter portion  902 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 9   b  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a further embodiment of a coupling member in accordance with the present invention. In the depicted example, the coupling member is ball hitch  906 . The ball hitch  906  is formed with a smaller diameter portion  908  and a larger diameter portion  910 . The smaller diameter portion  910  may be referred to as the “shank” of the ball hitch, with the larger diameter portion  908  being referred to as the “ball.” 
         [0063]      FIG. 10   a  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a hitch  1000  in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, the hitch  1000  comprises the cover  202 , the ramp  212 , and the cup  504  as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-8   b.  The hitch  1000 , in this embodiment, comprises a locking extension that is implemented in the form of a cam  1002 . The cam  1002  is rotatable and configured to engage the smaller diameter portion of the kingpin  206 . Alternatively, the cam  1002  may be configured to engage the smaller diameter portion of a ball hitch  906 . 
         [0064]    As depicted, the cam  1002  is formed with a surface formed having a cutout portion  1004  configured to enable the kingpin  206  to be raised.  FIG. 10   a  illustrates the cam  1002  in a “closed” position that prevents vertical kingpin  206  movement. In this position, the cutout portion  1004  is not aligned with the greater diameter bottom portion of the kingpin  2006  in a manner that would allow movement. Consequently, the kingpin  206  is held securely in place between the cam  1002  and the cup  504 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 10   b  is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the hitch  1000  in accordance with the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the cam  1002  is positioned in an “open” position, with the cutout  1004  in a substantially vertical orientation such that the kingpin head may pass. When in the open position, the greater diameter bottom portion of the kingpin  206  is allowed to pass through the cutout portion  1004  of the cam  1002 . 
         [0066]    The cam  1002  is in this embodiment coupled through a linkage with the cup  504  and ramp  212  such that downward pivotal movement of the ramp  212  causes the cam  1002  to rotate from the closed position of  FIG. 10   a  to the open position of  FIG. 10   b.    
         [0067]      FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  are side views illustrating alternative embodiments of the shroud  1100  in accordance with the present invention. The shroud  1100 , as described above, provides a rigid structure for housing the ramp  212 , the cup, and the locking extension (not shown here). In the embodiment of  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b,  a single bar  1102  couples the ramp with the cam  1002 . The bar  1102  may be fixedly coupled with the cam  1002  and slidably coupled with a pin  1103  extending from the ramp  212 . The pin  1103  is configured to engage a slot  1104  in the shroud  1100  and follow the path defined by the slot. As such, the pivotal movement of the ramp  212  is likewise defined by the movement of the pin  1106 . 
         [0068]    The upward and downward movement of the pin  1103  is translated by the bar into rotational movement of the cam  1002 . In a downward position, as depicted in  FIG. 11   a,  the cam  1002  is in an open position whereby a kingpin may be loaded or unloaded from the hitch. As the ramp  212  moves upward towards a “closed” position, as depicted in  FIG. 11   b,  the cam  1002  rotates such that the cutout portion is rotated away from the kingpin and thereby vertical movement is prevented. The cup of  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  functions in a manner similar to the cup  504  of  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  in that the cup engages the head or larger diameter portion of the kingpin in order to prevent horizontal movement. 
         [0069]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the cam, the linkage, and the cup in accordance with the present invention.  FIG. 12  illustrates only the moving parts of the hitch  1000  as described above with reference to  FIGS. 10   a - 11   b.  The cam  1002  comprises a cutout portion  1004  configured with dimensions selected to allow the larger diameter portion of a kingpin  206  or a ball hitch  906  to pass. The cutout  1004  may be substantially rectangular as depicted, or alternatively, the cutout  1004  may have a more circular shape. An arrow  1202  illustrates the direction of rotation as the cam  1002  moves from a closed position to an open position in response to downward movement by the ramp as indicated by an arrow  1204 . 
         [0070]    The schematic flow chart diagram that follows is generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
         [0071]      FIG. 13  is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method  1300  for operating the hitch in accordance with the present invention. One benefit of the present invention is the ability to connect a truck to a trailer without the operator having to spend a significant amount of time getting the hitch to an exact height. The method  1300  also allows for the loading and unloading of the trailer in a manner that minimizes improper loading and accidents during trailer latching. 
         [0072]    The method  1300  starts  1302  with the operator backing the truck up and approaching  1306  the kingpin. The lever  210  is preferably in the locked position for loading. The kingpin  206  contacts and depresses  1308  the ramp  212 . As described above, depressing  1308  the ramp  212  causes the bar  304  to rotate downward which subsequently forces the bar  302  downward and simultaneously causes the locking extension  502  to rotate outward to an open  1310  position. Alternatively, in the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the ramp  212  may cause the bar  1102  to rotate the cam  1002 . Conversely, if the kingpin  206  approaches the hitch in a vertical or substantially vertical direction, the kingpin  206  will depress the locking extension. The locking extension subsequently causes the cup to rotate to an open position before locking into a secure position around the kingpin. Thus the trailer is capable of being hitched vertically or horizontally, a feat not currently possible with prior art fifth wheel hitches. 
         [0073]    As the driver continues to “close in” on the kingpin, the kingpin  206  presses  1312  on the locking extension  502 . Upon reaching a certain pressure threshold from the kingpin  206  pressing on the locking extension  502  or passing the ramp  212 , the cup and locking extension close and secure  1316  the kingpin  206 . This also causes the lever  210  to move to the locked position. At this point the method  1300  ends  1318 . 
         [0074]    When the operator desires to unhitch the trailer, he/she moves the lever  210  to the open position and drives the truck forward out of engagement with the hitch. The lever  210  should then be returned to the locked position for future loading of the trailer onto the hitch. 
         [0075]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.