Abstract:
The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to an improved fifth-wheel hitch which features a pivotally-mounted head assembly. The hitch assembly has a rocker assembly which allows for the pivotal movement of the head during mounting. The rocker can be secured in a fixed position during transport. A multi-point jaw assembly is also provided. A rail kit adaptor and gooseneck adaptor are also provided. The assembly is light and engineered for quick and efficient installation and use in the bed of a truck.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/090,391 filed Dec. 11, 2014 and entitled “Fifth Wheel Hitch Assembly,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety under 35 U.S.C. §119(e). 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosure relates to a hitch assembly for pulling large fifth wheel type travel trailers, including hitches with a moveable hitch head to provide additional clearance when needed for turning tight corners. Moreover, it provides a hitch that can be coupled to a vehicle through a gooseneck hitch or through industry standard fifth wheel rails. The various disclosed embodiments generally relate to a removable, rocking hitch head assembly which minimizes vertical displacement of the hitch head and correspondingly the king pin of a trailer through the use of guide journals and other mechanical improvements. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The disclosure relates to an improved fifth-wheel hitch. Fifth wheel hitches for pulling large travel trailers were designed for trucks equipped with a long box which is approximately eight feet long. In recent years, the popularity of short box trucks, such as those with boxes that are six and a half feet or less, have required the use of sliding or movable head hitches, which are designed to provide extra cab to camper clearance when turning. Presently, such hitches, as found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,210, generally slide along a pair of tubes or rails that act as guide tracks to control and limit the motion of the hitch. These hitches are generally very large and extremely heavy. This poses a problem for the end user, who frequently uses their truck and box for purposes other than hauling a fifth wheel travel trailer. 
         [0004]    Another method of moving the hitch head was suggested in U.S. Pat. No. 7,806,424: utilizing a pivoting style moveable head hitch. This design allows the hitch head to pivot about a central point or multiple points to move the head rearward. While this proves to be a viable method of re-positioning the hitch head, it also introduces a problem. Namely, as the head pivots forward and rearward, it effectively changes height while doing so. This causes the head to travel in an arc. This creates issues for end users when traversing the hitch head between these positions. It requires a substantial pulling force to initiate the movement of the hitch head. After movement has begun and reached the uppermost point of the arc, it becomes very difficult to slow down the momentum generated and the hitch generally crashes down into its rest position. This is undesirable and not safe. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved fifth-wheel hitch assembly which improves upon the prior art. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Discussed herein are various apparatus, systems and methods relating to a fifth-wheel hitch. 
         [0007]    One example includes a fifth wheel hitch trailer hitch assembly, including a base assembly, a rocker assembly including a hitch head, a first support arm, and a second support arm, a first roller guide plate including a first roller guide plate first elongate journal, a second roller guide plate including a second roller guide plate first elongate journal, a first projection, and a second projection, where the rocker head assembly is in rotational communication with the base assembly by way of the first support arm and second support arm such that the first projection is slidable relative to the first roller guide plate first elongate journal and the second projection is slidable relative to the second roller guide plate first elongate journal. 
         [0008]    Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the base assembly includes a first base assembly leg and a second base assembly leg. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly including a first roller guide plate and a second roller guide plate. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the first roller guide plate includes the first roller guide plate first elongate journal, and a first roller guide plate second elongate journal, and the second roller guide plate includes the second roller guide plate first elongate journal, and a second roller guide plate second elongate journal. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the first roller guide plate first elongate journal and first roller guide plate second elongate journal are disposed at approximately 90 degrees from one another. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the rocker assembly further includes a first rocker plate including the first protrusion and a third protrusion, a second rocker plate including the second protrusion and fourth protrusion, a horizontal torsion tube having a first end and second end, the horizontal torsion tube being disposed between the first rocker plate and second rocker plate and the first support arm and second support arm, and a support bar having a first end and second end, the support bar being disposed between the support arms opposite the horizontal torsion tube, such that the head assembly can be mounted on the rocker assembly. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the first support tube further includes a first support tube upper aeon and a first support tube lower aeon and the second support tube further includes a second support tube upper aeon and a second support tube lower aeon, where the first and second upper aeons and first and second lower aeons are disposed about the first and second ends of the support bar, respectively, and are configured to absorb vibrational forces. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the first protrusion is in slidable communication with the first roller guide plate first elongate journal, the second protrusion is in slidable communication with the first roller guide plate second elongate journal, the third protrusion is in slidable communication with the second roller guide plate first elongate journal and the fourth protrusion is in slidable communication with the second roller guide plate second elongate journal so as to be configured to allow for the rotation of the rocker assembly relative to the base assembly. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the rocker assembly further includes a horizontal torsion tube having a first end and second end, the horizontal torsion tube being disposed between the first rocker plate and second rocker plate and the first support arm and second support arm, and a support bar having a first end and second end, the support bar being disposed between the support arms opposite the horizontal torsion tube, such that the head assembly can be mounted on the rocker assembly. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the first support tube further includes a first support tube upper aeon and a first support tube lower aeon and the second support tube further includes a second support tube upper aeon and a second support tube lower aeon, where the first and second upper aeons and first and second lower aeons are disposed about the first and second ends of the support bar, respectively, and are configured to absorb vibrational forces. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the first roller guide plate first elongate journal and first roller guide plate second elongate journal are disposed at approximately 90 degrees from one another. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the first roller guide plate and second roller guide plate are opposing arc roller guide plates. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the first roller guide plate and second roller guide plate are opposing arc roller guide plates. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly further including a jaw mechanism. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the hitch head is configured to selectively grasp a king pin, the jaw mechanism further including an upper clasping jaw and lower clasping jaw configured to grasp the king pin. 
         [0009]    One example includes A fifth wheel hitch trailer hitch assembly, including a base assembly including a first support leg, and a second support leg, a rocker head assembly including a hitch head, a first support arm including upper and lower ends, a second support arm including upper and lower ends, a first rocker plate disposed at the lower end of the first support arm between the first support arm and first support leg and including a first projection and second projection, and a second rocker plate disposed at the lower end of the second support arm between the second support arm and second support leg and including a third projection and fourth projection, a first roller guide plate disposed between the first rocker plate and first support leg and including a first roller guide plate first elongate journal and first roller guide plate second elongate journal, and a second roller guide plate disposed between the second rocker plate and second support leg and including a second roller guide plate first elongate journal and second roller guide plate second elongate journal. 
         [0010]    Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the first protrusion is in slidable communication with the first roller guide plate first elongate journal, the second protrusion is in slidable communication with the first roller guide plate second elongate journal, the third protrusion is in slidable communication with the second roller guide plate first elongate journal and the fourth protrusion is in slidable communication with the second roller guide plate second elongate journal so as to be configured to allow for the rotation of the rocker assembly relative to the base assembly. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the rocker assembly further includes a horizontal torsion tube having a first end and second end, the horizontal torsion tube being disposed between the first rocker plate and second rocker plate and the first support arm and second support arm, and a support bar having a first end and second end, the support bar being disposed between the support arms opposite the horizontal torsion tube, such that the head assembly can be mounted on the rocker assembly. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the first support tube further includes a first support tube upper aeon and a first support tube lower aeon and the second support tube further includes a second support tube upper aeon and a second support tube lower aeon, where the first and second upper aeons and first and second lower aeons are disposed about the first and second ends of the support bar, respectively, and are configured to absorb vibrational forces. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the first roller guide plate first elongate journal and first roller guide plate second elongate journal are disposed at approximately 90 degrees from one another. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the first roller guide plate and second roller guide plate are opposing arc roller guide plates. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly further including a jaw mechanism. The fifth wheel trailer hitch assembly where the hitch head is configured to selectively grasp a king pin, the jaw mechanism further including an upper clasping jaw and lower clasping jaw configured to grasp the king pin. 
         [0011]    While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods. As will be realized, the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the fifth wheel hitch assembly of the hitch, according to one embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1B  is an alternate perspective view of the hitch embodiment of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0014]      FIG. 1C  is a further perspective view of the hitch according to  FIG. 1A , further showing a trailer having a king pin. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a three-quarters perspective view of a base assembly, according to one embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2B  is a further perspective view of a base assembly fitted with roller guide plates, according to one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2C  is a perspective side view of an alternate embodiment of the fifth wheel hitch assembly. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective top view of a roller guide plate, according to one embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3B  is a further perspective top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3A  with protrusions set into the guide plat journals. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of a rocker assembly according to one embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3D  is a perspective top view of a roller guide plate, according to an alternate embodiment, wherein the journals are in an opposing arc configuration. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3E  is a further perspective top view of a roller guide plate, according to yet a further alternate embodiment, wherein the roller guide plate is configured to be mounted directly to the rocker assembly. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a rocker assembly according to one embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4B  is a front view of the rocker assembly of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0025]      FIG. 4C  is a sectional side view of the rocker assembly of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , showing the interior of a support arm according to one embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4D  is a perspective view of a hitch assembly operating in the maneuvering mode, according to one embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4E  is a representative view of a single axle pivot system. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4F  is a side view of the single pivot system of  FIG. 4E , showing movement of the rocker assembly and hitch head. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4G  is a perspective view of the roller guide plate utilized in  FIG. 4H . 
           [0030]      FIG. 4H  is a side view showing movement of the rocker assembly and hitch head with the guide plate of  FIG. 4G . 
           [0031]      FIG. 4I  is a perspective view of the roller guide plate utilized in  FIG. 4J . 
           [0032]      FIG. 4J  is a side view showing movement of the rocker assembly and hitch head with the guide plate of  FIG. 4I . 
           [0033]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the head assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment comprising a multi-point jaw system. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5B  is a top cut-away view of the head showing the upper jaw, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5C  is an upper perspective view of the upper jaw and slide handle of  FIG. 5B  coupling with a king pin. 
           [0036]      FIG. 5D  is a top cut-away view of the head showing the lower jaw, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0037]      FIG. 5E  is a lower perspective view of the lower jaw and slide handle of  FIG. 5D  coupling with a king pin. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5F  is a reverse view of the upper and lower jaws and a king pin, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0039]      FIG. 5G  is a further perspective view of the hitch assembly multi-point jaw system in an open, or uncoupled configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5H  is a further perspective view of the hitch assembly multi-point jaw system in a closed, or coupled configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 5I  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the head assembly without a multi-point jaw system. 
           [0042]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of the gooseneck ball coupler according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6B  is a front view of the gooseneck ball coupler according to the embodiment of  FIG. 6A  in the unlocked position. 
           [0044]      FIG. 6C  is a section view of the gooseneck coupler according to the embodiment of  FIG. 6A  in the unlocked position. 
           [0045]      FIG. 6D  is a front view of the gooseneck ball coupler according to the embodiment of  FIG. 6A  in the locked position. 
           [0046]      FIG. 6E  is a section view of the gooseneck coupler connected to a gooseneck ball according to the embodiment of  FIG. 6A  in the locked position. 
           [0047]      FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of the lock assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0048]      FIG. 7B  is a perspective exploded view of the lock assembly, according to the embodiment of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0049]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the hitch comprising a rail kit adaptor. 
           [0050]      FIG. 8B  is a close-up perspective view of the rail kit adapter according to the embodiment of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0051]      FIG. 8C  is an exploded perspective view of the rail kit adapter according to the embodiment of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0052]      FIG. 8D  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the rail kit adapter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0053]      FIGS. 1A-8D  depict various aspects and embodiments of the fifth wheel hitch assembly  100 , or hitch assembly  100  and associated systems and methods. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , the hitch assembly  100  is installed within a truck bed  102 . In various embodiments, the hitch assembly  100  generally comprises a base assembly  200 , roller guide plates  300 A,  300 B, a rocker assembly  400  and a head assembly  500 . The depicted hitch assembly  100  also has a gooseneck coupler  600 . In the depicted embodiments, an optional multi-point jaw system  501  is also provided. In various embodiments, the head assembly  500  is configured to be capable of being freely pivoting relative to the base assembly  200  by way of the rocker assembly  400  and roller guide plates  300 . In certain implementations, the head assembly  500  and rocker assembly  400  can also be locked into a fixed position relative to the base assembly  200  by way of a lock assembly  700 , as is described below. Other embodiments will be apparent from the description and drawings contained herein. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIGS. 1A-B , the hitch assembly  100  comprises a base assembly  200  (discussed in relation to  FIGS. 2A-C ) and at least a first roller guide plate  300 A, and in exemplary embodiments a second roller guide plate  300 B, which are described in detail relation to  FIG. 3E . The hitch assembly  100  further comprises a rocker assembly  400 , which is described in relation to  FIGS. 4A-4J . The rocker assembly  400  further comprises a head assembly  500 , depicted in  FIGS. 5A-5H . In various embodiments, hitch assembly  100  comprises a gooseneck coupler  600  which is described further in relation to  FIGS. 6A-E .  FIGS. 7A-B  shows a perspective view of a lock assembly.  FIGS. 8A-D  provide views of embodiments of adapting fifth wheel hitch assembly  100  to industry standard fifth wheel rails.  FIGS. 2C and 3E  show several alternative embodiments of the hitch assembly  100 , such as an alternative base assembly and head positioning method. 
         [0055]    Turning to the drawings in greater detail,  FIG. 1A  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the hitch assembly  100  installed into a passenger truck, such as a pick-up truck (as designated by the truck bed  102 ), so that the assembly  100  can be removed. In prior art implementations, fifth-wheel hitches generally very large and extremely heavy. This poses a problem for the end user, who frequently uses their truck and box for purposes other than hauling a fifth wheel travel trailer, as was discussed above. The hitch assembly  100 , by way of the roller guides  300  and journals  330  comprises a slide-pivoting system  250 , which enables the user to reposition (as shown at reference arrow C) the head assembly  500  and camper  104  (as shown in  FIG. 1C ) to provide adequate cab to camper clearance during mounting, as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. The slide-pivoting system  250  does not require bulky supports or travel guide bars, thereby eliminating much of the weight of prior art designs. The slide-pivoting system  250  also solves the problem of a transverse arc motion, thereby eliminating the surge and crash of prior art designs, as is described in detail in relation to  FIGS. 4E-F . 
         [0056]    As is shown in  FIG. 1C , in these embodiments, the assembly  100  is mounted in a truck bed  102  and the hitch head  500  comprises a front opening  505  for receiving a king pin  516  of a fifth wheel trailer or camper  104  and skid plate  106 , further discussion of which can be found in relation to  FIGS. 5A-H . The various embodiments of the hitch assembly  100  are adapted to be easily mounted into the truck bed  102  by a single person, such as by way of the gooseneck coupler  600 , described in relation to  FIGS. 6A-E . Mounting of the king pin  516  may also be facilitated by the multi-point jaw system  501 , as described in relation to  FIGS. 5A-H . Following mounting of the king pin  516 , the rocker assembly  400  can be locked into a fixed, forward position (reference arrow A) for transport by way of the lock assembly  700 , as is described in relation to  FIGS. 7A-B . 
         [0057]    As is depicted in  FIGS. 2A-B , exemplary embodiments of the base assembly  200  comprise a first base assembly leg  202 A and a second base assembly leg  202 B and a cross tube  204 . As is shown in  FIG. 2 , each support leg  202 A,  202 B is generally elongate and further comprises a first support leg end  206 A,  206 B which are disposed in the direction of the truck cab (designated by reference arrow A) and second support leg end  208 A,  208 B disposed in the direction of the tailgate (reference arrow B). In certain embodiments theses can comprise tubing, such as square tubing, which contributes strength and torsion rigidity without unnecessary weight. Further, in exemplary embodiments, a series of holes or openings  209  may be disposed on the inner leg surface  202 C. These openings  209  can be used to affix the roller guide plates  300 A,  300 B (as shown in  FIG. 2B ), which are described further in relation to  FIGS. 3A-E . 
         [0058]    Continuing with  FIGS. 2A-B , in exemplary embodiments, the cross tube  204  is disposed perpendicularly between the first base assembly leg  202 A and second base assembly leg  202 B so as to create an H-pattern. The cross tube  204  further comprises a first cross tube end  204 A and second cross tube end  204 B, and as is shown, can be elongate and feature a central opening or lumen  205 , for example when square tubing is used. This arrangement is beneficial to the end user because the lumen  205  can act as a handle and the base assembly  200  can be more easily carried. 
         [0059]    Further, in the embodiment of the base assembly  200  shown in  FIGS. 2A-B , a gooseneck opening  220  is provided substantially in the center of the cross tube  204  between the first cross tube end  204 A and second cross tube end  204 B. In various implementations, this gooseneck opening  220  can comprise a vertical piece of square tubing sized to house a gooseneck coupler  600 , which is discussed further in relation to  FIGS. 6A-E . A push block  222  may also be disposed along the cross tube  204  on the cab side (A). In these embodiments, at least one fastener  224  serves as a set bolt and transverses through the push block to the gooseneck opening  220  and cross tube  204 . 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 2C , in alternate embodiments the first base assembly leg  202 A and second base assembly leg  202 B can also take a C- or L-shape, as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. In this embodiment, the roller guide plates  350 A,  350 B is fixedly attached to the support arms  406 A,  406 B and operationally coupled to a plurality of fixed rollers or projections  424 A,  424 B affixed to the base assembly legs  202 A,  202 B. In these embodiments, the rocker assembly  400  and head assembly head assembly  500  are able to pivot relative to the base  200  as described below in relation to  FIG. 3E . 
         [0061]    Turning to the function of the roller guide plates,  FIG. 3A  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a roller guide plate  300  according to an exemplary embodiment of the hitch assembly  100  slide-pivoting system  250 . As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, and as depicted in  FIGS. 1A-B  and  4 G-H, the depicted roller guide plate  300  can be the first roller guide plate  300 A or second roller guide plate  300 B. In these embodiments, the roller guide plate  300  is substantially planar and takes a rounded D-shape, such that first side  302  is substantially curved and the second side  304  has a rounded edge  306 . The roller guide plate  300  further comprises a first face  308  and second face  310 . 
         [0062]    In these embodiments, the roller guide plate  300  further comprises a plurality of countersunk holes  312 A-C configured to receive bolts to attach to the base assembly legs  202 A,  202 B, as is shown in  FIGS. 2A-B . Further, each roller guide plate  300  can be adjusted up or down within the series of holes or openings  209  on the base legs  202 A,  202 B to effectively raise or lower the height of the hitch head  500 , as is shown in  FIG. 2 . In typical implementations, each roller guide plate  300  is mounted on the base legs  202 A,  202 B such that the first side  302  is oriented upwards and the second side  304  is oriented toward the truck bed  102 . 
         [0063]    Returning to  FIG. 3 , each roller guide plate  300  further comprises at least one journal  330 A,  330 B disposed within the roller guide plate  300 . These journals  330 A,  330 B are substantially elongate, rounded openings in the guide plate  300 . In the depicted embodiment, a first journal  330 A and a second journal  330 B are provided, and oriented such that the first journal first end  332 A and second journal first end  332 C are oriented toward one another at approximately a 45 degree angle from horizontal or the second side  304  of the roller guide plate  300 . Accordingly, the first journal second end  332 B and second journal second end  332 D are oriented away from one another. 
         [0064]    Continuing with  FIGS. 3A-B , the journals  330 A,  330 B further comprise an open journal slot  336 A,  336 B which extends up and through the upper of the roller guide plate  300 . In exemplary embodiments, each journal slot  336 A,  336 B is an elongate, rectangular opening in the first face  308  of the roller plate guide  300  which does not extend through to the second face  310 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 3C  depicts the rocker assembly  400  of the hitch assembly  100  slide-pivoting system  250 . In this embodiment, the rocker assembly  400  comprises two opposing rocker plates—a first rocker plate  402 A and second rocker plate  402 B—disposed on opposing ends of a horizontal torsion tube  404 , thereby keeping the opposing rocker plates  402 A,  402 B in alignment. In these embodiments, two support arms  406 A,  406 B are fixedly attached to the torsion tube  404  and opposing rocker plates  402 A,  402 B. Each of the support arms  406 A,  406 B further comprises a cap  410 A,  410 B which may be secured by various fasteners, such as threads or snap rings (not shown). In these embodiments, and as best shown in  FIGS. 4A-C , a support bar  502  is disposed between the support arms  406 A,  406 B, such that the head assembly  500  can be mounted on the rocker assembly  400 . 
         [0066]    Returning to  FIGS. 3A-B , in exemplary embodiments, the journal slots  336 A,  336 B can receive the fixed rollers or projections  424 A- 424 D that are disposed on the rocker assembly  400 , as is depicted in  FIG. 3C . The roller guide plates  300 A,  300 B also feature a lock alignment hole  320  near the first end  302  for receiving a pivot lock pin  708 , as is shown in FIGS.  7 A-B. These roller guide plates  300  are thus configured to receive the rocker assembly  400  and fixedly attach it to the base legs  202 A,  202 B. 
         [0067]      FIG. 3D  depicts an alternate opposing arc roller guide plate  300 C of the hitch assembly  100  slide-pivoting system  250 . The opposing arc roller guide plate  300 C again comprises a first journal  330 E having a first journal first end  332 E and first journal second end  332 F and a second journal  330 F comprising a second journal first end  332 G and second journal second end  332 H. In the opposing arc roller guide plate  300 C embodiment, these ends  332 E,  332 F and  332 G,  332 H are disposed such that the first journal  330 E and second journal  330 F have opposing arc arrangements, so as to be substantially curved from away from the center first face  308  of the roller guide plate. Accordingly, as shown in  FIGS. 4I-J , the projections  424 A,  424 B travel in the same manner following the paths within the journals, however the resultant motion reduces the hitch head  500  arc (as designated by reference arrow J in  FIG. 4J ). As is shown in  FIG. 3D , a first journal slot  336 E and second journal slot  336 F can also be provided for coupling of the rocker assembly  400 . 
         [0068]    In  FIG. 3E , an alternative guide plate  350  is depicted, as was also shown in  FIG. 2C . In this embodiment, the roller guide plate  350  is fixedly attached to the support arms  406 A,  406 B and operationally coupled to a plurality of fixed rollers or projections  424 A,  424 B. As shown is also shown in  FIG. 2C , in these embodiments, the rocker assembly  400  and head assembly head assembly  500  are able to pivot relative to the base  200 . 
         [0069]    Continuing with  FIG. 3E , the alternate guide plate  350  also comprises a first journal guide  352 A and second journal guide  352 B. The guide plate  350  also has journal slots  354 A,  354 B that can receive the fixed rollers or projections as described above. In this embodiment, a first guide journal  352 A and a second guide journal  352 B are provided, and oriented such that the first journal first end  356 A and second journal first end  356 C are oriented toward one another at approximately a 45 degree angle from horizontal or the second side  358  of the roller guide plate  350 . Accordingly, the first journal second end  356 B and second journal second end  356 D are oriented away from one another. In practice, the projections  424 A,  424 B can again be placed inside the guide plate  350  as above, so as to allow the slidable rotation of the guide plate  350  relative to the projections  424 A,  424 B, as shown in  FIG. 2C . 
         [0070]      FIG. 4A  depicts the rocker assembly  400  comprising the head assembly  500 . In this embodiment, the rocker assembly  400  comprises two opposing rocker plates—a first rocker plate  402 A and second rocker plate  402 B—disposed on opposing ends of a horizontal torsion tube  404 , thereby keeping the opposing rocker plates  402 A,  402 B in alignment. In these embodiments, two support arms  406 A,  406 B are fixedly attached to the torsion tube  404  and opposing rocker plates  402 A,  402 B. 
         [0071]    As is further depicted in  FIG. 4A , each of the support arms  406 A,  406 B further comprises a cap  410 A,  410 B which may be secured by various fasteners, such as threads or snap rings (not shown). In these embodiments, and as best shown in  FIGS. 4B-C , a support bar  502  is disposed between the support arms  406 A,  406 B, such that the head assembly  500  can be mounted on the rocker assembly  400 . A jaw mechanism  501  attached to the hitch head  500  releasably secures a king pin (shown in  FIG. 5C  at  516 ) within the hitch head  500 . 
         [0072]    Returning to  FIG. 4A , in these embodiments, each of the opposing rocker plates  402 A,  402 B further comprise a plurality of fixed rollers or projections  424 A,  424 B,  424 C,  424 D configured to be in operational communication within the journals  330 A,  330 B of the roller guide plates  300 A,  300 B, as discussed further in relation to  FIGS. 4G and 4I . In these embodiments, the opposing rocker plates  402 A,  402 B further comprise a plurality of pivot lock openings  426 A,  426 B,  426 C,  426 D configured to allow the selective pivoting of the rocker assembly  400  by receiving a lock pin  708 , as described in relation to  FIGS. 7A-B . 
         [0073]    Turning to  FIGS. 4B-C , each support arm  406 A,  406 B can comprise cushioned rubber springs, or aeons  430 . As shown in  FIG. 4C , the second support arm  406 B comprises an upper aeon  430 A and lower aeon  430 B that are disposed about the support bar  502 . These aeons  430 A,  430 B may be supported inside the support arms  406 A,  406 B by an aeon stop plate  432 . The aeons  430 A,  430 B may also be preloaded around the support bar  502  and capped with a circular tube cap  410 B, which in turn can be secured by various fasteners, such as threads or snap rings (not shown). In certain implementations, a slot  416  within each support arm  406 A,  406 B allows the support bar  502  to shift within each support arm  406 A,  406 B to absorb vibrational and impulse forces derived from pulling a fifth wheel trailer, such that the support bar can move with resistance within the aeons  430 A,  430 B. In some implementations, the aeons  430 A,  430 B Further implementations would be apparent to one of skill in the art.  FIG. 4B  also depicts an embodiment featuring a slide handle  512 , which is described further in relation to  FIG. 5A . 
         [0074]      FIG. 4D  depicts the fifth wheel hitch assembly  100  in the maneuvering position. In  FIG. 4D , the hitch head  500  is oriented in an aft position on the rocker assembly  400 . 
         [0075]    As shown in  FIGS. 4E-F , in a single axle  450  arrangement, the rocker assembly  400  swings the hitch head through the arc at reference arrow F, which corresponds to a semi-circle having a radius extending from the head  500  to the center of the axle  450 . 
         [0076]    The rocker assembly  400  embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4G and 4H  is able to move fore and aft (designated with reference arrows A and B in  FIG. 4D ) by controlling the motion of the fixed rollers, pegs or projections  424 A- 424 D within the journals  330 A-D located within the roller guide plates  300 A,  300 B. In these embodiments, the rollers or projections  424 A- 424 D are fixedly attached to the opposing rocker plates  402 A,  402 B in pairs at a fixed distance. For example  424 A and  424 B, which are mounted on the first opposing rocker plate  402 A. When a first projection  424 A moves down at about a forty-five degree angle in a first journal  330 A (toward the first journal second end  332 B) in response to pressure applied to the hitch head. The paired projection  424 B correspondingly moves up at about a forty-five degree angle in the second journal  330 B toward the second journal second end  332 C as is shown in  FIG. 4G . As a result, the arc of the hitch head  500  is reduced, as is shown in  FIG. 4H . 
         [0077]    In these embodiments, the movement of the projections  424 A- 424 D relative to the journals  330 A-D occurs on both roller guide plates  300 A,  300 B, and therefore results in the movement of the rocker assembly  400  relative to the roller guide plates  300 A,  300 B as shown in  FIG. 4H . This offsetting motion cancels out most of the arc (as designated by reference arrow F) that develops in a single point pivot system, as is depicted in  FIG. 4F , where the hitch head  500  is moving along arc (as designated by reference arrow F). Further, the resulting transition between the various positions is much smoother and easier to control. 
         [0078]      FIGS. 4I and 4J  depict a second embodiment of the hitch assembly  100  having an opposing arc roller guide plate  300 C. In these embodiments, the plate  300 C again comprises a first journal  330 E having a first journal first end  332 E and first journal second end  332 F and a second journal  330 F comprising a second journal first end  332 G and second journal second end  332 H. Collectively, these ends  332 E,  332 F and  332 G,  332 H are disposed such that the first journal  330 E and second journal  330 F have opposing arc arrangements. Accordingly, the projections  424 A,  424 B travel in the same manner following the paths within the journals, however the resultant motion reduces the hitch head  500  arc (as designated by reference arrow J). 
         [0079]      FIGS. 5A-E  depict various views of the head assembly  500  which can optionally comprise an optional multi-point jaw system  501 . The multi-point jaw system  501  is not necessary for the assembly  100  to function, as is shown in  FIG. 5I . In exemplary embodiments, the head assembly  500  comprises a generally elongate support bar  502  and a lower head portion  504  which is fixedly or pivotally attached to the elongate support bar  502 , as is known in the art. In these embodiments, the head assembly  500  further has a king pin opening  505  configured to receive a king pin  516 , as is shown in  FIG. 5B . Attached to the lower head portion  504  is an upper head portion  506 . In various embodiments, the upper head portion  506  provides an upper planar surface  506 A that the skid plate  106  of a camper  104  can rest and pivots on. As shown in  FIG. 5D , the upper head portion  506  also has an opening  505  to receive a king pin  516 . In certain embodiments, the head assembly  500  can be comprised of metal, such as steel, plastic, or other materials known in the art. One of the principle advantages of the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods is weight conservation, and the use of plastic, particularly for the upper portion  506  provides a weight advantage over prior art hitches. Additionally, plastic can be used to reduce the friction on the planar upper surface  506 A as the skid plate  106  or king pin  516  move on the planar upper surface  506 A. 
         [0080]    As is also shown in  FIGS. 5A-H , in exemplary embodiments, the head assembly  500  comprises a multi-point jaw system  501  configured to be capable of both an open and a closed position, so as to selectively grasp and secure a cylindrical king pin  516  at least one location. As best shown in  FIGS. 5F-H , a king pin  516  frequently has portions having different circumferences, such as an upper king pin portion  516 A and lower king pin portion  516 B. Other examples are possible and known in the art. One aim of the embodiments of the assembly  100  comprising the multi-point jaw system  501  is to eliminate the excess tolerances of prior art systems by snugly grasping each of the upper king pin portion  516 A and lower king pin portion  516 B separately. 
         [0081]    In these embodiments, the hitch head  500  can further comprise at least one of an opening or pocket  508 , an upper clasping jaw  510 , a hitch handle  512  having a first slide handle end  512 A and second slide handle end  512 B, and a lower clasping jaw  514 , all of which are in mechanical communication such that movement of the slide handle is able to urge the upper clasping jaw  510  and lower clasping jaw  514  into an engaged position around a king pin  516 . In certain embodiments, a mechanism such as a spring can be provided which is configured to urge the upper clasping jaw  510  and/or lower clasping jaw  514  into the closed position. For example, in the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 5A-E , the jaw system  501  comprises an upper clasping jaw  510  and lower clasping jaw  514  which are both selectively pivoted by the hitch handle  512 , which can be an elongate curved handle, as shown in the depicted embodiments. In these embodiments, the upper clasping jaw  510  and lower clasping jaw  514  are thereby configured to grasp the king pin  516  at the upper king pin portion  516 A and lower king pin portion  516 B, respectively. 
         [0082]    As shown in  FIGS. 5B-H , in these embodiments, the slide handle  512  is in rotational or operational communication with the upper clasping jaw  510  and lower clasping jaw  514  through an elongate pivot rod  515 . The pivot rod  515  controls the first ends  510 A and  514 A of both the upper clasping jaw  510  and the lower clasping jaw  514 , such that as the slide handle  512  moves (shown by reference arrow X), a corresponding movement of the slide handle&#39;s first end  512 A and the first ends of the jaws  510 A,  514 A (shown by reference arrow Y) occurs across the opening  505  and around the king pin  516 . In the locked or closed, engaged position, the slide handle first end  512 A can be fitted into an opening  530  on the opposite side of the head  500 . Accordingly, a user is able to quickly set the jaw system  501  into a closed and locked engaged position. In exemplay embodiments, a spring, clasp, or other mechanical systems can be combined with the multi-point jaw system  501  to secure the system into the engaged position. 
         [0083]    In these embodiments, the translational movement of the opposite end  510 B of the upper clasping jaw  510  slides by way of a catch rod  520 , which slides within a slot  522 , located in the lower head portion  504 . The movement of the opposite end  510 B of the upper clasping jaw is relative to the position of the first end  510 A of the upper clasping jaw  510 . As the first end  510 A of the upper clasping jaw  510  is transitioned to the secured position thereby closing the opening  505 , the catch rod  520  is pulled along the slot  522  directional towards the center and rear of the hitch, thus moving the opposite end  510 B outwardly from the opening or pocket  508  and directional towards the center and rear of the hitch and tangent to the king pin  516 . The movement is reversed upon the upper clasping jaw  510  transitioning to the retracted or open position, thereby stowing the upper clasping jaw  510  back within the opening or pocket  508 . Controlling the end  510 B of the upper clasping jaw  510  allows the upper clasping jaw  510  to be stowed in the opening or pocket  508  of the upper head portion  506 , though other embodiments are possible. In any event, the translational movement of the opposite end  514 B of the lower clasping jaw  514  pivots about a forward pivot point  518  located in the lower head portion  504 . 
         [0084]    Continuing with  FIGS. 5B-D , the movement of the lower clasping jaw  514  is determined by the pivot point  518 , which controls the sweeping motion of the slide handle  512  and the pivot rod  515 . The combined effect allows for two separate jaws  510 ,  514  to selectively open and retract to secure a king pin  516  at the upper king pin portion  516 A and lower king pin portion  516 B in the engaged position. 
         [0085]      FIG. 5B  shows an upper view of the slide handle  512  and upper clasping jaw  510  in the retracted position.  FIG. 5C  shows the slide handle  512  and upper clasping jaw  510  in the closed or secured position, so as to be configured to wrap around the upper, larger outside dimension of a upper king pin portion  516 A.  FIG. 5D  shows an upper view of the slide handle  512  and lower clasping jaw  514  in the retracted position.  FIG. 5E  shows the slide handle  512  and lower clasping jaw  514  in the closed or secured position, so as to be able to wrap around the interior, smaller diameter of the lower king pin portion  516 B and into the engaged position. 
         [0086]    As is also shown in  FIG. 5I , certain embodiments of the head assembly  500  do not comprise a multi-point jaw system. In this embodiment, the head assembly  500  comprises a generally elongate support bar  502  and a lower head portion  504  that is fixedly or pivotally attached to the elongate support bar  502 , as is known in the art. In these embodiments, the head assembly  500  further has a king pin opening  505  configured to receive a king pin  516 , as is shown in  FIG. 5B . Attached to the lower head portion  504  is an upper head portion  506 . 
         [0087]    Turning to the various embodiments of the gooseneck coupler,  FIGS. 6A-D  depict a gooseneck coupler  600  according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the gooseneck coupler  600  comprises a coupler housing  602  sized to be received by the gooseneck opening  220  within the base assembly  200  depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 . The coupler housing comprises a central lumen  602 A sized to accommodate a gooseneck ball  610 . 
         [0088]    In these embodiments, a release lever  604  is attached through a linkage  605  to the ball lock pin  606 . In the depicted embodiments, the release lever comprises a distal end  604 A and a proximal end  604 B, and is capable of being rotated about a pivot  604 C, as depicted in  FIG. 6BE . In the depicted embodiment, the ball lock pin  606  is disposed across the lumen of the housing  602 A and travels within at least one slot  606 A having a first slot end  607 A and second slot end  607 B. In various embodiments, the slot  606 A is set in the wall of the coupler housing  602 , and can be disposed at an angle such that the first slot end  607 A is disposed above the second slot end  607 B. As would be appreciated by one of skill in the art, in certain embodiments a paired slot (not shown) can appear on the opposite side of the coupler housing  602  from the first slot  606 A, while in alternate embodiments, other mechanisms, such as a flange, can be used to maintain the orientation of ball lock pin  606 . In certain embodiments, a tightening bolt  608  is threaded into the coupler housing  602  and is configured to be able to push against a push block  212  attached to the base assembly  200 . 
         [0089]    In  FIG. 6C , a cross-sectional view of the gooseneck coupler  600  in an unlatched position illustrates the gooseneck ball  610  within the coupler housing  602 . In the unlatched position, the ball lock pin  606  is disengaged, so as to allow the gooseneck ball  610  to enter into the internal area of the coupler housing  602  from the lower opening. 
         [0090]    In  FIG. 6E , the ball lock pin  606  is engaged and secures the gooseneck ball  610  within the interior of the coupler housing  602 . In this embodiment, urging the release lever  604  in the direction of the housing  602  results in the downward movement of the linkage  605 . The downward linkage  605  movement results in the corresponding displacement of a locking portion  612  to a position adjacent to the ball lock pin  606 . The ball pin lock  606  is correspondingly urged from the open, or unlocked position at the first slot end  607 A through the slot  606 A to the second slot end  607 B and against the lower profile of the ball  610 A, thereby securing the opposite side  610 B of the gooseneck ball  610  against the coupler housing inner wall  602 B. In one example, upon securing a ball  610  within the coupler housing lumen  602 A, a tightening bolt  608  can be turned to urge the push block  222  downward, thereby tightening and applying pressure through the base assembly  200  down to the truck bed  102 , as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art. 
         [0091]      FIGS. 7A-B  are perspective views of the lock assembly  700 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The lock assembly  700  generally comprises of an elongate, cylindrical outer lock tube  702  defining a first lock end  700 A and second lock end  700 B. A generally planar flange  704  comprising openings  706 A,  706 B configured to connect the lock assembly  700  to the roller guide plate  300  (as shown in  FIG. 4D ). 
         [0092]    Continuing with  FIGS. 7A-B , the generally cylindrical outer lock tube  702  can house an elongate lock pin  708 , which extends substantially from the first lock pin end  708 A to the second lock pin end  708 B. The first lock pin end  708 A has an offset region  710  that may be used to secure the rocker assembly  400  in a fixed position, as described below. 
         [0093]    In certain embodiments, the second lock pin end  708 B further comprises a lock joint  707  which is correspondingly attached to the lock handle  712  with a fastener  714 , such as a pin, bolt, or other known attachment, which in certain embodiments is able to pass through the lock pin openings  709  and lock joint openings  711 , as would be understood by one of skill in the art. As is shown in  FIGS. 7A-B , in certain embodiments the lock handle  712  can be an elongate cylinder disposed at an angle from the axis defined by the first lock end  700 A and second lock end  700 B. As shown in  FIGS. 7A-B , in this embodiment, the fastener  714  travels through a slot or opening  716  in the outer lock tube  702  so as to couple the lock handle  712  and to control or limit the motion of the lock pin  708  and lock handle  712 . 
         [0094]    Continuing with  FIGS. 7A-B , the lock handle  712  can be maneuvered as guided by the slot or opening  716  in the outer lock tube  702 . Accordingly, the rocker assembly  400  can be disengaged by urging the lock handle  712  outward, relative to the rocker assembly  400  by urging the lock pin  708  from of the corresponding lock pin opening  426 A in the rocker plate  402  (as shown in  FIG. 1B ). In these embodiments, as the rocker assembly  400  moves, the lock pin  708  and lock handle  712  can be aligned to re-engage the lock opening  426 . Upon alignment, the first lock pin end  708 A and offset region  710  communicate with the lock opening  426  to secure the position of the rocker assembly  400 . 
         [0095]    In this embodiment, the lock handle  712  can then be rotated within the lock opening  426 , thereby shifting the position of the offset region  710  of the lock pin  708  so as to increase the relative diameter of the lock pin  708  relative to the opening  426 . As would be apparent to one of skill in the art, this slight position shift tightens the rocker assembly  400  to the roller guide plate  300 , as the movement of the offset region  710  within the opening  426  urges the lock pin  708  against the opening, so as to create a snug connection. This urging of the opening results in a slight change in position of the rocker plate  402  to seat or apply pressure to the various projections  424  and against the ends  332  of the guide journals  330  of the roller guide plate  300 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 8A  is an alternate embodiment of the fifth wheel hitch assembly  100 . In this embodiment, the base assembly  200  of the hitch  100  is attached to a standard fifth wheel rail kit  802 A,  802 B by rail kit adapters  804 , as shown in  FIG. 8C . 
         [0097]    In these embodiments, each rail kit adapter  804  is inserted through the adapter opening  230  one side of the base assembly leg  202 . A fastener  806 , such as a bolt or screw, may be inserted into the opposite side of the base assembly leg  202  and threaded into the rail kit adapter  804 . The base assembly  200  is positioned on top contour of the rail kit  802 , and the lower portion of the rail kit adapters  804  protrude through receiving slots on the top contour of the rail kit  802 . One or more pins  808  are inserted through the rail  802 A,  802 B and through the lower portion of the rail kit adapters  804  depicted in  FIG. 8B . These embodiments thereby provide a tightening system, wherein one or more fasteners  806  can be quickly and easily tightened to secure the hitch to the rail kit  802 , thereby eliminating any movement between the hitch  100  or base assembly  200  and the rail kit  802 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 8D  shows an alternate embodiment of the rail kit adapter  804 . In this embodiment, a saddle  806  is provided with a fixed downward protrusion  806 B. The saddle  806  further comprises a first fastener  808 . The downward protrusion  806 B is configured to be positioned through the top receiving slots of the rail  802  and secured in place with a second fastener  810 , such as a pin and clip. The base assembly leg  202  is subsequently placed within the saddle  806  and effectively pinned though the leg  202  of the base assembly  200  with the first fastener  808 . 
         [0099]    Although the disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods.