Abstract: A hanger designed for supporting pork bellies during handling and processing into slabs of bacon which is characterized by a generally rectangular base frame with a top bar and a bottom bar, and a series of generally L-shaped prong members attached to the base frame and defining a prong assembly extending laterally from the base frame. The prong members are attached to the bottom bar opposite the side of the prong assembly. The bottom bar includes an offset extending laterally from the base frame in a direction opposite the prong assembly. The offset is designed to receive the latch of a mechanical device for removal of the hanger from the pork bellie.

Abstract: An expandable enclosure is provided for freeze forming a processed mass of meat or poultry products into a desirable and naturally occurring cut of meat. This enclosure includes an elongate housing with an opening for receiving the mass, a displaceable cover which the product mass displaces as it expands during freezing, and fastening apparatus for providing resistance to the separation of the cover from the housing so that the cover can maintain pressure on the mass to expel voids and excess moisture from the mass and to press the mass into the shape of the enclosure.

Abstract: An expandable enclosure and a method for using it are provided for freeze forming a processed mass of meat or poultry products into a desirable and naturally occurring cut of meat. This enclosure includes a elongate housing with an opening for receiving the mass, a displaceable cover which the product mass displaces as it expands during freezing, and fastening apparatus for providing resistance to the separation of the cover from the housing so that the cover can maintain pressure on the mass to expel voids and excess moisture from the mass and to press the mass into the shape of the enclosure. The method for using the enclosure involves placing the mass in the enclosure and freezing it until the center of the mass reaches a predetermined temperature necessary to maintain cohesiveness of the mass.