System and method for securing tuned mass dampers to rail

A system for damping airborne vibrations at at least one rail frequency from a rail generated by movement of wheels over the rail, the rail having a web portion supported by a foot thereof, the web portion and the foot defining first and second pockets on opposite first and second sides of the rail respectively, the system comprising:

• first and second tuned mass dampers formed to be positioned in the first and second pockets respectively, each said tuned mass damper comprising:
• at least one damper element comprising a damper element material;
• a body element comprising a body material, said at least one damper element being at least partially embedded in the body element, the body element having inner and lower exterior surfaces formed to fit within the first and second pockets;
• the damper element material and the body material being selected and formed such that the tuned mass damper vibrates in response to movement of the wheels over the rail at at least one damper frequency that at least partially interferes with said at least one rail frequency;
• at least one clip assembly for securing the first and second tuned mass dampers in the first and second pockets respectively, said at least one clip assembly comprising:
• a bar element comprising:
• a connector portion extending between first and second ends thereof and formed to be positioned in a predetermined location relative to the rail at least partially under the foot of the rail;
• a first clamping arm connected with the connector portion at the first end of the connector portion, the first clamping arm being formed to engage the first tuned mass damper with a first engagement portion thereof to urge the first tuned mass damper against the first side of the rail and at least partially downwardly toward the foot, when the connector portion is in the predetermined location;
• a linkage section connected with the connector portion at the second end of the connector portion, the linkage section comprising a curved wall with an opening therein;
• and
• a second clamping arm extending between upper and lower ends thereof, the lower end comprising a locking portion at least partially receivable in the opening in the curved wall, the locking portion being securable to the linkage section, and the upper end being formed for engagement with the second tuned mass damper with a second engagement portion thereof, to urge the second tuned mass damper against the second side of the rail and at least partially downwardly toward the foot.