Patent Publication Number: US-10315120-B2

Title: Boom coaster

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/141,044, entitled “CANTILEVERED COASTER,” filed Mar. 31, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/171,682, entitled “CANTILEVERED COASTER,” filed Jun. 5, 2015, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods utilized to provide amusement park experiences. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various amusement rides have been created to provide passengers with unique motion and visual experiences. For example, roller coasters and theme rides can be implemented with multi-passenger vehicles that travel along a fixed path. In addition to the excitement created by the speed or change in direction of the vehicles as they move along the path, the vehicles themselves may generate special effects (e.g., sound and/or motion effects). Although a repeat rider may be familiar with the general path of the ride, the special effects may create interest during second and subsequent rides. In another example, certain rides may be implemented with projection elements to create varying scenery and movement as the passenger vehicles travel along the path. However, regardless of the enhancements to such passenger vehicle rides, the rider in the passenger vehicle may not feel immersed in the ride. For example, the rider generally is aware of being within a ride because of the presence of a ride surface (e.g., a track) as well as being aware of the confines of the vehicle itself. Such awareness of the ride may prevent the ride experience from being a more accurate simulation. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved amusement ride that simulates certain experiences. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below. 
     In accordance with one embodiment, a boom coaster includes a passenger vehicle, a track, a bogie coupled to the passenger vehicle and the track and configured to move along the track, and a simulated ride surface positioned above the track and beneath the passenger vehicle. The simulated ride surface is configured to imitate a path of the passenger vehicle, the bogie is coupled to a surface of the passenger vehicle via a leg member extending around the simulated ride surface, and the leg member suspends the passenger vehicle above the simulated surface such that the bogie and the track are blocked from a passenger view perspective of the passenger vehicle. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a boom coaster includes a passenger vehicle, a track, a bogie coupled to the passenger vehicle and the track and configured to move along the track, a simulated ride surface extending along a ride path defined by the track such that the simulated ride surface remains between the passenger vehicle and the track as the passenger vehicle moves along all or portions of the ride path, and a leg member extending around the simulated ride surface and coupling the bogie to the passenger vehicle to enable the passenger vehicle to move along the ride path. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a boom coaster includes a passenger vehicle, a first track disposed below the passenger vehicle, a first bogie coupled to the first track and configured to move along the first track, a second track disposed below the passenger vehicle, a second bogie coupled to the second track and configured to move along the second track, a carrier coupled to the first bogie and the second bogie, where the carrier is configured to be directed along a ride path defined by the first and second tracks by the first bogie and the second bogie, a simulated ride surface extending along the ride path such that the simulated ride surface remains between the passenger vehicle and the first and second tracks as the passenger vehicle moves along portions of the ride path, and a leg member coupled to the carrier and the passenger vehicle, where the leg member is configured to extend around the simulated ride surface and couple to a surface of the passenger vehicle. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a boom coaster having a passenger vehicle driven by a bogie attached to the passenger vehicle by a leg member or boom, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is perspective view of the boom coaster of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of an embodiment of the boom coaster of  FIG. 1  that includes a horizontal track, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of an embodiment of the boom coaster of  FIG. 1  that includes two leg members attached to the passenger vehicle, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is an elevation view of an embodiment of the boom coaster of  FIG. 1  that includes two leg members coupled to separate passenger vehicles, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevational side view of an embodiment of the boom coaster of  FIG. 1  that includes two leg members coupled to a surface of the passenger vehicle, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a sectional view of an embodiment of the boom coaster of  FIG. 1 , in which a simulated ride surface includes rails and a tie, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the boom coaster of  FIG. 7 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view of an embodiment of the boom coaster of  FIG. 1 , in which a the simulated ride surface includes a trough configuration, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the boom coaster of  FIG. 9 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view of an embodiment of the boom coaster of  FIG. 1  that includes no simulated ride surface, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the boom coaster of  FIG. 11 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the boom coaster of  FIG. 1 , in which a simulated ride surface includes a gap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the boom coaster of  FIG. 1 , in which a simulated ride surface includes an obstruction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the boom coaster of  FIG. 1 , in which a simulated ride surface includes a jump, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the boom coaster of  FIG. 1 , in which a simulated ride surface includes a transition between a first surface to a second surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of an embodiment of a ride in which a boom coaster proceeds on a ride path that includes a substantially vertical drop and various hops or bumps, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a boom coaster, illustrating tracks located at least partially underneath a passenger vehicle, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  is a sectional view of an embodiment of a boom coaster, illustrating tracks located below and to a side of a passenger vehicle, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  is a sectional view of an embodiment of the boom coaster of  FIG. 1 , in which the leg member or boom is coupled to the passenger vehicle at a surface of the passenger vehicle facing a simulated ride surface, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 21  is a section view of an embodiment of the boom coaster of  FIG. 1 , in which a pivot joint couples the leg member to the passenger vehicle, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers&#39; specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     Present embodiments of the disclosure are directed to an amusement ride that creates a simulation of a vehicle travelling along a simulated ride surface (e.g., faux tracks or a scenic piece that blocks the view of certain system components), while a path of the vehicle actually is directed (e.g., controlled) by a carrier coupled to a track, offset from the simulated ride surface (e.g., hidden from a view of the passenger). Accordingly, the simulated ride surface may include transitions such as varying surfaces, debris, breaks, jumps, or the like, such that the passenger may experience an enhanced sense of thrill due to the impression that the vehicle is safely undergoing such transitions and/or moving across the simulated ride surface. An amusement ride that includes such features may be desirable to enhance the passenger&#39;s overall experience and enjoyment. While the present disclosure focuses on an amusement ride that utilizes tracks to direct the carrier and the vehicle along a ride path, it should be noted that embodiments of the present disclosure are suitable for use with any amusement ride (e.g., amusement rides that utilize gravitational forces to direct the vehicle along the ride path rather than power to drive the vehicle). 
       FIG. 1  is a sectional view of a boom coaster  10  in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the boom coaster  10  may include an upper track  12  (e.g., with respect to a ground surface  13 ), a lower track  14  (e.g., with respect to the ground surface  13 ), and a simulated ride surface  16  (e.g., a scenic surface). As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the upper track  12  is positioned above the lower track  14 . In other embodiments, the tracks  12  and  14  may be positioned horizontally relative to the ground surface  13  (see  FIG. 3 ) rather than in the vertical configuration (e.g., with respect to the ground surface  13 ) of  FIG. 1 . Further, in some embodiments, different track orientations may be used (e.g., the tracks  12 ,  14  may be positioned above the simulated ride surface  16 ). In still further embodiments, the boom coaster  10  may include only one track, or the boom coaster  10  may include more than two tracks (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more). 
     The upper track  12  may include an upper bogie  18  configured to move along the upper track  12  via one or more wheels  20 . Similarly, the lower track  14  may include a lower bogie  22  configured to move along the lower track  14  via one or more wheels  24 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the bogies  18  and  22  may each include 3 wheels  20 ,  24 . In other embodiments, the bogies  18 ,  22  may each include one wheel, two wheels, or more than three wheels. The wheels  20 ,  24  may be pinch wheels or any other device configured to facilitate movement of the bogies  18 ,  22  along the tracks  12 ,  14 . 
     In certain embodiments, the upper bogie  18  and the lower bogie  22  may be coupled to a carrier  26  that, in turn, is directed along the upper and lower tracks  12 ,  14  by the bogies  18  and  22 . In other embodiments, the carrier  26  may include the upper bogie  18  and the lower bogie  22 . In still further embodiments, the carrier  26 , the upper bogie  18 , and the lower bogie  22 , may be integrated into a single component. An arm or leg member  28  (e.g., a boom) may be coupled to the carrier  26  and to a passenger vehicle  30  (e.g., a vessel that transports one or more passengers along the boom coaster  10 ). For example, the leg member  28  may be welded to the passenger vehicle  30  and/or the carrier  26 , or the leg member  28  may be attached to the passenger vehicle  30  and/or the carrier  26  using any other suitable technique (e.g., via a rotational joint or another type of articulation mechanism as shown in  FIG. 21 ). Further, the leg member  28  may be detachable from the passenger vehicle  30 , such that the leg member  28  may be attached to multiple locations of the passenger vehicle  30 . In certain embodiments the leg member  28  may be an “I-beam,” or a pipe, that includes a curved portion  32  (or angled portion) enabling the leg member  28  to couple to the passenger vehicle  30 , while hiding at least portion of the carrier  26  and/or the tracks  12 ,  14 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the leg member  28  generally has a J-shape. In other embodiments, the leg member  28  may have an L-shape, a C-shape, an S-shape, or a shape including multiple curves (e.g., a question mark shape). In some embodiments, the leg member  28  (e.g., the boom) may include a single piece of material as opposed to having multiple segments coupled to one another. In other embodiments, the leg member  28  may be any other structural component configured to couple the carrier  26  to the passenger vehicle  30 . In still further embodiments, the boom coaster  10  may include more than one leg member  28 , as will be discussed in further detail herein with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 6 . 
     By coupling the leg member  28  to the passenger vehicle  30  and the carrier  26 , the passenger vehicle  30  may move with the bogies  18 ,  22  along the upper and lower tracks  12 ,  14 . In certain embodiments, the leg member  28  is coupled to a first lateral side  34  of the passenger vehicle  30 . Accordingly, the leg member  28  extends around the simulated ride surface  16 , thereby eliminating any slot, gap, or groove that would be included in the simulated ride surface  16  if the leg member  28  were coupled to the passenger vehicle  30  in a manner in which the leg member  28  extended through the simulated ride surface  16 . It is now recognized that such a configuration may contribute to hiding the tracks  12 ,  14  from a passenger  36  in the passenger vehicle  30  because the passenger  36  may be blocked from viewing the tracks  12 ,  14  through the slot, gap, or groove. For example, each of the passengers  36  may represent a passenger view perspective of the passenger vehicle  30 , and the configuration of the boom coaster  10  may generally block the tracks  12 ,  14  and/or the leg member  28  from the passenger view perspective. Additionally, manufacturing the simulated ride surface  16  may be simplified by utilizing the leg member  28  that extends around the simulated ride surface  16  because the slot, gap, or groove, may not be formed in the simulated ride surface  16 . This configuration also provides a more immersive environment because passengers will not observe the slot, gap, or groove in the upcoming simulated ride surface  16  as they travel along the ride path. 
     It should be noted that while the leg member  28  is illustrated as being coupled to the first lateral side  34  of the passenger vehicle  30 , the leg member may be coupled to any side or surface of the passenger vehicle  30 . For example, in other embodiments (see, e.g.,  FIG. 20 ), the leg member  28  may extend around the simulated ride surface  16  and be coupled to a bottom side  37  (e.g., surface) of the passenger vehicle  30 . In still further embodiments, the leg member  28  may extend around the simulated ride surface  16  and be coupled to any suitable surface of the passenger vehicle  30 . As discussed above, the leg member  28  may be detachable from the passenger vehicle  30 , and thus, configured to couple to the passenger vehicle  30  at multiple locations (e.g., the leg member is not permanently fixed to a surface of the passenger vehicle  30 ). Additionally, the leg member  28  may be configured to move to different locations of the passenger vehicle  30  via a slot or groove depending on movement of the passenger vehicle (e.g., the leg member  28  may move along a slot or groove of the passenger vehicle  30  as a result of movement of the passenger vehicle  30 ). 
     In some embodiments, the tracks  12 ,  14  are overhead of the passenger vehicle  30  and the leg member  28  would extend downward to the passenger vehicle past the simulated ride surface  16  (e.g., a faux environmental piece or faux track). Further, in embodiments that will be discussed in further detail below, the orientation of the leg member  28  relative to the passenger vehicle  30  may change throughout a ride depending on the position of the passenger vehicle  30  along a ride path. For example, as the passenger vehicle  30  approaches a downturn along the ride path, the orientation of the tracks  12 ,  14  relative to the passenger vehicle  30  may change and the connection between the leg member  28  and the passenger vehicle  30  may allow for rotation (e.g., pendulous movement) such that the leg member  28  extends to engagement with the passenger vehicle  30  from behind the passenger vehicle  30  during the downturn of the ride path. 
     The passenger experience may be further enhanced by including features that may conceal the leg member  28 . Concealing the leg member  28  may add to the passenger&#39;s perception that the path of passenger vehicle  30  is directed, or otherwise impacted, by the simulated ride surface  16 . For example, the leg member  28  may be painted a certain color (e.g., black) that blends in with other features of the ride environment. As another example, the leg member  28  may be hidden from a passenger&#39;s view via a blocking component included on the passenger vehicle  30  (e.g., if the passenger vehicle were themed as a plane, a wing of the plane may substantially hide the leg member  28 ). 
     The passenger vehicle  30  may be coupled to the leg member  28  such that the passenger vehicle  30  is suspended a distance  38  above the simulated ride surface  16 . For example, in certain embodiments, the distance  38  may be between 1 inch and 3 feet, between 0.5 inches and 1 foot, or between 0.1 and 6 inches. Moreover, the distance  38  between the passenger vehicle  30  and the simulated ride surface  16  may vary throughout the course of the boom coaster  10 . For example, the passenger vehicle  30  may be closer to the simulated ride surface  16  at a loading/unloading zone of the boom coaster  10  such that a prospective passenger (e.g., someone waiting in line) may perceive the passenger vehicle  30  as being directed along the simulated ride surface  16  (e.g., the simulated ride surface  16  dictates movement and/or a path of the passenger vehicle  30 ) as it approaches the loading/unloading zone. The closer the passenger vehicle  10  is to the simulated ride surface  16 , the more likely that the passenger  36 , or a prospective passenger, may believe that the path of the passenger vehicle  16  is directed by the simulated ride surface  16 . Additionally, the passenger vehicle  30  may include wheels  40  that spin upon contact with the simulated ride surface  16 , thereby enhancing a perception that a path of the passenger vehicle  30  is indeed directed by, or otherwise impacted by, the simulated ride surface  16 . The wheels  40  may also be configured to spin via a separate driving mechanism (e.g., an on board motor  41  or magnets) or as a result of movement of the passenger vehicle  30  (e.g., air moving through a pinwheel causing it to spin). In such embodiments, the passenger vehicle  30  may be positioned slightly above the simulated ride surface  16 , thereby enabling the wheels  40  to spin without contacting the simulated ride surface  16 . In other embodiments, the distance  38  may be the same throughout the boom coaster  10 . 
     The simulated ride surface  16  may be any surface or object configured to block the tracks  12 ,  14 , the carrier  26 , and/or the leg member  28  from the passenger view perspective, while creating a perception that a path of the passenger vehicle  30  is directed by, or otherwise impacted by, the simulated ride surface  16 .  FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the boom coaster  10  of  FIG. 1 , where the simulated ride surface  16  is a flat surface. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the simulated ride surface  16  is a flat surface having an upper face  42  and a lower face  44 , opposite the upper face  42 . The upper and lower faces  42 ,  44  may be substantially parallel to a direction  46  of movement of the passenger vehicle  30  along the tracks  12 ,  14 . It should be noted that while the passengers  36  are illustrated as facing a first direction  48 , the passenger vehicle may be configured to move in a second direction  49 , opposite the first direction  48 , such that the passengers  36  are facing backwards to the movement. In certain embodiments, the upper face  42  and/or the lower face  44  may include drawings, paintings, pictures, protrusions, gaps, rifts, ramps, or any other feature that may enhance the passenger&#39;s visual experience and/or perception that the simulated ride surface  16  directs, or otherwise impacts or influences, the path of the passenger vehicle  30 . In other embodiments, the boom coaster  10  may not include a simulated ride surface  16 . Embodiments of the simulated ride surface  16  are described in more detail herein with reference to  FIGS. 7-16 . 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the upper track  12  and the lower track  14  may be connected by a plurality of support members  50 . The support members  50  may enhance a structural integrity of the boom coaster  10 , for example. In certain embodiments, the plurality of support members  50  may have the same height, such that the distance between the upper track  12  and the lower track  14  remains constant throughout a length of the tracks  12 ,  14 . Moreover, the bogies  18  and  22  may be coupled by an interconnecting component  52 , such that the bogies  18  and  22  remain a constant distance between one another. In certain embodiments, the distance between the upper track  12  and the lower track  14  corresponds to the distance between the bogies  18  and  22 . Additionally,  FIG. 2  illustrates the upper track  12  having a third bogie  54  and the lower track  14  having a fourth bogie  56 . In the illustrated embodiment, the third and fourth bogies  54  and  56  are coupled by a second interconnecting component. Moreover, the interconnecting component  52  and the second interconnecting component may be coupled via the carrier  26 . 
       FIG. 2  also illustrates that the passenger vehicle  30  may include more than two wheels  40  (e.g., the passenger vehicle  30  of  FIG. 2  has four wheels  40 ) as well as transport more than two passengers  36  (e.g., the passenger vehicle  30  of  FIG. 2  transports 4 passengers  36 ). In other embodiments, the passenger vehicle  30  may have less than two wheels (e.g., 1 or none), or the passenger vehicle  30  may have more than two wheels (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more). Additionally, the passenger vehicle  30  may transport less than two passengers  36  (e.g., 1), or the passenger vehicle  30  may transport more than two passengers (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more) along the length of the tracks  12  and  14 . Although the tracks  12  and  14  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are in the vertical configuration, the boom coaster  10  may use tracks with other configurations (e.g., horizontal). 
       FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the boom coaster  10  with tracks  70 ,  72  positioned in a side-by-side (e.g., horizontal) arrangement. Therefore, a face  74  of the carrier  26  may be substantially parallel to the upper face  42  and the lower face  44  of the simulated ride surface  16 . In certain embodiments, the carrier  26  may be wider than the simulated ride surface  16  such that the carrier  26  includes an increased center of gravity to support a weight of the passenger vehicle  30  (e.g., the passenger vehicle  30  itself and the passenger  36 ). In other embodiments, the carrier  26  may be narrower than the passenger vehicle  30  to facilitate hiding the carrier  26  from the passenger  36 . In such embodiments, the carrier  26  may be constructed from relatively heavy materials to increase the center of gravity of the carrier  26 . In other embodiments having a narrow carrier, weights may be attached to the carrier  26  to enhance the center of gravity of the carrier  26 . In other embodiments, the carrier  26  and/or the bogies  18  and  22 , may include wheels (e.g., the wheels  20 ,  24 ) on multiple sides of the tracks  70 ,  72 , thereby securing (e.g., clamping) the carrier  26  to the tracks  70 ,  72  so that it may bear the weight of the passenger vehicle  30 . It should be understood that the carrier  26  may include any suitable width, weight, or clamping engagement combination, such that the carrier  26  has an appropriate center of gravity to safely and securely support the weight of the passenger vehicle  30  and the passenger  36 . 
     In certain embodiments, the boom coaster  10  may include a leg member  76  with a first curved portion  78 , a second curved portion  80 , and a straight portion  81  (e.g., a bracket shape or C-shape) to couple the carrier  26  to the passenger vehicle  30 . However, it should be noted that the leg member  76  may include any other suitable configuration (e.g., a J-shape or an L-shape). As shown, the leg member  76  is coupled to a second lateral side  82  of the passenger vehicle  30 . The first curved portion  78  and the second curved portion  80  may enable the first track  70  and the second track  72  to be completely hidden beneath the simulated ride surface  16  (e.g., the first curved portion  78  extends underneath the simulated ride surface  16 ). As discussed previously, the curved portions  78 ,  80  may enable the leg member  76  to extend around the simulated ride surface  16 , thereby eliminating the need for any gaps, grooves, or holes in the simulated ride surface  16  for the leg member  76  to pass through. In other embodiments, the leg member  76  may include only the second curved portion  80  and be coupled to a side  84  of the carrier  26 , such that the first curved portion  78  is not included and the leg member  76  is substantially parallel to the side  84  of the carrier  26 . 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the boom coaster  10  of  FIG. 3  having a second leg member  85  coupled to the first lateral side  34  of the passenger vehicle  30  in addition to the leg member  76  coupled to the second lateral side  82  of the passenger vehicle  30 . The first and second leg members  76 ,  84  may be coupled to the passenger vehicle  30  via a weld or any other suitable coupling technique. Additionally, the second leg member  84  may include a third curved portion  86  and a fourth curved portion  88  to enable the carrier  26  to be fully hidden from view of the passenger  36  (e.g., the third curved portion  86  extends underneath the simulated ride surface  16 ). Having the leg member  76  and the second leg member  84  may increase a load capacity (e.g., weight) of the boom coaster  10  such that the passenger vehicle  30  may be suitable to transport an increased number of passengers. For example, the leg members  76 ,  84  may each bear a substantially equal portion of the weight of the passenger vehicle  30 , such that the carrier  26  may support an increased weight of the passenger vehicle  30 . It should be noted that while the carrier  26  and tracks of  FIG. 4  are shown in the horizontal configuration, the carrier  26  and the tracks  12 ,  14  positioned in the vertical configuration (e.g., shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) may also be used in embodiments of the boom coaster  10  having more than one leg member. 
     In certain embodiments, a beam  89  may be employed to support the simulated ride surface  16 . The beam  89  may be positioned between the track  70  and the track  72 . Therefore, the carrier  26  may be divided into two different portions (e.g., one portion coupled to the track  70  and the other portion coupled to the track  72 ). Accordingly, the two portions may be configured to move along the tracks  70 ,  72  at the same speed so that the two portions remain substantially aligned with respect to the passenger vehicle  30 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the boom coaster  10  that includes a single carrier  90  for a first passenger vehicle  92  and a second passenger vehicle  94 . Accordingly, the carrier  90  may be easily hidden from a viewpoint  96  of the passenger  36  because the carrier  90  may be positioned between the first passenger vehicle  92  and the second passenger vehicle  94 , such that no portion of the carrier  90  extends into the viewpoint  96  of the passenger  36 . Therefore, when the simulated ride surface  16  includes openings such as breaks, gaps, or the like, the passenger  36  may be prevented from seeing the carrier  90  through the opening. 
     The illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 5  shows a first leg member  98  coupling the carrier  90  to the first passenger vehicle  92  and a second leg member  100  coupling the carrier  90  to the second passenger vehicle  94 . The first leg member  98 , as illustrated, includes a bend portion  102  that may enhance a load capacity (e.g., weight) of the first leg member  98 . Similarly, the second leg member  100  may also include a bend portion  104 . In other embodiments, the first leg member  98  and the second leg member  100  may not include the bend portions  102  and  104 , respectively, but may be substantially perpendicular to a track  106 . 
     As mentioned previously, the first leg member  98  and the second leg member  100  may include curved portions (e.g., the first curved portion  78  and the second curved portion  80  of  FIG. 3 ) that enable the first leg member  98  to couple the carrier  90  to the first passenger vehicle  92  and the second leg member  100  to couple the carrier  90  to the second passenger vehicle  94  without creating a gap, groove, or hole in the simulated ride surface  16 . These curved portions may be desirable because they eliminate the need for the gap, groove, or hole in the simulated ride surface  16 , and thus, eliminate the potential for the passenger  36  to see the track  106  and/or the carrier  90  through such openings. Additionally, manufacture of the simulated ride surface  16  may be facilitated because no gap, groove, or hole is formed in the simulated ride surface  16 . 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the boom coaster  10  having both a first leg member  110  and a second leg member  112  coupled to the second lateral side  82  of the passenger vehicle  30 . Accordingly, the load capacity of the boom coaster  10  may increase because the weight of the passenger vehicle  30  is distributed amongst more leg members (e.g., the first leg member  110  and the second leg member  112  rather than a single leg member). Any suitable number of leg members may couple the carrier  26  to the first lateral side  34  and/or the second lateral side  82  of the passenger vehicle  30  while still hiding the carrier  26  and the tracks  70 ,  72  from the passenger  36 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the passenger vehicle  30  offset from (e.g., positioned in front of) the carrier  26 . Accordingly, the passenger  36  may not be able to see the carrier  26  when looking over the sides  34 ,  82  of the passenger vehicle  30 . Moreover, when the simulated ride surface  16  includes openings (e.g., gaps, holes, or rifts that, for example, simulate jumps or flying), the passenger  36  may not see the carrier  26  through an upcoming opening because the carrier  26  is positioned behind the passenger  36 . Additionally, the passenger vehicle  30  may include a back portion  114  that may be configured to create an additional barrier to the viewpoint of the passenger  36 . It should be noted that the passenger vehicle  30  may include any configuration (e.g., any suitable number of protrusions, barriers, or blocking devices) that is suitable to block the passenger  36  from viewing the carrier  26 , the tracks  70 ,  72 , and/or the leg members  110 ,  112 , while still providing an enhanced ride experience. The carrier  26 , the tracks  70 ,  72 , and/or the leg members  110 ,  112  may also be concealed from the passenger  36  by utilizing a dark environment (e.g., a room or building with few lights) in a surrounding setting of the boom coaster  10 . For example, the passenger  36  may not be able to see the carrier  26 , the tracks  70 ,  72 , and/or the leg members  110 ,  112  because of the dark environment. 
     As mentioned previously, the passenger vehicle  30  itself may also include blocking components that hide the carrier  26 , the tracks  70 ,  72 , and/or the leg members  110 ,  112  from the passenger  36 . In addition to including components configured to hide the carrier  26 , the tracks  70 ,  72 , and/or the leg members  110 ,  112 , the passenger vehicle  30  may be shaped in accordance with an overall theme of the boom coaster. For example, the passenger vehicle  30  may be a train, a boat, a plane, a car, or any other device that may be consistent with a theme of the boom coaster  10 . The simulated ride surface  16  may also be consistent with the overall theme of the boom coaster  10 . Therefore, the simulated ride surface  16  may include a variety of configurations to enhance the passenger&#39;s  36  ride experience. 
       FIG. 7  is a sectional view of the boom coaster  10  having a simulated ride surface  16  that includes a first rail  120 , a second rail  122 , and a tie  124 . Accordingly, the simulated ride surface  16  may be configured to imitate a roller coaster track (e.g., to further enhance the perception that the path of the passenger vehicle  30  is controlled by the simulated ride surface  16 ). In other embodiments, the simulated ride surface  16  may be imitating a railway track (e.g., when the passenger vehicle  30  imitates a train). Additionally, although the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 7  includes the upper track  12  and the lower track  14  in the vertical configuration, the first rail  120 , the second rail  122 , and the tie  124  may be utilized with the horizontal configuration of the tracks  70  and  72 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the boom coaster  10  with the simulated ride surface  16  of  FIG. 7 . The embodiment of  FIG. 8  illustrates a plurality of ties  124  coupled to the first rail  120  and the second rail  122 . In certain embodiments, the ties  124  may be spaced such that gaps  126  are formed between each of the plurality of ties  124 . For example, the gaps  126  may provide a perception that the simulated ride surface  16  is a roller coaster track or a railway track. In such embodiments, the wheels  40  of the passenger vehicle  30  may be aligned with the first rail  120  and the second rail  122 , such that the wheels  40  are configured to spin on contact with the first and second rails  120  and  122 . In other embodiments, the ties  124  may be spaced such that no gaps are created. In the embodiments without the gaps  126 , the wheels  40  of the passenger vehicle  30  may be configured to spin upon contact with the ties  124  and/or the rails  120 ,  122 . 
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the boom coaster  10  having a simulated ride surface  16  that includes a trough configuration. Therefore, the simulated ride surface  16  includes a first barrier  130  and a second barrier  132  in addition to the upper face  42  and the lower face  44 . The trough configuration of the simulated ride surface  16  may be desirable when the simulated ride surface  16  includes water (e.g., when the passenger vehicle  30  is themed as a boat or other transportation device configured to float). Accordingly, the first and second barriers  130 ,  132  may be configured to hold water so that the simulated ride surface  16  may convey the water as if it were flowing in a stream or river, for example. The passenger vehicle  30  of  FIG. 9  is illustrated as having the wheels  40 , however, no wheels may be included (e.g., when the passenger vehicle imitates a boat). 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the boom coaster  10  having the simulated ride surface  16  of  FIG. 9  (e.g., the trough configuration having the first and second barriers  130 ,  132 ). Although the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 9 and 10  include the upper track  12  and the lower track  14  in the vertical configuration, the trough configuration of the simulated ride surface  16  may be utilized with the horizontal configuration of the tracks  70  and  72 . For example, in some embodiments, the tracks  70 ,  72  may be disposed within the trough (e.g., inside of the barriers  130 ,  132  and facing the upper face  42 ). In such embodiments, jets or other devices configured to convey water may be utilized to direct water over the tracks  70 ,  72 . Accordingly, rather than the simulated ride surface  16  blocking the tracks  70 ,  72  from the view of the passengers  36 , the water flowing over the tracks  70 ,  72  may act to conceal the tracks  70 ,  72 . 
       FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the boom coaster  10  having no simulated ride surface  16 . The passenger vehicle  30  of  FIG. 11  is illustrated as having the wheels  40 , however, no wheels may be included. The absence of the simulated ride surface  16  may create a perception to the passenger  36  that the passenger vehicle  30  is floating or otherwise suspended above (e.g., jumping over) another surface (e.g., the ground). Accordingly, the tracks  12  and  14  may be disposed substantially beneath the passenger vehicle  30  such that the tracks  12  and  14  are hidden from the viewpoint of the passenger  36 . The illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 11  may be desirable when the boom coaster  10  is constructed in a dark environment, such that the passenger  36  may not easily perceive the tracks  12  and  14  in front of, or behind, the passenger vehicle  30 . Additionally,  FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the boom coaster  10  having no simulated ride surface  16 . Although the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 11 and 12  include the upper track  12  and the lower track  14  in the vertical configuration, embodiments of the boom coaster  10  having no simulated ride surface  10  may be used with the horizontal configuration of the tracks  70  and  72 . 
     A similar effect to that achieved in  FIGS. 11 and 12  may be performed by lowering the simulated ride surface  16  relative to the passenger vehicle  30  along the ride path. For example, the simulated ride surface  16  may slope downwards from the passenger vehicle  30  towards the tracks  12 ,  14 , thereby creating a perception that the passenger vehicle is floating or otherwise suspended above the simulated ride surface  16 , while still hiding the carrier  26  and/or the tracks  12 ,  14  from the passenger  36 . In other words, the simulated ride surface  16  is still between the passenger vehicle  30  and the tracks  12 ,  14 , but it is simply a greater distance from the passenger vehicle  30  to create a floating effect. In certain embodiments, the simulated ride surface  16  may be painted (e.g., decorated) to blend in with the surrounding settings such that the passenger believes that the simulated ride surface  16  disappeared. In actuality, however, the simulated ride surface  16  may still be beneath the passenger vehicle hiding the tracks  12 ,  14  and/or the carrier  26 . It should be noted that different heights of the leg member  28  may facilitate a wider range of distances that may be created between the simulated ride surface  16  and the passenger vehicle. For example, the larger the height of the leg member  28 , the more enjoyment the passenger  36  may experience because of the thrill created by the perception that the passenger vehicle  36  is further from the simulated ride surface  16 . 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the tracks  70  and  72  and the simulated ride surface  16  (e.g., having the first rail  120 , the second rail  122 , and the plurality of ties  124 ) that includes a gap  150  (e.g., a jump, a hole, a break, or an opening). Because the passenger  36  may believe that the simulated ride surface  16  controls a path of the passenger vehicle  30 , the passenger  36  may fear or anticipate that the passenger vehicle  30  may crash or otherwise incur damage as a result of the gap  150 . Accordingly, the boom coaster  10  may be configured to provide an increased thrill to the passenger  36  by creating such fear or anticipation. Moreover, the passenger  36  may feel a sense of relief or excitement when the passenger vehicle  30  safely clears the gap  150 . It should be noted that the passenger vehicle  30  may travel in either a direction  152  or a direction  154  when moving across the gap  150 . Although the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 13  includes the tracks  70  and  72  in the horizontal configuration, the gap  150  may also be included in embodiments using the upper track  12  and the lower track  14  (e.g., the vertical configuration). 
     Similarly,  FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the tracks  70  and  72  and the simulated ride surface  16  (e.g., having the first rail  120 , the second rail  122 , and the plurality of ties  124 ) that includes an obstruction  160  (e.g., a puddle of water, a pile of rocks) or other form of debris in the path of the passenger vehicle. Therefore, because the passenger  36  may believe that the simulated ride surface  16  controls a path of the passenger vehicle  30 , the passenger  36  may fear or anticipate that the passenger vehicle  30  may crash or otherwise incur damage as a result of the obstruction  160 . Accordingly, the boom coaster  10  may be configured to provide an increased thrill to the passenger  36  by creating such fear or anticipation. Moreover, the passenger  36  may feel a sense of relief or excitement when the passenger vehicle  30  safely clears the obstruction  160 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the tracks  70  and  72  may include a first sloped portion  162  and a second sloped portion  164  so that the passenger vehicle  30  may safely ascend over the obstruction  160  and subsequently descend back towards the simulated ride surface  16  (e.g., to create a jumping effect). In other embodiments, the obstruction  160  may not inhibit the path of the passenger vehicle  30 , but only appear to the passenger  36  as debris that the passenger vehicle  30  may run over. In such embodiments, the upward sloping portion  162  and the downward sloping portion  164  may not be included. It should be noted that the passenger vehicle  30  may travel in either the direction  152  or the direction  154  when moving across the obstruction  160 . Although the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 14  includes the tracks  70  and  72  in the horizontal configuration, the obstruction  160  may also be included in embodiments with the upper track  12  and the lower track  14  (e.g., the vertical configuration). 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the tracks  70  and  72  and the simulated ride surface  16  (e.g., having the first rail  120 , the second rail  122 , and the plurality of ties  124 ) that includes an elevated gap  170  (e.g., a jump, an elevated opening) in the path of the passenger vehicle. Because the passenger  36  may believe that the simulated ride surface  16  controls a path of the passenger vehicle  30 , the passenger  36  may fear or anticipate that the passenger vehicle  30  may crash or otherwise incur damage as a result of the elevated gap  170 . Accordingly, the boom coaster  10  may be configured to provide an increased thrill to the passenger  36  by creating such fear or anticipation. Moreover, the passenger  36  may feel a sense of relief or excitement when the passenger vehicle  30  safely clears the elevated gap  170 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the tracks  70  and  72  may include a sloping portion  172  so that the passenger vehicle  30  may safely ascend/descend across the elevated gap  170 . It should be noted that the passenger vehicle  30  may travel in either the direction  152  or the direction  154  when moving across the elevated gap  170 . Although the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 15  includes the tracks  70  and  72  in the horizontal configuration, the elevated gap  170  may also be included in embodiments with the upper track  12  and the lower track  14  (e.g., the vertical configuration). 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the tracks  70  and  72  and the simulated ride surface  16  including a surface transition  180  between a first surface  182  (e.g., the simulated ride surface  16  with the first rail  120 , the second rail  122 , and the plurality of ties  124 ) and a second surface  184  (e.g., clouds, or any surface consistent with a theme of the boom coaster  10 ). Because the passenger  36  may believe that the simulated ride surface  16  controls a path of the passenger vehicle  30 , the passenger  36  may fear or anticipate that the passenger vehicle  30  may not be suitable to travel on the second surface  184  (e.g., clouds, water, grass, sky). Accordingly, the boom coaster  10  may be configured to provide an increased thrill to the passenger  36  by creating such fear or anticipation. Moreover, the passenger  36  may feel a sense of relief or excitement when the passenger vehicle  30  safely travels on the second surface  184 . As discussed above, the passenger vehicle  30  may be configured to travel in either the direction  152  or the direction  154 . Although the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 16  includes the tracks  70  and  72  in the horizontal configuration, the surface transition  180  may also be included in embodiments with the upper track  12  and the lower track  14  (e.g., the vertical configuration). 
       FIG. 17  is a side view of the boom coaster  10  proceeding on a ride path  200  that includes the tracks  12 ,  14  arranged to provide a substantially vertical drop  202  and various hops or bumps  204 . As will be appreciated, the ride path  200  may include any number of different twists, turns, drops, bumps, and so forth. The illustrated drop  202  and bumps  204  are examples to facilitate explanation of certain operational features of the boom coaster  10 . For example,  FIG. 17  illustrates various orientations of the passenger vehicle  30  with respect to the tracks  12 ,  14  and the leg member  28  as the passenger vehicle  30  progresses along the ride path  200  and encounters different configurations of the tracks  12 ,  14 . Further, while present embodiments include both gravity-based and powered configurations,  FIG. 17  illustrates a powered configuration wherein the boom coaster  10  is capable of controlling descents and so forth. For example, when the passenger vehicle  30  is traversing the drop  202 , it may be operated in a controlled descent by any of various mechanisms for such controlled operation. 
     Specifically,  FIG. 17  illustrates operational results of a rotational joint  208  that couples the leg member  28  to the passenger vehicle  30  (e.g., a pivot attachment) and adds a degree of rotational freedom. The rotational joint  208  provides an ability to pivot where the leg member  28  connects to the passenger vehicle  30  such that the passenger vehicle  30  remains upright without regard to the track orientation. That is, the rotational joint  208  functions to essentially keep the passenger vehicle  30  level during transitions along the ride path  200 . For example, in an initial position  220  (e.g., a loading configuration) of the illustrated embodiment, the leg member  28  is substantially vertical and extends essentially directly downward from the passenger vehicle  30  such that it can be described as extending under the passenger vehicle  30  to the tracks  12 ,  14 . However, as the tracks  12 ,  14  transition to the drop  202 , the rotational joint  208  allows the leg member  28  and the passenger vehicle  30  to change their orientation with respect to one another. Based on one or more of various techniques (e.g., controlled actuation or load balancing of the passenger vehicle  30 ), the passenger vehicle  30  may be arranged such that a seating surface  221  of the passenger vehicle maintains a substantially level orientation with respect to the Earth (e.g., transverse to gravity) by rotating with respect to the leg member  28 . Accordingly, when the passenger vehicle  30  transitions into the drop  202  (position  222 ), the ride vehicle  30  stays essentially level relative to the Earth but the leg member  30  transitions to being underneath and toward a rear  223  of the ride vehicle  30 . Similarly, when the passenger vehicle  30  is in the middle of the drop  202  (position  224 ), the leg member  28  is essentially directly behind the passenger vehicle  30 . 
     Other positions  226  of the passenger vehicle  30  and leg member  28  are also shown to illustrate that changes in the ride path  200  can cause a wide variety of orientation changes. As an example, in some embodiments, the ride path  200  may turn abruptly upward and cause the leg member  28  to rotate relative to the passenger vehicle  30  such that it is directly in front of the passenger vehicle  30 . It should be noted that the rotational joint  208  may include any of various mechanisms for facilitating such rotation. Further, the rotational joint  208  may include a braking mechanism, stabilization features (e.g., resistance features that slow rotation and prevent sway), actuation features that communicate with and facilitate control from an automation controller (e.g., a programmable logic controller), additional articulation mechanisms that facilitate motion other than rotation, and so forth. In some embodiments, the rotational joint  208  may be positioned at a center of gravity of the passenger vehicle  30 . In other embodiments, the rotational joint  208  may be positioned offset from the center of gravity of the passenger vehicle  30 . In such embodiments where the rotational joint  208  is offset from the center of gravity, a motor (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 18 and 19 ) may be included to adjust the rotational joint  208  and maintain the passenger vehicle at a substantially level orientation with respect to the Earth. In still further embodiments, the rotational joint  208  may be configured to change positions with respect to the passenger vehicle  30  by moving along a groove or slot of the passenger vehicle  30 . 
     In some embodiments, the rotational joint  208  may also enable the passenger vehicle  30  to pivot (e.g., swivel) about the leg member  28 . For example, the passenger vehicle may rotate about the leg member  28  via the rotational joint  208  (e.g., driven by an on-board motor  228 ), thereby providing the boom coaster  10  with another degree of freedom.  FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate examples of such configurations. 
     In particular,  FIG. 18  is a sectional view of the boom coaster  10  that illustrates an embodiment wherein the tracks  12 ,  14  are located at least partially underneath the passenger vehicle  30 . However, in different positions along the ride path  200 , the tracks  12 ,  14  may be in different positions relative to the passenger vehicle  30  (e.g., behind or in front of the passenger vehicle  30 ) due to the rotation about the rotational joint  208  discussed above. Accordingly, the arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 18  may be referred to as having the tracks  12 ,  14  and the passenger vehicle  30  in alignment along an axis (e.g., axis  300 ) that is transverse to a rotational axis  301  (the axis about which rotation occurs) of the rotational joint  208 , which may be transverse to the direction of gravity. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 18 , the simulated ride surface  16  is located between the tracks  12 ,  14  and the passenger vehicle  30  along the axis  300 . A portion  302  of the simulated ride surface  16  is cantilevered over the tracks  12 ,  14  from a main body  304  of the simulated ride surface to block viewing of the tracks  12 ,  14  and other system components. In the illustrated embodiment, the simulated ride surface  16  also includes an upturned piece  308  to further block viewing. It should be noted that, in the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 18 , there is also a scenic backdrop  310  that facilitates concealment of the leg member  28 . For example, the scenic backdrop  310  and the leg member  28  may be painted flat black or some other color and texture to blend in with each other (or provides something to view to distract the riders from looking down toward the leg member  28 ). 
       FIG. 19  is a sectional view of the boom coaster  10  that illustrates an embodiment wherein the tracks  12 ,  14  are located below and to a side of the passenger vehicle  30 . However, in different positions along the ride path  200 , the tracks  12 ,  14  may be in different positions relative to the passenger vehicle  30  (e.g., to the side and also behind or in front of the passenger vehicle  30 ) due to the rotation about the rotational joint  208  discussed above. Accordingly, the arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 19  may be referred to as having the tracks  12 ,  14  and the passenger vehicle  30  offset relative to one another along the axis (e.g., axis  300 ) that is transverse to the rotational axis  301  of the rotational joint  208 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 19 , the simulated ride surface  16  is positioned to the side (a lateral side) of the tracks  12 ,  14  along the axis  301 . A portion  402  of the simulated ride surface  16  is upturned to block viewing. In the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 19 , the scenic backdrop  310  extends over the tracks  12 ,  14  to facilitate concealment of the tracks  12 ,  14  and related system components. Generally, there is a housing within the backdrop  310  for the tracks  12 ,  14  and related system components. As set forth above, the scenic backdrop  310  and the leg member  28  may be painted flat black or some other color and texture to blend in with each other. The particular color used may also account for lighting conditions present throughout the ride. It should be noted that the embodiment shown in  FIG. 19 , wherein the tracks  12 ,  14  are offset relative to axis  300 , may facilitate shortening of the leg member  28  relative to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 18  because the tracks  12 ,  14  can be positioned closer to the passenger vehicle  30  and because the simulated ride surface  16  is not sandwiched between the tracks  12 ,  14  and the passenger vehicle  30 . 
       FIG. 20  is a sectional view of the boom coaster  10 , illustrating the leg member  28  coupled to the bottom surface  37  of the passenger vehicle  30 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 20 , the leg member  28  may include a coupling member  410  (e.g., coupling the leg member  28  to the passenger vehicle  30 ), a first horizontal member  412 , a first vertical member  414 , a second horizontal member  416 , and/or a second vertical member  418 . The coupling member  410 , the first horizontal member  412 , the first vertical member  414 , the second horizontal member  416 , and/or the second vertical member  418  may enable the leg member  28  to include a configuration that wraps around the simulated ride surface  16  (e.g., overlaps at least a portion of three sides of the simulated ride surface  16 ) and couples to the bottom surface of the passenger vehicle  30 . Accordingly, the leg member  28  may be substantially blocked from the view of the passengers  36 . The second horizontal member  416  and the second vertical member  418  may enable the tracks  12 ,  14  to be positioned underneath the simulated ride surface  16  at a point  420  that is substantially at the center of the simulated ride surface  16 . As such, the tracks  12 ,  14  may be further blocked from the view of the passengers  36 . However, the point  420  of attachment may be located off-center in other embodiments. 
     As discussed above, it may be beneficial to configure the passenger vehicle  30  with additional degrees of freedom to provide enhanced enjoyment to the passengers  36  of the boom coaster  10 . For example,  FIG. 21  is a sectional view of the boom coaster  10 , illustrating the leg member  28  coupled to the passenger vehicle  30  via a pivot joint  440 . In certain embodiments, the pivot joint  440  may enable the passenger vehicle  30  to rotate in a first direction  442  and/or a second direction  444  about an axis  446  (e.g., a longitudinal axis of the passenger vehicle  30 ). Accordingly, the boom coaster  10  may provide the effect of the passenger vehicle  30  making a sharp curve and/or traveling over an uneven surface. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 21 , the simulated ride surface  16  is substantially parallel with the bottom surface  37  of the passenger vehicle  30  while the passenger vehicle  30  is tilted, thereby creating the effect that the ride path of the passenger vehicle  30  is controlled by the simulated ride surface  16 . However, in other embodiments, the simulated ride surface  16  may not be parallel to the bottom surface  37  of the passenger vehicle, thereby creating the effect that the passenger vehicle  30  is moving on one of the wheels  40 . 
     In certain embodiments, the passenger vehicle  30  may rotate in the first direction  442  and/or the second direction  444  by passively actuating the pivot joint  440  (e.g., using an gravitational forces and the weight of the passenger vehicle  30 ), thereby rotating the passenger vehicle  30  about the axis  446 . In other embodiments, the pivot joint  440  may be positioned offset from a center of gravity of the passenger vehicle  30 . Accordingly, rotation of the passenger vehicle  30  may be actively controlled using an on-board motor  448 , for example, to rotate the passenger vehicle  30  about the axis  446  as the passenger vehicle  30  moves along the ride path. In such scenarios, the additional degree of freedom provided by the pivot joint  440  may provide enhanced amusement to the passengers  36 , thereby potentially encouraging the passengers  36  to ride the boom coaster  10  multiple times. 
     While only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure. While certain disclosed embodiments have been disclosed in the context of amusement or theme parks, it should be understood that certain embodiments may also relate to other uses. Further, it should be understood that certain elements of the disclosed embodiments may be combined or exchanged with one another.