Abstract: The present invention is drawn to apparatuses and methods for producing improved spirally cut meat products, such as spirally cut hams. The apparatus includes a shaft having a pad disposed at one end, said shaft slidably arranged includes a hollow tube mounted to a bracket. The apparatus includes a lever that rotates about a pivot mounted to the bracket. One end of the lever may engage with the end of the shaft opposite the pad. The apparatus includes an elastic member having one end attached to the tube and the other end affixed to the end of the shaft opposite the pad. As the lever rotates, the shaft may be pushed through the tube in one direction, or pulled in the tube in the other direction, depending on the direction, of rotation of the lever. The bracket may be configured to mount to a meat slicing device having a cutting element that projects through the bracket. Methods of spirally cutting meat products using the meat slicing device and the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to apparatuses and methods for producing improves! spirally cut meat products, such as spirally cut hams. The apparatus includes a shaft having a pad disposed at one end, said shaft slidably arranged includes a hollow tube mounted to a bracket. The apparatus includes a lever that rotates about a pivot mounted to the bracket One end of the lever may engage with the end of the shaft opposite the pad. The apparatus includes an elastic member having one end attached to the tube and the other end affixed to the end of the shaft opposite the pad. As the lever rotates, die shaft may be pushed through the tube in one direction, or pulled in the tube in the other direction, depending on the direction, of rotation of the lever. The bracket may be configured to mount to a meat slicing device having a cutting element that projects through the bracket. Methods of spirally cutting meat products using the meat slicing device and the apparatus are also disclosed.