Sliding latch for fifth wheel hitch

A fifth wheel hitch, comprising:

• a hitch mechanism having a jaw moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein said jaw selectively couples with a kingpin;
• a latching mechanism coupled to said jaw for locking said kingpin within said hitch mechanism including:
• a collar coupled to said frame and having a longitudinal groove formed therein;
• a shaft interposed within said collar and moveable between a closed position and an open position, wherein said shaft couples the fifth wheel hitch to a handle;
• and
• a latching pin coupled to said shaft and selectively guided within said groove, wherein said latching pin and said groove cooperate to restrict rotation of said shaft.

An automatic latching mechanism for a fifth wheel hitch, comprising:

• a first member;
• a second member defining a guiding surface, wherein said second member is in selective engagement with said first member, one of said first member and said second member is moveable between a closed position and an open position, and wherein one of said first member and said second member is coupled to a jaw of the fifth wheel hitch;
• and
• a latching member coupled to said first member and selectively guided adjacent said guiding surface, wherein said latching member and said guiding surface cooperate to restrict movement between said closed position and said open position.