Method and apparatus for spiral ham slicing

#The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for improved spiral cutting of ham and other food products.

#Spirally-sliced bone-in ham products are popular with consumers, largely because of the convenience of being able to easily remove the pre-sliced ham pieces from the product. A spirally-sliced bone-in ham is produced by slicing it in a manner to form a continuous spiral cut around a centrally-located bone, such as a femur bone. Thus, the meat remains substantially connected to the bone such that the spirally-sliced ham remains intact and can be handled and packaged without pieces falling off, folding over, and otherwise deforming. As a result, a spiral-sliced bone-in ham combines the appealing visual characteristics of an intact ham with convenience of slices that are easily detached from the bone and served. Furthermore, since the ham is sold with meat attached to bone, the consumer has reassurance that the meat is not adulterated with undesirable fillers or byproducts.

#It has been recognized that many consumers are hesitant to purchase an entire ham because there is more meat than the household of the purchaser can conveniently consume. As a result, spirally sliced hams are commonly sold at retail in half portions. The full ham is cut transversely through the femur in order to cut the product into a butt half and a shank half. The half that is adjacent to the butt end includes part of the femur and the aitch bone, while the half at the shank end of the product includes the rest of the femur and the shank bone. Both halves are commercially appealing in that only the ends of the femur are visible and the product is not unsightly. Also, the meat remains attached to the bone continuously completely around it, so slices are not prone to falling off or becoming deformed during subsequent handling and packaging.

#FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of a prior art device for producing spirally cut ham.

#FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a ham stabilizer in an engaged position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

#FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a ham stabilizer in an disengaged position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

#In order that the invention herein described may be fully understood, the following detailed description is set forth. Various embodiments of the invention are described in detail and may be further illustrated by the provided examples. Additional viable variations of the embodiments can easily be envisioned.

#Definitions

#Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.