WEB SEPARATING DEVICE

An enclosure is adapted to receive a cartridge in which first and second webs are wound in substantially contiguous relation on a common core, the cartridge being provided with an opening through which such webs can be advanced. The enclosure includes a wall member in which a web egress slot is disposed and a projecting member which is engageable with a corresponding member of the cartridge. When so engaged, the cartridge will be oriented within the enclosure in a manner such that if the first and second webs are advanced from the cartridge opening, the first web will be positioned for movement through the web egress slot, and the second web will be positioned to abut against the wall member of the enclosure and thus separate from the first web upon movement of the first web through the web egress slot. The periphery of the web egress slot is shaped to support the opposed edges of the first web while maintaining a spaced relation with at least one of the web faces. To facilitate insertion of a free leading end of the first web into the web egress slot, the wall member includes an open-ended guideway which communicates with the slot so that such web end can be readily directed into the slot.