An omni direction vehicle (ODV) with a frame having a round surface about
its perimeter rotatably coupled to a trailer mule hitch assembly having
an axle, wheels and a fifth wheel plate located generally above the axle.
Two independent drive wheels located on an axis through the center of the
ODV frame are mounted at the same distance from a central vertical axis
through the frame. Each wheel is powered independently of the other and
can rotate at variable speeds in either direction. The ODV is capable of
movement in any direction by rotating the axis of the drive wheels to a
position which is perpendicular to the desired direction of travel. The
ODV can spin about its vertical axis such that the axis of the drive
wheels can be oriented at any direction without changing the original
footprint of the space that the frame occupies over the ground. Thus, the
combined ODV/trailer mule hitch assembly can rotate about the center of
the fifth wheel plate. The fifth wheel plate is mounted on an articulated
arm which raises and lowers the fifth wheel plate for rapid coupling to
and transportation of a semi-trailer without the need for retracting the
semi-trailer's landing gear.