ARCHERY BOW ACCESSORIES WITH A LINEAR SLIDE

Abstract

Certain embodiments of the present invention include archery accessories which incorporate a linear slide which allows one portion of the accessory to linearly translate or reciprocate relative to another portion. In certain embodiments, a linear slide assembly is incorporated into an accessory such as an arrow rest or an archery sight assembly. In certain arrangements, the accessories incorporate a linear slide assembly having a slider piece on an elongated track rail with a slider which moves relative to and along the track rail by virtue of rolling elements such as ball bearings within self-lubricating recirculating tracks. The linear slide preferably allows highly precise adjustment of the linear movement of the accessory with high stability, minimizing wobble and allowing essentially frictionless travel of the slider on the rail without binding.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/243,661, filed Sep. 18, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention deal with archery bows, and in particular deal with accessories such as arrow rests and sights usable with archery bows.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Arrow rests can be used with archery bows, including compound or recurve bows, to support and preferably stabilize an arrow shaft in position to allow the shaft to be drawn and released from an archery bow, preferably without substantial deviation from the desired flight path. The arrow rest preferably aligns an elongate axis of the arrow shaft in a desired path which the arrow follows during release from the bow and at least initially towards the target. Various types of arrow rests are known, including fixed arrow rests, drop away arrow rests and rests with radially inwardly extending brushes. An example of a vertical drop away arrow rest is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,311,099.

A bow sight can be used to assist an archer in aiming a bow. A typical bow sight includes a sight housing secured to the frame of a bow by one or more brackets. The sight housing often defines a viewing opening (i.e., a sight window) through which an archer can frame a target. The bow sight also typically includes at least one sighting member, such as a pin, that projects into the viewing opening. The sighting member defines and supports a sight point. The sight point is the point the archer aligns with the target during aiming. In use, the archer draws the drawstring of the bow and adjusts the position of the bow so that the intended target is visible through the viewing opening. While continuing to peer through the viewing opening with the bowstring drawn, the archer adjusts the position of the bow so that the sight point aligns with the intended target from the archer's eye. Once the sight point is aligned with the intended target, the archer releases the bowstring to shoot the arrow. “Target” herein can mean either a target being hunted or a fixed target. One example of a vertically adjustable sight is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,275,328.

The vertical position of one or more sight points is preferably set and calibrated to the user and bow so that each sight point position corresponds to a different target distance. Multiple sighting members are generally arranged in either a vertically aligned orientation, such as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,418,633 or a horizontal orientation, such as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,568. In certain embodiments, the sight points can be adjusted vertically to calibrate the sight points for differing target distances. In certain one-pin arrangements, the entire sight and sight pin can be vertically adjusted to calibrate multiple vertical positions of the sight point. This allows an archer, through trial and error, to “sight in” a bow so that each sight point position is accurately associated with a particular target distance. A lower sight point position typically corresponds to longer target distances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the disclosure include archery accessories which incorporate a linear slide which allows one portion of the accessory to linearly translate or reciprocate within the defined limits of the arrangement. In certain embodiments, a linear slide assembly is incorporated into an accessory such as an arrow drop rest or an archery sight arrangement. In certain arrangements, the accessories incorporate a linear slide assembly having a slider piece on an elongated track rail with a slider which moves relative to and along the track rail by virtue of rolling elements such as ball bearings within self-lubricating recirculating tracks. The linear slide preferably allows highly precise adjustment of the linear movement of the accessory with high stability, minimizing wobble and allowing essentially frictionless travel of the slider on the rail without binding.

In certain embodiments, an archery bow includes a riser with a handle, upper and lower limb portions extending from the handle to limb tip sections and rotational members supported at the limb tip sections. A bowstring extends between the rotational members. An accessory is secured to the riser, wherein the accessory incorporates a linear slide assembly with internal ball bearings which allows a movable portion of the accessory to selectively translate relative to a portion of the accessory secured to the riser.

In further embodiments, an archery accessory is configured to be mounted to an archery bow riser. The accessory includes a base portion configured to be mounted to an archery bow riser, and a movable portion secured to the base portion with a slidable coupling. The slidable coupling includes a plurality of ball bearings forming a plurality of rolling point contacts between the base portion and the movable portion to enable the movable portion to freely translate relative to the base portion.

Additional objects and advantages of the described embodiments are apparent from the discussions and drawings herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of embodiments of the present invention including an archery bow with an arrow rest and sight.

FIGS. 2A-2C are perspective views of a linear slide mechanism used in certain embodiments discussed herein.

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the linear slide mechanism of FIGS. 2A-2C.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of an arrow rest according to a preferred embodiment with and without a housing cover plate.

FIG. 4 is an alternate perspective view of the arrow rest of FIG. 3B.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of an archery bow sight assembly according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the archery sight of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the archery sight of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the arrow sight assembly of FIG. 5A, not including the windage block and sight guard assembly.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the rear portion of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the rear portion of the archery sight of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the rear assembly portion of the sight of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 12 is a perspective side view of the front housing assembly of the sight of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the front housing assembly of the sight of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the front housing assembly and windage clamps of the sight assembly of FIG. 5A.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Certain embodiments of the disclosure include archery accessories which incorporate a sliding coupling which allows one portion of the accessory to linearly translate or reciprocate within the defined limits of the arrangement. In certain embodiments, a linear slide assembly is incorporated into an accessory such as a drop arm of an arrow rest or the adjustment mechanism in an archery sight arrangement. In certain arrangements, the accessories incorporate a linear slide assembly having a slider piece on an elongated track rail with a slider which moves relative to and along the track rail by virtue of rolling elements such as ball bearings within self-lubricating, recirculating tracks. The linear slide preferably allows highly precise adjustment of the linear movement of the accessory with high stability, minimizing wobble and allowing essentially frictionless travel of the slider on the rail without binding.

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a conventional single cam compound archery bow generally designated as 10. When viewed from the perspective of an archer holding the bow 10, it includes a riser 11 with a handle, an upper limb portion 12 and a lower limb portion 14. Rotational members forming one or two variable leverage units such as idler wheel 16 and eccentric cam 18 are supported at the limb tip sections for rotary movement about axles 20 and 22. Idler wheel 16 is carried between the outer limb tip portions of upper limb 12. The cam 18 is carried between the outer limb tip portions of lower limb 14.

Bowstring 34 (shown as a tangent line without full cabling for convenient illustration) includes upper end 28 and lower end 30 which are fed-out from idler wheel 16 and cam 18 when the bow is drawn. Bowstring 34 is mounted around idler wheel 16 and cam 18 as is known in the art. From the perspective of the archer, the bowstring is considered rearward relative to the riser which defines forward.

When the bowstring 34 is drawn, it causes idler wheel 16 and cam 18 at each end of the bow to rotate, feeding out cable and bending limb portions 12 and 14 inward, causing energy to be stored therein. When the bowstring 34 is released with an arrow engaged to the bowstring, the limb portions 12 and 14 return to their rest position, causing idler wheel 16 and cam 18 to rotate in the opposite direction, to take up the bowstring 34 and launch the arrow with an amount of energy proportional to the energy stored in the bow limbs. Bow 10 is described for illustration and context and is not intended to be limiting. The present invention can be used with dual-cam compound bows, or can be used with single-cam bows as described for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,006 to McPherson, hereby incorporated herein by reference. It can also be used with hybrid cam bows or recurve bows. The present invention can also be used in other types of bows, which are considered conventional for purposes of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate views of a linear slide assembly useable in certain embodiments of archery accessories. The outer/visible portions of linear slide assembly 150 include a slider portion 152 and rail portion 154. Slider 152 is preferably arranged to reciprocally slide along the length of rail 154 and is continuously adjustable within those limits. The illustrated slider 152 extends across one side of rail 154 and includes side portions 162 which engage a pair of opposing and parallel outer sides 164 of rail 154, for example the sides of slider 152 may be formed with side tabs or flanges with inward grooves 153 which align with corresponding outwardly oriented grooves 155 on opposing sides of rail 154. In alternate embodiments, the slider component can be arranged between two opposing rail side portions.

Internal to slider assembly 150, as illustrated in FIG. 2D, are a plurality of rolling elements such as sets of ball bearings 156 arranged on opposing sides of the rail or slider and arranged in aligned grooves 153 and 155 between the slider and rail. The ball bearings are preferably arranged in continuously recirculating raceways and form the bearing and contact arrangement between slider 152 and rail 154. Ball bearings 156 are optionally in self-lubricating tracks to allow substantially friction free travel of slider 152 on rail 154 yet allowing highly precise positioning of the slider and minimizing the risk of wobble or instability between the slider and rail.

The ball bearing engagement provides a rolling engagement with multiple rolling point contacts which substantially eliminates the need to apply a break-away force to overcome sticking or binding effects and the potentially resulting jump or stutter movement which can occur in arrangements where one metal piece has an area which moves directly against and along another metal piece. This also eliminates frictional wear and noise associated with a metal piece moving directly against another metal piece. Additionally, without sacrificing precision or control, the ball bearing arrangement incorporates sufficient tolerance to substantially eliminate jamming or sticking of components which can occur due to metal expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity variations.

Preferably the slider, rail and ball bearings are made of stainless steel. In preferred embodiments, the ball bearings are sealed within the recirculating raceways from exposure to ambient conditions such as weather, water or humidity. An example linear slide assembly is available from Iko Clean Lubrication as a “c-lube linear way ML” model slide and discussed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,729,761 and 5,435,649.

Arrow Rest Example

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an arrow rest with a linear slide usable with an archery bow to support an arrow shaft in a ready-to-draw position, during the draw and at least until the release of the arrow by an archer. The arrow rest preferably aligns an elongate axis of the arrow shaft in a desired path which the arrow follows during release from the bow and at least initially towards the target. In certain embodiments, the arrow rest includes a base portion or support frame secured to an archery bow riser.

Certain embodiments of the invention are directed to a drop-away arrow rest having a movable portion such as an extending arrow support member or arm that drops in a linear or straight path. When the archer releases the arrow, the support arm falls or is pulled or pushed away from the arrow. In certain preferred embodiments, the arrow support arms extends laterally or horizontally and drops vertically.

The arrow support arm is operably connected to and synchronized with the bowstring of the bow. When the arrow is at rest and the bowstring is not drawn, the arrow support arm is in a relaxed state. When the bowstring is drawn, the arrow support arm is placed in an actuated state with the support arm supporting the arrow. Upon release of the bowstring, the arrow support arm drops, preferably with a vertical, non-rotational and non-pivotal movement, in a straight line, to return to its relaxed state. The arrow support arm in its relaxed position preferably does not interfere with the flight of the arrow or its fletching as the arrow is released.

The arrow rest preferably includes an adjustment mechanism that allows lateral or horizontal positioning of the arrow support arm in relation to the bow handle. The arrow rest optionally also includes an adjustment mechanism that allows vertical positioning of the arrow support arm in relation to the handle.

In one particular embodiment, the invention is directed to an arrow rest comprising a support structure configured for mounting on a bow handle and a movable portion operably coupled to the support structure via a slidable coupling. The movable portion includes an arrow support arm which is movable in relation to the support structure from a relaxed position to an actuated position using the sliding movement of a linear slide. A connection piece such as a cord or cable, preferably a non-stretching cord, operably connects the arrow support arm to the bowstring cabling. Pulling force applied to the cord operates to move the arrow support arm from the relaxed position to the actuated position. A biasing mechanism such as a spring, urges the arrow support arm from the actuated position to the relaxed position.

An example of one embodiment of an arrow rest including a linear slide assembly is illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4. The arrow rest assembly 100 includes a support structure 110 formed with a housing 120. Support structure 110 can be secured to an archery riser, for example using slot 112. Housing 120 is typically closed with a cover plate 122. An arrow support arm assembly 130 protrudes from housing 120 through slot 123 in cover plate 122. Housing 120 and slot 123 preferably allow and define the limits of the reciprocal movement distance within which arrow support arm assembly 130 can travel. For illustration purposes, cover plate 122 is not illustrated in FIG. 3B and FIG. 4.

Arrow support arm assembly 130 supports and retains an arrow thereon prior to the archer releasing the bowstring. In a preferred embodiment, the arrow support arm assembly 130 protrudes generally horizontally from housing 120, as seen by the archer at full draw. Arrow support arm assembly 130 may include a bend or other support feature to cradle or better center an arrow thereon. This feature can be V-shaped, U-shaped, square, rounded, two or more vertical posts, bristles, or the like.

Arrow support arm assembly 130 is movably connected to housing 120. Specifically, arrow support arm assembly 130 is vertically movable in relation to housing 120 from a first position to a second position. In the preferred embodiment described, arrow support arm assembly 130, when in the first position, is in a “relaxed” state, and, when in the second position, is in an “actuated” state, supporting an arrow. Typically, when the archer is in full draw, the arrow support arm assembly 130 is in a raised or the actuated state. The relaxed position is usually a lowered position below the typical line of fire of the arrow. An actuation system moves arrow support arm assembly 130 between the relaxed stated and the actuated state.

In certain embodiments, arrow support arm assembly 130 includes a housing end 132 having a slider mounting portion 133 which is secured to slider 152 of linear slide assembly 150, for example with screws. Rail 154 of slider assembly 150 is secured within housing 120. Housing end 132 of the support arm includes a lateral arm portion 134 which is engaged to an end of cord 140. Lateral arm portion 124 also defines a passage around guide rod 135. Housing end 132 of arrow support assembly 130 extends outwardly from housing 120 and transitions to arrow support end 136 which includes arrow cradle 137. The extension distance of arrow cradle 137 from housing 120 can optionally be adjustable, for example when housing end and arrow support end are separate pieces coupled with a screw arrangement which extends through a horizontal adjustment slot 139 at housing end 132 and into arrow support end 136. The screw arrangement can be loosened to allow relative horizontal movement of the support components and can be tightened to lock them in relative positions.

Slider mounting portion 133 of arrow support arm assembly 130 is secured to slider 152 and configured so that the arrow support arm assembly correspondingly travels with linear translation of slider 152 along rail 154. The travel direction is typically vertical. In certain embodiments, arrow support arm assembly 130 is mounted adjacent to or extends from a lower portion of slider 152, correspondingly positioning the support arm assembly adjacent the lower internal portion of housing 120.

In the embodiment illustrated, a biasing mechanism such as spring 138 is arranged within housing 120 around guide rod 135 and against lateral arm portion 134 of the support arm assembly. Spring 138 is arranged with two ends disposed between the housing and the support arm and/or slider to urge the support arm assembly and slider to its lowest, relaxed state. As illustrated, spring 138 is coiled around guide rod 135. Upward travel of the support arm and slider along guide rod 135 compresses the spring thus storing energy to later urge the support arm and slider back to a relaxed state. Guide rod 135 can include a low friction coating such as Teflon®, to facilitate the sliding of spring 138 and/or the support arm relative to rod 135.

The actuation system, which causes movement of support arm assembly 130, includes a activating connection, such as cord 140, and a biasing mechanism such as spring 138. Cord 140 operationally connects arrow support arm assembly 130 to cabling associated with bowstring 40, so that when the archer draws bowstring 40 in preparation for shooting, cord 140 is pulled and correspondingly pulls arrow support arm assembly 130 from its relaxed state to its actuated state. When bowstring 40 is released, cord 140 is relaxed and released and arrow support arm assembly 130 moves to its relaxed state, due to urging by the biasing mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, arrow rest 100 includes a pulley 124 mounted to facilitate movement of cord 140 as the cord exits housing 120.

As arrow support arm assembly 130 moves in relation to support structure 110, support arm assembly 130 remains horizontally fixed, i.e., the end of support arm 130 at guide rod 135 moves the same distance as the opposite, cradle end of support arm assembly 130. In this embodiment, support arm assembly 130 does not pivot or rotate around an end or other portion of arm assembly 130, rather, support arm assembly 130 non-pivotally and non-rotationally moves in a linear manner.

Alternatives to guide rod 135 and spring 138 could be a leaf spring, rubber bands, hydraulics, magnets, a solid linkage attached to cord 140, or any combination that operably connects arrow support arm 130 to bowstring 40 and that will change the position of support arm assembly 130 when the position of bowstring 40 is changed.

Bow Sight Example

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate perspective views of an archery sight assembly according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 6 is a top view of the sight assembly 200 and FIG. 7 is a side view of sight assembly 200 from the inside side where “inside side” is defined as the side arranged toward the arrow rest side of the riser. Sight assembly 200 includes a rearward base portion or assembly 210 and a movable forward portion or assembly 240.

Windage clamps 244 are secured to an extension portion 242 of forward assembly 240 and windage clamps adjustably grasp windage block 246. Windage block 246 cooperates with sight block 252 to which is mounted a sight guard 250 which typically defines the viewing window or opening. One or more sight points are defined by one or more pins, such as pin 255, within the viewing window of sight guard 250. In certain embodiments, the one or more pins incorporate fiber optic strands to collect and deliver light to the sight point to enhance visibility. The fiber optic strands can be coiled on or adjacent sight guard 250. Other sight features such as a battery powered sight light or level can optionally be used with the sight guard and sight points.

In operation, forward assembly 240 is arranged to move or translate vertically relative to base assembly 210. Translation movement of forward assembly 240 correspondingly vertically moves the entirety of the windage clamps, windage block and sight guard assembly. In one embodiment, a rearwardly situated knob 262 is connected to shaft 260, forming a portion of a rack and pinion gearing arrangement to control movement of forward assembly 240 relative to base assembly 210.

FIGS. 8-14 illustrate details of rear base assembly 210 and forward assembly 240. The windage clamps, windage block, sight block, sight guard and sight pin are not illustrated for ease of reference. FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of portions of sight 200. In broad terms, this includes forward assembly 240, rearward base assembly 210 and indicator assembly 290. Linear slide 280 is internal to sight assembly 200 and connects forward assembly housing 240 to rearward base assembly 210. Slider portion 284 and rail 282 are shown separated in FIGS. 8 and following for explanation purposes, yet in practice are supplied before assembly as an assembled linear slide unit which is not intended to be disassembled.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, rail portion 282 of the linear slide is mounted and secured to a forward side 212 of base assembly 210. A pinion gear 266 on the forward end of shaft 260 is arranged internally within a forward portion of base assembly 210 and protrudes laterally from inside side 214 of the base to engage a rack on the forward assembly when assembled.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate forward assembly 240 in perspective and exploded views. Forward housing 240 has a base portion with forward extension 242. Windage clamps 244 compress upon and engage forward extension 242 to clamp the windage block. Internal to forward assembly 240 and facing rearward on interior rearward side 270 is slider portion 284 of linear slide assembly 280. Lateral to and rearward of slider portion 284 is rack gear portion 274 arranged on an interior side 272 of forward assembly 240. In alternate embodiments, rail portion 282 is connected to forward assembly 240 and correspondingly, slider portion 284 can be secured to base assembly 210.

In the assembled arrangement illustrated, slider 284 is coupled to rail 282 as part of linear slide assembly 280 and rack gear 274 is situated to engage pinion gear 266. In this embodiment, the rack and pinion gearing is arranged rearwardly of, yet aligned with, the linear slide assembly 280. In the embodiment illustrated, the axis of shaft 260 is substantially horizontal in the context of the sight and perpendicular to the linear slide movement axis. Rotation of knob 262 correspondingly rotates shaft 260 and pinion gear 266. Rotation of pinion gear 266 applies force to rack gear 274 supplying force to selectively move forward assembly 240 vertically up or down relative to rearward assembly or base portion 210 where the vertical movement is controlled and guided by linear slide assembly 280. Linear slide assembly 280 preferably allows higher precision in controlling vertical movement of the sight assembly than can be achieved using the tolerances within the rack and pinion gear arrangement alone.

In certain embodiments, the forward assembly and the base assembly include a locking mechanism to maintain a selected position. When a desired vertical position has been reached, locking screw 276 can be tightened. In an example embodiment, a threaded locking screw 276 engaging the forward assembly may be tightened to press against the base assembly and/or the gearing arrangement to inhibit relative movement of the forward and rear assemblies. The illustrated locking screw 276 includes a handle portion and a threaded rod portion which can be advanced through a threaded passage 278 defined on an outer side of forward assembly 240. Inward rotation of locking screw 276 applies a separating force between forward assembly 240 and rear assembly 210 thus compressing the locking screw against the assemblies, selectively locking the assemblies in place at any desired position within the adjustment range. Locking screw 276 is shown on an outer side, but optionally can be located in alternate locations. Alternately, other locking mechanisms may be used.

As an optional feature, sight assembly 200 includes an indicator assembly 290 on the inward side of the sight assembly facing the archer. The indicator assembly is illustrated in FIG. 7 and in an exploded view in FIG. 8. Indicator assembly 290 includes a pivot arm 292 extending from a rearward portion of base assembly 210 to adjacent forward assembly 240. Pivot arm 292 is mounted at pivot point 294 to base assembly 210. A mounting screw 296 extends through a slot in the forward end of the pivot arm 292 and engages forward assembly 240. In the illustrated assembly, the mounting screw 296 extends into forward housing 240, but does not engage rear assembly 210. In the illustrated example, the portion of mounting screw 296 interior to the forward housing is able to travel within a clearance gap defined between the forward and base assemblies. Upward or downward movement of forward housing assembly 240 carries mounting screw 296 upward and downward a corresponding amount, whereupon mounting screw 296 bears upon the forward end of pivot arm 292 to impart rotational movement to the pivot arm. The rear portion of pivot arm 292 includes an indicator 298, such as an arrow, which correspondingly moves upward or downward along an indicator measure piece 218 as pivot arm 292 rotates. Indicator measure piece 218 may be premarked with gradient lines and/or marked by the user to indicate desired positions. Comparison of indicator 298 to a pre-selected marking on indicator measure piece 218 allows the user to adjust the vertical movement of the sight and thus a sight point to a selected position. Selected positions typically correspond to precalibrated distances from the archer to the target.

In an alternate embodiment, a linear slide can be substituted for or incorporated with windage clamps 244 to allow linear horizontal movement of the sight block and sight guard assembly relative to forward housing 240. In such an arrangement, windage clamps or a different locking mechanism may be used to secure the linear slide sight block and sight guard in a desired horizontal orientation.

Conventional materials may be used to make archery accessories according to the present invention, examples of such materials include metals such as aluminum, steel or titanium or plastic component pieces as appropriate. Appropriate connectors and fasteners such as screws and pins are used to assemble the archery bow accessories, some of which have been illustrated but not all of which have been discussed in detail. Appropriate use of such connectors as illustrated herein will be understood by those with skill in the art.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. An archery bow, comprising

a. a riser with a handle;

b. upper and lower limb portions extending from said handle to limb tip sections;

c. rotational members supported at said limb tip sections;

d. a bowstring extending between said rotational members; and,

e. an accessory mounted to said riser, wherein said accessory incorporates a linear slide assembly with internal ball bearings which allows a movable portion of said accessory to selectively translate relative to a portion of said accessory secured to said riser.

2. The archery bow of claim 1, wherein said linear slide assembly includes a slider mounted on an elongated rail wherein said ball bearings are arranged on opposing sides of the rail between the slider and rail and allow said slider to move relative to and along said rail.

3. The archery bow of claim 2, wherein said ball bearings are contained within recirculating tracks.

4. The archery bow of claim 3, wherein said ball bearings are contained within self-lubricating tracks.

5. The archery bow of claim 3, wherein said accessory is an arrow rest assembly or a sight assembly.

6. The archery bow of claim 5, wherein said accessory is an arrow rest assembly including a support structure mounted to said riser and an arrow support arm assembly, wherein said elongated rail is secured to said support structure and wherein said arrow support arm assembly extends from said slider to an arrow support portion and wherein said arrow support arm assembly is movable from a relaxed position to an actuated position by moving said slider along said rail.

7. The archery bow of claim 6, wherein said arrow rest assembly includes a biasing element operative upon said arrow support arm assembly to bias said arrow support arm assembly towards said relaxed position.

8. The archery bow of claim 7, wherein said arrow rest assembly operatively connects said arrow support arm assembly to said bowstring, so that when the bowstring is drawn said arrow support arm assembly is moved from the relaxed position to the actuated position.

9. The archery bow of claim 8, wherein said arrow rest assembly includes a cord operably connecting said arrow support arm assembly to said bowstring cabling, wherein pulling force applied to the cord pulls said arrow support arm from the relaxed position to the actuated position and compresses said biasing element.

10. The archery bow of claim 7, wherein said arrow rest assembly comprises a guide rod associated with said biasing element and extending through a passage defined in said arrow support arm assembly wherein said arrow support arm assembly moves along said guide rod as said slider moves relative to and along said rail.

11. The archery bow of claim 6, wherein said arrow support arm assembly extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction said slider moves along said rail.

12. The archery bow of claim 9, wherein said arrow support arm assembly is mounted adjacent a lower end of said slider.

13. The archery bow of claim 5, wherein said linearly slide assembly can be selectively locked to inhibit said linear slide assembly portions from translational movement.

14. The archery bow of claim 5, wherein said accessory is a sight assembly including a base assembly mounted to said riser and a movable forward assembly, wherein one of said slider and said rail is mounted to said base assembly and wherein the other of said slider and said rail is mounted to said forward assembly and wherein said forward assembly is movable relative to said base assembly by moving said slider along said rail, and wherein movement of said forward assembly correspondingly moves at least one sight point associated with said sight assembly.

15. The archery bow of claim 14, wherein said sight assembly includes a rack and pinion gearing arrangement to selectively control movement of said forward assembly relative to said base assembly.

16. The archery bow of claim 15, wherein said rack and pinion gearing includes a shaft with an axis substantially perpendicular to the movement axis of said linear slide assembly.

17. The archery bow of claim 16, wherein said base assembly includes said shaft wherein selective rotation of shaft rotates a pinion gear to apply force to a rack gear of said forward assembly to selectively move said forward assembly relative to said rearward assembly and wherein said movement is guided by said linear slide assembly.

18. The archery bow of claim 15, wherein said sight assembly includes a locking screw operable to engage portions of the forward assembly and the base assembly, wherein selective tightened of said locking screw inhibits relative movement of the forward and rear assemblies.

19. The archery bow of claim 18, wherein said locking screw is threaded and wherein said locking screw can be advanced against a portion of said base assembly through a threaded passage defined by said forward assembly.

20. An archery accessory configured to be mounted to an archery bow riser; comprising,

a. a base portion configured to be mounted to an archery bow riser; and,

b. a movable portion secured to said base portion with a slidable coupling;

c. said slidable coupling including a plurality of ball bearings forming a plurality of rolling point contacts between said base portion and said movable portion to enable said movable portion to freely translate relative to said base portion.

21. The archery accessory of claim 20, wherein movement of said movable portion correspondingly moves at least one sight point associated with said movable portion.

22. The archery accessory of claim 21, wherein said movable portion is continuously adjustable within a defined adjustment range and where said movable portion can be selectively retained at any desired position within the adjustment range to calibrate the sight point for a selected target distance.

23. The archery accessory of claim 20, wherein said movable portion includes an arrow support arm, and wherein said arrow support arm is movable from a relaxed position to an actuated position by moving said moveable portion relative to said base portion.

24. The archery accessory of claim 20, wherein said ball bearings are arranged in two parallel sets forming opposing contact arrangements between parallel opposing portions of said movable portion and said base portion.