Flexible light-shielding enclosure and method for enclosing photosensitive web end

In use with a photosensitive web roll (R) located inside a light-tight container (C) having an exit slot (S) through which the web is withdrawable, a flexible enclosure (E) is provided for light-shielding a leading end portion (L) of the web extending from the roll (R) through the slot (S) and outside the container (C). The enclosure (E) comprises a flexible, substantially rectangular, opaque sleeve (10) adapted to enclose the web end portion (L). The sleeve (10) includes opposing top (12) and bottom (14) walls disposed in adjacent, registered, facing relationship and extending between front and rear ends and opposite lateral sides thereof. The walls (12,14) are light-tightly joined together along their front ends (12f,14f) and lateral sides (12s,14s), but are left unjoined and separable along their rear ends (12r,14r) to provide an opening therebetween through which the web end portion (L) can be inserted into the sleeve (10) toward the joined front ends (10f). The sleeve (10), with the web end portion (L) so inserted, extends outwardly from within the container (C), through the exit slot (S), and thence outside the container (C), where it is folded back and secured against the container exterior (F).