Liner folder apparatus

A liner folder apparatus for a liner associated with a tape material, the apparatus comprising:

• a liner overhang deflector portion with an entry port for the liner;
• a folding portion;
• a tapered portion with an exit port for the liner;
• a channel defined between the entry port and the exit port;
• and wherein at least one of the deflector portion, the folding portion and the tapered portion is capable of being disassembled to facilitate cleaning or service, or for loading of the tape material.

A method of folding a liner associated with a tape material, wherein the liner comprises a first overhang portion, a central portion carrying the tape material, and a second overhang portion, the method comprising:

• feeding the liner in a substantially flat configuration into an entry port defined at one end of a folding apparatus, wherein the entry port is coupled to a channel extending from the entry port to an exit port defined at another end of the apparatus;
• guiding the first overhang portion and the second overhang portion within the channel comprising walls engageable by a first edge of the first overhang portion and a second edge of the second overhang portion to progressively cause the first edge of the first overhang portion and the second edge of the second overhang portion to angle towards each other as the tape material with the liner progress towards the exit port until the first overhang portion and the second overhang portion are folded over the tape material;
• and
• wherein the folding apparatus is associated with a tape applicator apparatus for applying the tape material to a receiving surface.