Patent Publication Number: US-9849041-B2

Title: Tampon method of manufacture

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/664,601 filed Oct. 31, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Currently, there are two basic types of tampons used for feminine hygiene. The first type is a digitally insertable tampon which is designed to be inserted directly by the user&#39;s fingers. The second type is an applicator style tampon which is designed to be inserted with the aid of an applicator. Both types are usually made by folding or rolling rectangular strips of absorbent material into a blank and then compressing the blank into a cylindrically-shaped pledget. The pledget may or may not have a cover. In both types, a withdrawal string can be attached to the pledget. The combination of a pledget and a withdrawal string is considered a useable tampon product. The tampon can then be wrapped and packaged for sale. In the applicator style tampon, the tampons can be assembled into an applicator prior to being wrapped and packaged. 
     Tampons work by acquiring vaginal fluids, including menses, at the interface between the tampon and vaginal wall. To ensure this contact, current tampons alter the vagina immediately upon insertion. This alteration contributes to early premature, “by-pass” leakage. After the tampon absorbs the vaginal fluids, including menses, most tampons begin to expand uniformly and globally, further contributing to this leakage. At the same time, the tampon begins to become more flexible and conformable to allow for a better global/macro fit to the vagina. This predetermined and uniform tampon response that drives this global/macro expansion is governed by the tampon construction and materials. 
     Even when fluid is acquired locally and the deformational forces on the tampon by the vaginal environment are applied locally, with current tampons the construction or materials of the tampons inhibits or constrains their capacity to expand or adapt to give a local/micro fit. These constructions and materials force the entire tampon to respond to these local fluid acquisition and deformational forces through material connectivity or material stiffness. 
     When attempts are made to allow for more local adaptation in tampon constructions, the constructions do not acquire the fluids well because of inadequate contact area because they cannot match the local contours of the vaginal wall or are not conformable enough to adapt to the women&#39;s individual local contours (e.g. folds and convolutions) found on the vaginal wall. In addition, these attempts create integrity issues with the tampons that lead to portions of the tampon remaining within the vagina after tampon removal. This inadequate contact is especially true during the wiping action of the vagina by the tampon when the tampon is inserted and removed. 
     Current tampon construction processes construct these inadequate tampons that have this predetermined and uniform tampon response. They create these constraints, inadequate contact area, and integrity issues in order to drive this predetermined and uniform tampon response and, therefore, limit the tampon from effectively responding locally. New construction processes are needed to construct tampons that overcome the inadequacy of current tampons. 
     There remains a need for a tampon that responds locally to meet the individual protection needs of women and processes to make such tampons. There remains a need for a tampon that prevents leakage of body fluid after being inserted into a woman&#39;s vagina. There remains a need for a tampon that provides efficient utilization of the entire tampon structure during use. There remains a need for a tampon that provides a customized fit to the anatomy of a woman&#39;s vaginal cavity. There remains a need for a tampon that can deform and come into contact with the folds and convolutions of the walls of the vaginal cavity and acquire any contacted fluid. 
     One potential solution to these needs is to provide a tampon having a plurality of relatively small, discrete contact elements that are adapted to contact the folds and convolutions of the walls of the vaginal cavity and thereby reduce the potential for leakage of body fluid (e.g., menses) past the tampon. Although incorporating the plurality of discrete contact elements into a tampon will potentially reduce tampon leakage, the process to incorporate them into a usable tampon presents many significant challenges. 
     One of these challenges is meeting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for a Class 2 medical device. These guidelines are in place to prevent defective tampons from causing adverse reaction with a consumer which includes, for example, increased risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) and vaginal infections. Three of these FDA guidelines relate to absorbency, fiber shedding (residual fiber retention) and tampon integrity. The presence of these discrete contact elements on the tampon can impact the tampon performance in respect to each and every one of these guidelines. To minimize the potential of the discrete contact elements negatively impacting tampon performance, steps have to be taken during manufacturing to prevent tampon process damage. Tampon process damage can potentially alter the performance of the tampon from it design requirements and includes, for example, lost contact elements, incorrectly formed or otherwise damaged contact elements, and weakened contact elements. 
     As used herein, tampon process damage is any alteration to the tampon that is caused by the process to create a damaged tampon. This damage can include missed or inappropriate placed contact elements and surface process damage. When this damage causes the tampon to be outside the FDA guidelines, the tampon is a said to be a defective tampon. Surface process damage is any alteration to a surface that is caused by the process to create a damaged surface. Each surface of the tampon is designed to have certain design characteristics. When any of these design characteristics vary significantly from target values, the surface is said to be a damage surface. These design characteristics includes surface size, shape, configuration, and absorbency and mechanical characteristics or properties. 
     Examples include missing and malformed surface and deteriorated absorbency or mechanical properties. A malformed surface includes improperly sized, shaped, cut, bent, and folded surface and especially malformations that alter the surface contact area with the vaginal surfaces. A deteriorated absorbency or mechanical property includes reduced wettability, permeability, and mechanical strength and especially deteriorations that alter the surfaces ability to conform to vaginal surfaces and acquire, intake, and distribute vaginal fluids. 
     The process used to manufacture the discrete contact elements of the tampon must be able to make the contact elements consistently and reproducibly at high speeds and ensures that only tampons without significant process and/or surface damage are sold to consumers. Thus, there remains a need for a tampon processes capable of consistently and reproducibly manufacturing tampons with discrete contact elements at high speeds and without significant process and/or surface damage. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In one aspect, a method of manufacturing a tampon generally comprises the steps of at least partially overlaying a web of base material with a web of absorbent material. The web of absorbent material is secured to the web of base material with a first securement. At least one of the web of base material and the web of absorbent material is folded after the first securement. The web of absorbent material is further secured to the web of base material with a second securement that is a stronger securement than the first securement. The web of absorbent material and the web of base material together define a web of cover material. The web of cover material is applied to an absorbent structure. The web of cover material and the absorbent structure is manipulated such that the web of cover material extends about a circumference of the absorbent structure to form a tampon. 
     In another aspect, a method of manufacturing a tampon generally comprises the steps of at least partially overlaying a web of base material with a web of absorbent material. The web of absorbent material is secured to the web of base material with a first securement. The web of absorbent material is cut to form a plurality of spaced-apart slits. 
     In yet another aspect, a method of manufacturing a tampon generally comprises the steps of at least partially overlaying a web of base material with a web of absorbent material. The web of absorbent material is secured to the web of base material with a first securement. Slits are cut in the web of absorbent material to form a plurality of contact elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tampon in a compressed configuration. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a nonwoven ribbon. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fleece. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure. 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tampon in an activated configuration. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure with at least one contact element. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure with at least one contact element. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure with at least one contact element. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure with at least one contact element. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure with at least one contact element. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure with at least one contact element. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure with at least one contact element. 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure with at least one contact element. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure with at least one contact element. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure with at least one contact element. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure with at least one contact element. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure with at least one contact element. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an absorbent structure with at least one contact element. 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an embodiment in which a cover is bonded to a blank. 
         FIG. 26A  is an end view of an embodiment in which a cover is bonded to a blank. 
         FIG. 26B  is an end view of an embodiment in which a cover is bonded to a blank. 
         FIG. 27  is a side view of an embodiment of a tampon wherein the cover defines a skirt. 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tampon in an activated configuration. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing an absorbent structure. 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing an absorbent structure. 
         FIG. 31  is a schematic of one suitable embodiment of an apparatus for making a cover material used in forming the tampon. 
         FIG. 32  is an enlarged schematic of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 33  is an enlarged schematic of another portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 34  is a cross-section showing a web of absorbent material overlayed onto a web of base material. 
         FIG. 35  is a cross-section similar to  FIG. 34  but showing the web of absorbent material bonded to the web of base material. 
         FIG. 36  is a fragmentary top view of the webs of  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 37  is a cross-section similar to  FIG. 35  but showing the web of base material being folded to cover the web of absorbent material. 
         FIG. 38  is a cross-section similar to  FIG. 37  but showing outer portions of the webs being folded inward. 
         FIG. 39  is a fragmentary top view of the webs of  FIG. 38  with the folded outer portions of the webs being bonded. 
         FIG. 40  is a fragmentary top view similar to  FIG. 39  but showing inner edges of the folded outer portions of the webs being bonded. 
         FIG. 41  is a top view of the webs illustrating slits cut into the web of absorbent material. 
         FIG. 42  is a schematic of another suitable embodiment of an apparatus for making a cover material used in forming the tampon. 
         FIG. 43  is an enlarged schematic of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 42 . 
         FIG. 44  is an enlarged schematic of another portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 42 . 
         FIG. 45  is a cross-section of a pair of webs of absorbent material passing through the apparatus and having the outermost one-third of each of the webs folded inward. 
         FIG. 46  is a cross-section showing the pair of webs of  FIG. 45  overlayed onto and bonded to a web of base material. 
         FIG. 47  is a fragmentary top view of the webs of  FIG. 46 . 
         FIG. 48  is a cross-section showing the outer portions of the webs being folded inward. 
         FIG. 49  is a fragmentary top view of the webs of  FIG. 48  with the folded outer portions of the webs being bonded. 
         FIG. 50  is a fragmentary top view similar to  FIG. 49  but showing inner edges of the folded outer portions of the webs being bonded. 
         FIG. 51  is a schematic of one suitable embodiment of an apparatus for making the tampon. 
         FIG. 52  is a cross-section of a vacuum conveyor being used to hold down and transport a web of cover material. 
         FIG. 53  is a fragmentary top view of the vacuum conveyor and web of  FIG. 52 . 
         FIG. 54  is a fragmentary top view of the web of cover material overlying a web of fleece. 
         FIG. 55  is a perspective illustrating the web of cover material being bonded to the web of fleece at an assembly station of the apparatus of  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 56  is an end view illustrating the web of cover material being cut to form slits therein at a cutting station of the apparatus. 
         FIG. 57  is a top view of the webs of cover material and fleece passing through the apparatus and having a withdrawal aid attached thereto. 
         FIG. 58  is a side view of a transfer assist device for facilitating the transfer of a softwind. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The tampon of the current disclosure can be inserted above the introital region of a woman&#39;s vagina, can intercept the fluid flow of menses, blood, and other body fluids, and can prevent the fluid from exiting the vagina. While the pledgets and tampons of the current disclosure are described for use as a menstrual device, it will be readily apparent that the pledgets and tampons can also be used as any other suitable vaginal insert, such as a pessary. Likewise, while the pledgets and tampons of the current disclosure are generally described as being “absorbent,” it will be readily apparent that the pledgets and tampons may be coated or otherwise treated to be partially or completely non-absorbent. 
     In an embodiment, the pledget and tampon of the current disclosure can have a contact element. In an embodiment, the contact element can allow the pledget and the tampon to respond locally to the changes in the vaginal environment and can effectively acquire fluid locally to accommodate the uniqueness of a woman&#39;s vaginal environment and her period. 
     A non-limiting embodiment of a tampon  10  of the current disclosure is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The tampon  10  can be inserted into a woman&#39;s vaginal cavity to prevent menses from exiting the vaginal opening by contacting and absorbing the flow of menses. The term “menses,” as used herein, includes blood, tissue debris, and other bodily fluids emitted from the vaginal opening. The tampon  10  can have a compressed, generally cylindrical shaped pledget  12  and a withdrawal aid  14 . In some embodiments, the generally cylindrical shape of the pledget  12  can have a cross-section that can be at least one of an oval, circle, square, rectangle, or any other cross-sectional shape known in the art. The term “cross-section” refers herein to the plane which extends laterally through the tampon  10 , and which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  16  of the pledget  12 , and consequently, of the tampon  10 . The tampon  10  can have an insertion end  18  and a withdrawal end  20 . The tampon  10  can have a length  22  wherein the length  22  is the measurement of the tampon  10  along the longitudinal axis  16  originating at one end (insertion or withdrawal) of the tampon  10  and ending at the opposite end (insertion or withdrawal) of the tampon  10 . In some embodiments, the tampon  10  can have a length  22  from about 30 mm to about 80 mm. The tampon  10  can have a width  24 , which unless otherwise stated herein, can correspond to the greatest cross-sectional dimension along the longitudinal axis  16  of the tampon  10 . In some embodiments, the tampon  10  can have a compressed width  24  prior to usage from about 2, 5, 8, 10, 12, or 14 mm to about 20 or 30 mm. The tampon  10  may be straight or non-linear in shape, such as curved along the longitudinal axis  16 . 
     As noted above, the tampon  10  can have a pledget  12 . The pledget  12  can be formed from a blank  28 , such as a softwind, wherein the blank  28  can be formed from a fleece  30 . The fleece  30  can have an absorbent structure  34  which can be a single layer of a fibrous material or can be multiple layers of fibrous material. In an embodiment, an absorbent structure  34  can be formed of at least two layers of fibrous materials. The absorbent structure  34  can be manufactured via processes such as, for example, a multi-bank laydown, bonding pre-formed layers together, or a combination thereof. Such processes can produce a nonwoven ribbon  32  having an absorbent structure  34  of a single layer or multiple layers of fibrous materials. In an embodiment, the nonwoven ribbon  32  can be separated into individual units of fleece  30 , wherein each unit of fleece  30  can have the absorbent structure  34 . 
     In an embodiment in which the absorbent structure  34  is multi-layered, the absorbent structure  34  can have at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 layers of fibrous material. In an embodiment in which the absorbent structure  34  is multi-layered, a layer can be identical to another layer, can be different from another layer, or can be identical to at least one other layer and can be different from at least one other layer. In an embodiment in which an absorbent structure  34  is multi-layered and at least one layer is different from another layer, the layers can be different from each other by at least 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 aspects. Non-limiting examples of aspects of differences can include density, thickness, type of fibrous material in a layer, amount of fibrous material in a layer, hydrophilic/hydrophobic characteristics, and strength/integrity characteristics (which can include reinforcing fibrous materials). 
     In an embodiment in which the absorbent structure  34  is multi-layered, the absorbent structure  34  can be manufactured by bonding at least two pre-formed layers together. In such an embodiment, the pre-formed layers can be brought into contact with each other and bonded together by any suitable method. In such an embodiment, the bonded layers can then be bonded to at least one additional layer. The at least one additional layer can be pre-formed or can be a laid down fibrous material. 
     In an embodiment in which the absorbent structure  34  is multi-layered, the absorbent structure  34  can be manufactured via a process such as a multi-bank fibrous material laydown. In such a process, fibrous material in a first bank can be laid down to form a first layer and fibrous material in a second bank can be laid down onto the first layer and formed into a second layer. The second layer can then, if desired, be bonded to the first layer. In an embodiment, fibrous material in at least one additional bank can be laid down onto the prior layers and formed into at least one additional layer if so desired. The additional layer(s) can be bonded to the prior formed and bonded layers. In an embodiment, a pre-formed layer can be bonded to the formed and bonded layers. 
       FIG. 2  provides a non-limiting illustration of a nonwoven ribbon  32  which can have a multi-layer absorbent structure  34  of at least two layers, such as layers  36  and  38 . The nonwoven ribbon  32  can be manufactured via either a multi-bank fibrous material laydown method, via bonding of pre-formed layers, or via a combination of the described methods. It is to be understood that while the description and figures herein generally illustrate a nonwoven ribbon  32 , an absorbent structure  34  and/or a fleece  30  having two layers, such as layers  36  and  38 , a nonwoven ribbon  32 , an absorbent structure  34  and/or a fleece  30  can have more than two layers and the description herein is applicable to a nonwoven ribbon  32 , an absorbent structure  34  and/or a fleece  30  having more than two layers. 
     In an embodiment, the nonwoven ribbon  32  can have more than two layers. In an embodiment, a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can be hydrophobic or hydrophilic. In an embodiment, a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can be treated with a surfactant or other material to make the layer(s) hydrophilic or to make the layer(s) more hydrophilic. As will be described herein, in a nonwoven ribbon  32  having more than one layer, the layers, such as layers  36  and  38 , can be in communication with each other. In an embodiment, the layers, such as layers  36  and  38 , can be in communication with each other and can be bonded to each other. The terms “bonded” or “bonding” refer herein to the joining, adhering, connecting, attaching or the like of two elements. Two elements will be considered bonded together when they are joined, adhered, connected, or attached directly to one another or indirectly to one another, such as when each is directly joined, adhered, connected or attached to intermediate elements. The bonding can occur by any method deemed suitable including, but not limited to, adhesives, heat bonding, vibration energy, mechanical bonding, chemical bonding, vacuum bonding, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, pressure bonds, mechanical entanglement, hydroentanglement, microwave bonds, or any other conventional technique. The bonding can be continuous or it can be intermittent. 
     Each layer, such as layers  36  and  38 , can be constructed from fibrous materials, such as fibrous materials  40  and  42 , respectively. In an embodiment, the fibrous materials can include absorbent fibers. The fibrous materials can include, but are not limited to, natural and synthetic fibers such as, but not limited to, polyester, acetate, nylon, cellulosic fibers such as wood pulp, cotton, rayon, viscose, LYOCELL® such as from Lenzing Company of Austria, or mixtures of these or other cellulosic fibers. Natural fibers can include, but are not limited to, wool, cotton, flax, hemp and wood pulp. Wood pulps can include, but are not limited to, standard softwood fluffing grade such as CR-1654 (US Alliance Pulp Mills, Coosa, Ala.). Pulp may be modified in order to enhance the inherent characteristics of the fibers and their processability. Crimping can be imparted to the fibers by any means deemed suitable by one of ordinary skill. Curl may be imparted to the fibers by suitable methods such as, for example, chemical treatment or mechanical twisting. Curl can be imparted before crosslinking or stiffening. Pulps may be stiffened by the use of crosslinking agents such as formaldehyde or its derivatives, glutaraldehyde, epichlorohydrin, methylated compounds such as urea or urea derivatives, dialdehydes such as maleic anhydride, non-methylated urea derivatives, citric acid or other polycarboxylic acids. Pulp may also be stiffened by the use of heat or caustic treatments such as mercerization. Examples of these types of fibers include NHB416, which is a chemically cross-linked southern softwood pulp fiber which enhances wet modulus, available from Weyerhaeuser Corporation of Tacoma, Wash. Other non-limiting examples of useful pulps are debonded pulp (NF405) and non-debonded pulp (NB416) also from Weyerhaeuser. HPZ3 from Buckeye Technologies, Inc. of Memphis, Tenn., is an example of a fiber that has a chemical treatment that sets in a curl and twist, in addition to imparting added dry and wet stiffness and resilience to the fiber. Another suitable pulp is Buckeye HP2 pulp and still another is IP Supersoft from International Paper Corporation. The fibrous materials can include any suitable blend of fibers. For example, the fibrous materials can be formed from cellulose fibers such as cotton and rayon. The fibrous materials can be 100 wt % cotton, 100 wt % rayon, or a blend of cotton and rayon. In some embodiments, the cellulose fibers may be modified for super-absorbency. In an embodiment, a layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , can have substantially the same fibrous material composition as another layer, such as layer  36  or  38 . In an embodiment, a layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , can have a fibrous material composition different from another layer, such as layer  36  or  38 . 
     In an embodiment, the fibrous materials can have a staple length of from about 5, 10, 15 or 20 mm to about 30, 40 or 50 mm. In an embodiment, the fibrous materials can have a fiber size of from about 15 microns to about 28 microns. In an embodiment, the fibrous materials can have a denier of from about 1 or 2 to about 6. Denier is a unit of fineness of yarn based on a standard of 50 milligrams (mg) for 450 meters of yarn. The fibrous materials can have a circular, bi-lobal or tri-lobal cross-sectional configuration or any other configuration known to those skilled in the art. A bi-lobal configuration can have a cross-sectional profile which can look like a dog bone while a tri-lobal configuration can have a cross-sectional profile which can look like a “Y.” In an embodiment, the fibrous materials can be bleached. In an embodiment, the fibrous materials can have a color. 
     In an embodiment, a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can contain fibrous materials such as binder fibers. In an embodiment, the binder fibers can have a fiber component which can bond or fuse to other fibers in the layer. Binder fibers can be natural fibers or synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers can include, but are not limited to, those made from polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, rayon, acrylics, viscose, superabsorbents, LYOCELL® regenerated cellulose and any other suitable synthetic fiber known to those skilled in the art. Non-limiting examples of polyolefins can include, but are not limited to, polyethylene such as Dow Chemical&#39;s ASPUN® 6811A linear low density polyethylene, 2553 LLDPE and 25355 and 12350 high density polyethylene. The polyethylenes can have melt flow rates, respectively, of about 26, 40, 25, and 12. Non-limiting examples of fiber forming polypropylenes can include, but are not limited to, Exxon Chemical Company&#39;s ESCORENE® PD 3445 polypropylene and Montell Chemical Company&#39;s PF304. Another example of a fiber can be a bi-component polyethylene sheath and polyester core known as T255 made by Trevira of Germany. Other non-limiting examples of meltable bicomponent fibers can include, but are not limited to, fibers available from Unitika of Japan, such as, for example, Unitika MELTY 4080, and 6080 fibers, having either polyester sheaths or cores and polyethylene sheaths or cores. Another example can include, but is not limited to, fibers available from Fibervisions under the designation ETC Bounce fiber line, such as PET/PE fibers of about 2.2 decitex and about 40 mm staple fiber length. Non-limiting examples of rayon fibers include 1.5 denier Merge 18453 fibers from Accordis Cellulose Fibers Inc. of Axis, Ala. The fibrous materials can be treated by conventional compositions and/or processes to enable or enhance wettability. 
     In an embodiment, a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can contain fibrous materials such as cellulosic fibers, such as cotton and rayon. In an embodiment, a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can be 100% cotton, 100% rayon, or a blend of cotton and rayon fibers. In an embodiment, a blend of cotton and rayon fibers can be a blend of about 15% cotton and about 85% rayon; about 70% cotton and about 30% rayon; about 60% cotton and about 40% rayon; about 25% cotton and about 75% rayon; or a blend of about 6% cotton and about 94% rayon. The blend of cotton and rayon can be any blend as deemed suitable. In an embodiment, additional fibers such as polyester or other synthetic fibers can be added to the blend of cotton and rayon to add resilient features or bondability to a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 . 
     In an embodiment, a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can have a blend of viscose and binder fibers. In an embodiment, a blend of viscose and binder fibers can be a blend of from about 70% viscose to about 95% viscose with the remainder from about 30% to about 5% binder fiber. In an embodiment, a blend of viscose and binder fibers can be a blend of from about 85-90% viscose and the remainder from about 15-10% binder fiber. The blend of viscose and binder fibers can be any blend as deemed suitable. 
     Various methods known to those skilled in the art can be used to prepare each layer, such as layers  36  and  38 . Such methods can include, but are not limited to, airlaying, carding, wetlaying, needlepunching, mechanical entanglement, hydroentangling, and any other known method deemed suitable by one of ordinary skill. In an embodiment, a bonded carded web can be made from staple fibers. In such an embodiment, the fibers can be longer than about 20, 30 or 35 mm. The fibers can be purchased in bales which can be placed in a picker to separate the fibers. The fibers can then be sent through a combing or carding unit, which can further break apart and align the staple fibers in the machine direction to form a generally machine direction-oriented fibrous nonwoven web. Once the web is formed, it can then be bonded by one or more of several known bonding methods, such as through air bonding or pattern bonding. In an embodiment, a dry laid web can be made from staple fibers. In such an embodiment, the fibers can be about 20 mm or longer. In dry laying, fibers or tufts of fibers of a first type (e.g., absorbent fibers and/or binder fibers) can be fed to a first rotating vacuum drum and fibers or tufts of fibers of a second type (e.g., absorbent fibers and/or binder fibers) can be fed to a second rotating vacuum drum. The fibers can then be laid down by suction to form mats of fibers. The mats of fibers can be doffed from the vacuum drums and combed via rotating lickerins. The lickerins can have peripheral teeth which can comb the fibers from the mat. The combed fibers can be doffed from the lickerins via centrifugal force and placed into a fiber mixing and expansion chamber. The mixed fibers can be placed on a vacuum screen to form a random fiber web comprising the first and second fiber types. The flow and velocity of each independent fiber stream can be controlled to provide the desired quantity of each fiber type. It is to be understood that a layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , can be prepared using the same method as another layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , or using a method different than another layer,  36  or  38 . 
     In an embodiment, at least one of the layers, such as layers  36  and/or  38 , can be prepared using an airlaying process. In such an embodiment, the airlaid fibers can contain a first fiber and a second fiber, wherein the first fiber can be a binder fiber and the second fiber can be an absorbent fiber. 
     In an embodiment in which binder fibers are present, the binder fibers can be activated to create a three-dimensional fiber matrix. In such an embodiment, the activation can be completed by any suitable heating step including, but not limited to, convection heating, through air heating, superheated steam, microwave heating, radiant heating, radio frequency heating, and the like, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the activation can be accomplished by heating the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , containing the binder fibers at a temperature of from about 240° F. to about 428° F. (about 115° C. to about 220° C.) to activate the binder fibers. It is to be understood that the bonding temperature selected should be selected based upon the fibrous materials which are being bonded together. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that during activation, the binder fibers can soften and become tacky and, therefore, bind to adjacent fibers creating a three-dimensional fiber matrix. It is believed that the three-dimensional fiber matrix can stabilize the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , and can create a liquid stable network. It is to be understood that an additional component or finish can be added to the fibers to facilitate bonding of fibrous materials which are not necessarily compatible. 
     In an embodiment, the activation can be followed by a cooling step which can utilize any suitable means for reducing the temperature of the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 . In an embodiment, the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can be cooled by allowing the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , to return to ambient temperature over a period of time. In an embodiment, the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can be cooled by chill rolls, cooling chambers, blowing conditioned air, or the like, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the cooling step can occur prior to compression of the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , to establish a wet-stable three-dimensional structure. 
     In some embodiments, a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can be further manipulated such as, for example, being folded, corrugated, or otherwise processed. 
     The nonwoven ribbon  32  can be separated into individual units of fleece  30 . The separation of the nonwoven ribbon  32  into individual units of fleece  30  can occur by any suitable method such as stretching, perforating, cutting such as with the use of a die cutter or a knife cutter, and the like. The individual units of fleece  30  can then be rolled, stacked, folded, or otherwise manipulated into blanks  28 . The blanks  28  can then be formed into pledgets  12  in any manner deemed suitable. As a non-limiting example, the blanks  28  can undergo compression to form the pledgets  12 . 
     In various embodiments, the fleece  30  and the resultant pledget  12  can have any suitable combination and ratio of fibrous material. In an embodiment, the fleece  30  and the resultant pledget  12  can have from about 70 to about 95 wt % absorbent fibers and from about 5 to about 30 wt % binder fibers. In an embodiment, the fleece  30  and the resultant pledget  12  can have from about 80 to about 90 wt % absorbent fibers and from about 10 to about 20 wt % binder fibers. In an embodiment, the fleece  30  and the resultant pledget  12  can have about 85 wt % absorbent fibers and about 15 wt % binder fibers. In an embodiment, the fleece  30  and the resultant pledget  12  can have from about 80 to about 90 wt % trilobal viscose rayon fibers and from about 10 to about 20 wt % bicomponent binder fibers. In an embodiment, the fleece  30  and the resultant pledget  12  can have about 85 wt % trilobal viscose rayon fibers and about 15 wt % bicomponent binder fibers. In an embodiment, the fleece  30  and the resultant pledget  12  can have greater than about 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 80, 90, 95, 97, or 99 wt % absorbent fibers. 
     The fleece  30  can be any size and thickness that can ultimately be compressed into a pledget  12  having a vaginally insertable shape. In an embodiment, the size of the fleece  30  can range from about 40 mm to about 100, 200, 250 or 300 mm in width and from about 30 mm to about 80 mm in length. As described herein, the width of the fleece  30  can be measured as the distance between longitudinal edges of the fleece  30  and the length of the fleece  30  can be measured as the distance between transverse edges of the fleece  30 . As described herein, the transverse edges of the fleece  30  can be located at the insertion and withdrawal ends,  18  and  20 , respectively, of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, the overall basis weight of the fleece  30  can range from about 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, 90, 100, 110, 120, 135 or 150 gsm to about 1,000, 1,100, 1,200, 1,300, 1,400, or 1,500 gsm. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a non-limiting example of a fleece  30  is illustrated in which the fleece  30  can have a multi-layer absorbent structure  34  of two layers,  36  and  38 . In the non-limiting example illustrated, the first layer  36  can have a first length  44  and a first width  46 . The first length  44  can extend from a first transverse edge  48  to a second transverse edge  50  of the first layer  36 . The first width  46  can extend from a first longitudinal edge  52  to a second longitudinal edge  54  of the first layer  36 . The first layer  36  can have a first surface  56  (illustrated in  FIG. 4 ) and a second surface  58 . Similarly, the second layer  38  can have a second length  60  and a second width  62 . The second length  60  can extend from a first transverse edge  64  (illustrated in  FIG. 4 ) to a second transverse edge  66  of the second layer  38 . The second width  62  can extend from a first longitudinal edge  68  to a second longitudinal edge  70  of the second layer  38 . The second layer  38  can have a first surface  72  and a second surface  74  (illustrated in  FIG. 4 ). In a resultant tampon  10 , the transverse edges of each layer,  36  and  38 , can be located at the insertion end  18 , the withdrawal end  20  or, as described herein, a location between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20 . As a non-limiting example with regards to the fleece  30  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , transverse edges  50  and  66  can be located at the insertion end  18  of a resultant tampon  10  and transverse edges  48  and  64  can be located at the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . 
     The absorbent structure  34  can be constructed such that one of the surfaces,  56  or  58 , of the first layer  36  can be at least partially in a face to face relationship with one of the surfaces,  72  or  74 , of the second layer  38 . In an embodiment, at least about 25% of one of the surfaces,  72  or  74 , of the second layer  38  can be in a face to face relationship with one of the surfaces,  56  or  58 , of the first layer  36 . In an embodiment, at least about 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% of one of the surfaces,  72  or  74 , of the second layer  38  can be in a face to face relationship with one of the surfaces,  56  or  58 , of the first layer  36 . In an embodiment, less than 100% of one of the surfaces,  72  or  74 , of the second layer  38  can be in a face to face relationship with one of the surfaces,  56  or  58 , of the first layer  36 . In an embodiment, from about 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50% to about 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% of one of the surfaces,  72  or  74 , of the second layer  38  can be in a face to face relationship with one of the surfaces,  56  or  58 , of the first layer  36 . 
     In the exemplary illustration of  FIG. 3 , the first and second layers,  36  and  38 , are illustrated as being substantially coextensive with each other. In such an embodiment, the first length  44  of the first layer  36  can be substantially the same as the second length  60  of the second layer  38 . The first width  46  of the first layer  36  can be substantially the same as the second width  62  of the second layer  38 . In the exemplary illustration of  FIG. 3 , about 100% of the first surface  56  of the first layer  36  can be in a face to face relationship with the second surface  74  of the second layer  38 . As described herein, a withdrawal aid  14  and a cover  138  can be associated with the fleece  30 . 
     In an embodiment, the fleece  30  can have a multi-layer absorbent structure  34  in which one of the layers,  36  or  38 , can have a length and/or width different from the other layer,  36  or  38 . Referring to  FIGS. 4-8 , non-limiting examples of embodiments of absorbent structures  34  are illustrated in which one layer,  36  or  38 , can have a length and/or width different from the other layer,  36  or  38 . 
       FIG. 4  provides an illustration of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of a multi-layer absorbent structure  34  in which the first layer  36  can have a first width  46  greater than the second width  62  of the second layer  38 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the first length  44  of the first layer  36  can be substantially similar to the second length  60  of the second layer  38 . In the non-limiting example illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the second layer  38  can be bonded to the central region of the first width  46  of the first layer  36 . The central region of the first width  46  can be the area adjacent a center line  78  of the first width  46  of the first layer  36  of the absorbent structure  34 . It is to be understood that the central region of the first width  46  does not need to be the exact center of the first layer  36 , but can be located generally around the center line  78  of the first width  46 . In an embodiment, the central region of the first width  46  of the first layer  36  can be a position along the first width  46  which is a distance  80  that is about 0.35 to about 0.65 times the first width  46 , as measured from either longitudinal edge,  52  or  54 , of the first layer  36 . It is to be understood that the second layer  38  does not have to be bonded to the first layer  36  in the central region of the first width  46 , but rather could be bonded to the first layer  36  in an area adjacent to one of the longitudinal edges,  52  or  54 , or at any other position along the first width  46  of the first layer  36  as deemed suitable. 
       FIG. 5  provides an illustration of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of a multi-layer absorbent structure  34  in which the first layer  36  can have a first length  44  greater than the second length  60  of the second layer  38 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the first width  46  of the first layer  36  can be substantially similar to the second width  62  of the second layer  38 . In the non-limiting example illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the second layer  38  can be bonded adjacent to one of the transverse edges,  48  or  50 , such as transverse edge  50 , of the first layer  36 . It is to be understood that the second layer  38  can be bonded to the first layer  36  at any position along the first length  44  of the first layer  36  as deemed suitable. 
       FIG. 6  provides an illustration of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of an absorbent structure  34  in which the first layer  36  can have a first length  44  greater than the second length  60  of the second layer  38 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the first width  46  of the first layer  36  can be substantially similar to the second width  62  of the second layer  38 . In the non-limiting example illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the second layer  38  can be bonded in the central region of the first length  44  of the first layer  36 . The central region of the first length  44  can be the area adjacent a center line  84  of the first length  44  of the first layer  36  of the absorbent structure  34 . It is to be understood that the central region of the first length  44  does not need to be the exact center of the first layer  36 , but can be located generally around the center line  84  of the first length  44 . In an embodiment, the central region of the first layer  36  can be a position along the first length  44  which can be a distance  86  that can be about 0.35 to about 0.65 times the first length  44 , as measured from either transverse edge,  48  or  50 , of the first layer  36 . In an embodiment, the second layer  38  does not have to be bonded to the first layer  36  in the central region of the first length  44 , but rather could be bonded to the first layer  36  in an area adjacent to one of the transverse edges,  48  or  50 , or at any other position along the first length  44  of the first layer  36  as deemed suitable. 
       FIG. 7  provides an illustration of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of an absorbent structure  34  in which the first layer  36  is illustrated as having a first length  44  and a first width  46  that are each greater than the second length  60  and the second width  62  of the second layer  38 . 
       FIG. 8  provides an illustration of a non-limiting example of an absorbent structure  34  in which less than 100% of surface  74  of second layer  38  can be in a face to face relationship with surface  56  of first layer  36 . First width  46  can be substantially similar to second width  62 , however it should be realized that first width  46  can be greater than or less than second width  62 . First length  44  can be greater than, less than, or substantially similar to second length  60 . 
     In an embodiment in which a layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , has a length and/or width smaller than a length and/or width of another layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , the layer with the smaller dimension can be bonded to the layer with the larger dimension in any location as deemed suitable. 
       FIGS. 4-8  provide non-limiting illustrations in which the second layer  38  can be positioned on top of the first layer  36 . In an embodiment, the first layer  36  can be positioned on top of the second layer  38 . In an embodiment, at least a portion of a layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , can be inset into another layer, such as layer  36  or  38 . In an embodiment, all of a layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , can be inset into another layer, such as layer  36  or  38 .  FIG. 9  provides a non-limiting example of an embodiment of an absorbent structure  34  in which at least a portion of the second layer  38  can be at least partially inset into the first layer  36 . 
     As described herein, each layer, such as layers  36  and  38 , can have transverse edges, such as transverse edges  48  and  50  of layer  36  and transverse edges  64  and  66  of layer  38 . In an embodiment, each transverse edge(s),  48 ,  50 ,  64  and/or  66 , can be linear, non-linear, arcuate, and any combination thereof as deemed suitable. Such an edge can be produced in any manner as deemed suitable, such as, but not limited to, knife cutting, die cutting, or any other method known to one skilled in the art. As described herein, a transverse edge can be located at the insertion end  18 , the withdrawal end  20  or a location between the insertion and withdrawal ends,  18  and  20 , of a resultant tampon  10 . 
     In an embodiment, at least one layer, such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , of the absorbent structure  34  can have at least one contact element  88 . Without being bound by theory, it is believed that when the tampon  10  is in use the contact element  88  can at least partially expand outwardly from the tampon  10  when contacted by bodily fluids. It is believed that such expansion of the contact element  88  can reduce or prevent leakage of bodily fluids from the woman&#39;s vagina. 
     In an embodiment, a tampon  10  can have at least one contact element  88  located at the insertion end  18  of the tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a tampon  10  can have at least one contact element  88  located at the withdrawal end  20  of the tampon. In an embodiment, a tampon  10  can have at least one contact element  88  located at both the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of the tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a tampon  10  can have at least one contact element  88  at a location of the tampon  10  between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20 . In an embodiment, a tampon  10  can have at least one contact element  88  at a location of the tampon  10  between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  and at least one contact element  88  located at at least one of the insertion end  18  and/or the withdrawal end  20  of the tampon  10 . 
     In an embodiment, a contact element  88  can at least partially expand outwardly from the tampon  10  when contacted by body fluids. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that, while the entire tampon  10  may expand from a compressed configuration into a less compressed configuration when contacted by body fluids, when a contact element  88  is contacted by body fluids and at least partially expands away from the tampon  10  as a result of such contact, the expansion of a contact element  88  away from the tampon  10  can result in an expanded contact element  88  region having a cross-sectional diameter that is greater than a cross-sectional diameter of the remaining expanded tampon  10 .  FIG. 1  provides a non-limiting illustration of a compressed tampon  10  of the current disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the tampon  10  can have at least one contact element  88  located at the insertion end  18  of the tampon  10 .  FIG. 10  provides a non-limiting example of an activated tampon  10 , i.e., an expanded tampon  10 , wherein the contact elements  88  can expand away from the tampon  10  and the region of the contact elements  88  can have a greater cross-sectional diameter than the remainder of the tampon  10 . As a contact element  88  expands outwardly from the tampon  10 , the contact element  88  can deform and follow the folds and convolutions of the walls of the vaginal cavity in order to respond locally to the changes in the vaginal environment. 
     A contact element  88  can have a base  92 . In an embodiment, a base  92  of at least one contact element  88  can be located at the insertion end  18  of a tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a base  92  of at least one contact element  88  can be located at the withdrawal end  20  of a tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a base  92  of at least one contact element  88  can be located at the insertion end  18  of a tampon  10  and a base  92  of at least one contact element  88  can be located at the withdrawal end  20  of a tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a base  92  of at least one contact element  88  can be at a location between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a base  92  of at least one contact element  88  can be at a location between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a tampon  10  and a base  92  of a contact element  88  can be located at at least one of the insertion end  18  and/or the withdrawal end  20  of a tampon  10 . 
     In an embodiment, a contact element  88  can be at least partially bounded by a free edge  94  and at least partially bounded by a base  92 . In an embodiment, a portion of a free edge  94  of a contact element  88  can at least partially align with the insertion end  18  of a tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a portion of a free edge  94  of a contact element  88  can at least partially align with the withdrawal end  20  of a tampon  10 . In an embodiment, substantially all of the contact element  88  can be located between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a portion of a free edge  94  of a contact element  88  can be at least partially aligned with the insertion end  18  of a tampon  10  and a portion of a free edge  94  of a contact element  88  can be at least partially aligned with the withdrawal end  20  of a tampon  10 . In an embodiment, substantially all of a contact element  88  can be located between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  and a portion of a free edge  94  of a contact element  88  can be at least partially aligned with at least one of the insertion end  18  and/or the withdrawal end  20  of a tampon  10 . 
     In an embodiment, at least one contact element  88  can be oriented towards the insertion end  18  of the tampon  10 . In an embodiment, at least one contact element  88  can be oriented towards the withdrawal end  20  of the tampon  10 . In an embodiment, at least one contact element  88  can be oriented towards the insertion end  18  of the tampon  10  and at least one contact element  88  can be oriented towards the withdrawal end  20  of the tampon  10 . 
     In an embodiment, each layer, such as layer  36  and  38 , can have at least one contact element  88  located at the insertion end  18 , the withdrawal end  20 , or at a location between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a tampon  10 . In such an embodiment, a contact element  88  of a layer, such as layer  36 , can be, but does not have to be, located in the same location (i.e., insertion end  18 , withdrawal end  20 , or a location between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20 ) as a contact element  88  of another layer, such as layer  38 . In an embodiment, each layer, such as layer  36  and  38 , can have at least one contact element  88  located at the insertion end  18  of a tampon  10 . In an embodiment, each layer, such as layer  36  and  38 , can have at least one contact element  88  located at the withdrawal end  20  of a tampon  10 . In an embodiment, one of the layers, such as layer  36  or  38 , can have at least one contact element  88  located at the insertion end  18  of a tampon  10  and another layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , can have at least one contact element  88  located at the withdrawal end  20  of the tampon  10 . In an embodiment, each of the layers, such as layers  36  and  38 , can each have at least one contact element  88  located at each of the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a tampon  10 . In an embodiment, one of the layers, such as layer  36  or  38 , can have a contact element  88  located at at least one of the insertion end  18  and/or the withdrawal end  20  and another layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , can have a contact element  88  located at a location between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a tampon  10 . 
     In an embodiment in which each of the layers, such as layers  36  and  38 , have at least one contact element  88 , the at least one contact element  88  of each layer, such as layers  36  and  38 , can be in any overlapping relationship to each other as desired. In an embodiment, a contact element  88  of layer  36  can substantially overlap a contact element  88  of layer  38 . In an embodiment, a contact element  88  of layer  36  can partially overlap a contact element  88  of layer  38 . In an embodiment, a contact element  88  of layer  36  can have minimal or no overlap with a contact element  88  of layer  38 . 
     In an embodiment, at least one of the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can have at least one contact element  88 . In an embodiment, at least one of the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can have at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 contact elements  88 . In an embodiment, at least one of the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can have from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 to 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 contact elements  88 . In an embodiment, each of the layers, such as layers  36  and  38 , can each have at least one contact element  88 . In an embodiment, each of the layers, such as layers  36  and  38 , can have at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 contact elements  88 . In an embodiment, each of the layers, such as layers  36  and  38 , can have from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 to 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 contact elements  88 . 
     In an embodiment, at least one layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can have at least one contact element  88  at least partially separated from another contact element  88 . In an embodiment, the partial separation of one contact element  88  from another contact element  88  can occur via an amplitude of an arc, a slit, or combination thereof. 
       FIGS. 11-24  illustrate various non-limiting examples of embodiments of an absorbent structure  34  in which at least one layer, such as layer  36  and/or  38 , can have at least one contact element  88 . It is to be understood that the configurations of absorbent structures  34  and contact elements  88  described and illustrated herein are non-limiting and additional configurations are contemplated by this disclosure. 
     In an embodiment, a layer(s), such as layer  36  and/or  38 , of an absorbent structure  34  can have a transverse edge which can have an undulating arcuate pattern. In such an embodiment, the undulating arcuate pattern can produce at least one contact element  88 . The amplitude of each arc can be any amplitude as deemed suitable. In such an embodiment, a contact element  88  can be at least partially separated from another contact element  88  by the amplitude of the arc.  FIG. 11  illustrates a non-limiting example of an absorbent structure  34  which can have two layers,  36  and  38 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , layer  36  can have a first width  46  which can be substantially the same as the second width  62  of layer  38 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , layer  36  can have a first length  44  which can be longer than a second length  60  of layer  38 . Layer  36  can have two transverse edges,  48  and  50 , in which transverse edge  48  can have an undulating arcuate pattern. Such an undulating arcuate pattern can produce contact elements  88  which can be at least partially separated from each other by the amplitude of an arc between each contact element  88 . In an embodiment, a transverse edge having an arcuate pattern can be located at the insertion end  18  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a transverse edge having an arcuate pattern can be located at the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a transverse edge having an arcuate pattern can be located at a location between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, transverse edges having an arcuate pattern can be located at both the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a layer(s),  36  and/or  38 , can have a transverse edge having an arcuate pattern at a location between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  and a layer(s),  36  and/or  38 , can have a transverse edge having an arcuate pattern at at least one of the insertion end  18  and/or the withdrawal end  20  of the tampon  10 . 
     In an embodiment, the free edge  94  of a contact element  88  can be generated via a slit  96 . A slit  96  can extend through a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , from a first surface and through to a second surface of the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 . For example, a slit  96  can be incorporated into layer  36 , extending from a first surface  56  of layer  36  through to a second surface  58  of layer  36  to form a free edge  94  of a contact element  88 . In an embodiment, a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can have at least one slit  96 . In an embodiment, a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can have at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 slits  96 . In an embodiment, a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can have from about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 to about 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 slits  96 . In an embodiment, a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , can have the appropriate number of slits  96  to provide the desired number of contact elements  88 . 
     In an embodiment, a slit  96  can be linear, arcuate, any other shape, or combination thereof. In an embodiment, a slit  96  can have any length  98  as desired. The length  98  can be measured as the distance between the terminal ends of the slit  96 . In an embodiment in which the slit  96  contains an arc, the arc length can be determined by any manner deemed suitable by one of ordinary skill in order to determine the length  98  of the slit  96 . In an embodiment, the length  98  of a slit  96  can range from about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 mm to about 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 mm. In an embodiment, the length  98  of a slit  96  can be greater than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 mm. In an embodiment, the length  98  of a slit  96  can be less than about 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, or 15 mm. 
     In an embodiment in which a layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , has more than one slit  96 , each slit  96  can have the same length  98 . In an embodiment in which a layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , has more than one slit  96 , a slit  96  can have a length  98  that differs from the length  98  of at least one other slit  96 . In an embodiment, at least about 20, 25, 40, 45, 50, 55, 70, 75, 80 or 85% of the slits  96  in a layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , can have substantially the same length  98 . In an embodiment, about 25, 50, or 75% of the slits in a layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , can have substantially the same length, such as a first slit length, and about 25, 50, or 75% of the slits in the same layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , can have substantially the same length, such as a second slit length, and the second slit length can be different from the first slit length. In an embodiment in which the slits  96  incorporated into a layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , have varying slit lengths, the slits  96  can be incorporated into the layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , in any pattern of slit lengths as desired. 
     In an embodiment, an absorbent structure  34  can have two layers, such as layers  36  and  38 , in which each layer, such as layers  36  and  38 , can have more than one slit  96 . In an embodiment, each slit  96  in the absorbent structure  34  can have the same length  98 . In an embodiment, the absorbent structure  34  can have a slit  96  that can have a length  98  that differs from the length  98  of at least one other slit  96  located within the absorbent structure  34 . In an embodiment, at least about 20, 25, 40, 45, 50, 55, 70, 75, 80 or 85% of the slits  96  in the absorbent structure  34  can have substantially the same length  98 . In an embodiment, about 25, 50, or 75% of the slits  96  in the absorbent structure  34  can have substantially the same length, such as a first slit length, and about 25, 50, or 75% of the slits  96  in the absorbent structure  34  can have substantially the same length, such as a second slit length, and the second slit length can be different from the first slit length. In an embodiment in which the slits  96  incorporated into the absorbent structure  34  have varying slit lengths, the slits  96  can be incorporated into the absorbent structure  34  in any pattern of slit lengths as desired. 
     In an embodiment, a slit  96  can be incorporated into at least one layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , when the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , is in a flat, unfolded configuration or when the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , has a folded configuration. In an embodiment, a slit  96  can be a continuous or intermittent cut. In an embodiment, a slit  96  can be a line of weakness. 
     In an embodiment, a slit  96  can be incorporated into a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , in any location of the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , as deemed suitable. For example, a slit  96  can be incorporated into a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , between the transverse edges of the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , in association with a transverse edge of the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , and combinations thereof. 
     In an embodiment, a slit  96  can be incorporated into at least one layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , and can be located in any desired location between the transverse edges of the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 . In such an embodiment, the slit  96  need not be associated with transverse edges of the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 . In such an embodiment, the slit  96  can be linear, arcuate, any other shape as desired, or combination thereof and can have any length  98  as desired. In such an embodiment, more than one slit  96  can be incorporated into the at least one layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , and each slit  96  can be separated from any other slit  96  by any distance as deemed suitable. In such an embodiment, the slit  96  can create a contact element  88  that can be at least partially bounded by a free edge  94  and at least partially bounded by a base  92 . 
       FIG. 12  provides a non-limiting example of an absorbent structure  34  which can have two layers,  36  and  38 . The first layer  36  of the absorbent structure  34  can have a first length  44  which can be greater than the second length  60  of the second layer  38 . The first width  46  of the first layer  36  can be substantially similar to the second width  62  of the second layer  38 . The first layer  36  can have two transverse edges,  48  and  50 , and the second layer  38  can have two transverse edges,  64  and  66 . In the non-limiting example, transverse edge  66  of the second layer  38  can be substantially aligned with transverse edge  50  of the first layer  36 . In the non-limiting illustration of  FIG. 12 , first layer  36  can have at least one slit  96  located between transverse edges  48  and  50  of layer  36 . The slits  96  can extend from a first surface  56  of the first layer  36  through to a second surface  58  of the first layer  36 . The slits  96  can be in any configuration as desired, such as, for example, an arcuate configuration. It should be realized that the slits  96  can have any length  98  as desired and can be spaced apart from each other any distance as desired. As described herein, transverse edge  48  can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, the contact elements  88  of the absorbent structure  34  illustrated in  FIG. 12  can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the contact elements  88  can be oriented towards the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a slit  96  can also be incorporated into second layer  38 . 
     In an embodiment, a slit  96  can be associated with a transverse edge of a layer, such as, for example, transverse edge  48  of layer  36 , and can extend from the transverse edge  48  in a direction towards the interior region of the layer, such as, for example, the interior region of layer  36 . In such an embodiment, the slit  96  can extend from the transverse edge  48  of layer  36  in a direction towards the opposite transverse edge, edge  50 , of layer  36 . As described herein, in an embodiment, a slit  96  need not be associated with a transverse edge of a layer, such as transverse edge  48  of layer  36 . 
     In an embodiment, such as, for example, an embodiment in which more than one slit  96  can be associated with a transverse edge of a layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , a width  102  (illustrated in  FIG. 13 ) can separate a slit  96  from the next successive slit  96 . The width  102  can be any distance as deemed suitable. In an embodiment, the width  102  can range from about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 mm to about 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15 mm. In an embodiment in which slits  96  are associated with a transverse edge of a layer, such as layer  36  or  38 , as described herein, the width  102  can be the width of a contact element  88 . Two successive slits  96  associated with a transverse edge can create a contact element  88 . 
       FIG. 13-24  illustrate various embodiments of slits  96  incorporated into at least one layer,  36  and/or  38 , of an absorbent structure  34  and associated with a transverse edge. As shown in the non-limiting examples of  FIG. 13-24 , the slits  96  can be incorporated into a layer(s),  36  and/or  38 , such as, for example, by being cut through from a first surface to a second surface of at least one layer, such as layer  36  and/or  38 . While particular embodiments are illustrated and described, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments illustrated and described without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 13  provides a non-limiting example of an absorbent structure  34  which can have two layers,  36  and  38 . The first layer  36  of the absorbent structure  34  can have a first length  44  which can be greater than the second length  60  of the second layer  38 . The first width  46  of the first layer  36  can be substantially similar to the second width  62  of the second layer  38 . The first layer  36  can have two transverse edges,  48  and  50 , and the second layer  38  can have two transverse edges,  64  and  66 . In the non-limiting example, transverse edge  66  of the second layer  38  can be substantially aligned with transverse edge  50  of the first layer  36 . In the non-limiting illustration of  FIG. 13 , first layer  36  can have at least one slit  96  associated with transverse edge  48 . The first layer  36  can have at least two successive slits  96  associated with transverse edge  48  and the two successive slits  96  can create a contact element  88 . The slits  96  can extend from a first surface  56  of the first layer  36  through to a second surface  58  of the first layer  36 . The slits  96  can extend from the transverse edge  48  in a direction away from the transverse edge  48  and towards an interior region of the first layer  36  of the absorbent structure  34  such that the slits  96  can extend in a direction toward the opposite transverse edge  50  of the first layer  36 . It should be realized that the slits  96  can have any length  98  as desired as the slits  96  extend from transverse edge  48  in a direction towards the opposite transverse edge  50  of the first layer  36 . As illustrated in  FIG. 13  in a non-limiting embodiment, at least one of the slits  96  can have a first slit length  104  and at least one of the slits  96  can have a second slit length  106  wherein the first slit length  104  and the second slit length  106  are not the same. As illustrated in  FIG. 13  in the non-limiting embodiment illustrated, the slits  96  may be incorporated into layer  36  in a pattern of alternating lengths. In an embodiment in which slits  96  having different lengths are incorporated into a layer, such as layer  36  and/or  38 , the slits  96  having different lengths can be incorporated into the respective layer such that the different lengths of the slits  96  can be in a random sequence, in an alternating pattern, or in a repeating pattern. As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the slits  96  do not necessarily extend the entire first length  44  of the first layer  36 . While the second layer  38  is illustrated such that transverse edge  66  can be substantially aligned with transverse edge  50  of the first layer  36 , it should be realized that transverse edge  66  of second layer  38  does not need to be substantially aligned with transverse edge  50  of the first layer  36 . It should be realized that second layer  38  can be bonded to the first layer  36  at any position along the first length  44  of the first layer  36  as deemed suitable. It should be realized that transverse edge  64  of second layer  38  can also be positioned anywhere along the first length  44  of the first layer  36  as desired and the second length  60  of second layer  38  can be any dimension as desired. In an embodiment, layer  38  can at least partially or completely overlay the contact elements  88  incorporated into layer  36 . As described herein, transverse edge  48  can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, the contact elements  88  of the absorbent structure  34  illustrated in  FIG. 13  can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the contact elements  88  can be oriented towards the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a slit  96  can also be incorporated into second layer  38 . 
       FIG. 14  provides an illustration of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of an absorbent structure  34  in which the first layer  36  can have a first length  44  greater than the second length  60  of the second layer  38 . As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the first width  46  of the first layer  36  can be substantially similar to the second width  62  of the second layer  38 . In the non-limiting example illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the second layer  38  can be bonded to the first layer  36  in the central region of the first length  44  of the first layer  36 . The central region of the first length  44  can be the area adjacent a center line  84  of the first length  44  of the first layer  36  of the absorbent structure  34 . It is to be understood that the central region of the first length  44  does not need to be the exact center of the first layer  36 , but can be located generally around the center line  84  of the first length  44 . In an embodiment, the central region of the first layer  36  can be a position along the first length  44  which can be a distance  86  that can be about 0.35 to about 0.65 times the first length  44 , as measured from either transverse edge,  48  or  50 , of the first layer  36 . In an embodiment, the second layer  38  does not have to be bonded to the first layer  36  in the central region of the first length  44 , but rather could be bonded to the first layer  36  in an area adjacent to one of the transverse edges,  48  or  50 , or at any other position along the first length  44  of the first layer  36  as deemed suitable. In the non-limiting illustration of  FIG. 14 , the first layer  36  can have at least one slit  96  associated with each of the transverse edges,  48  and  50 , of first layer  36 . The first layer  36  can have at least two successive slits  96  associated with transverse edges  48  and  50 , respectively, and the two successive slits  96  associated with a transverse edge can create a contact element  88 . The slits  96  can extend from a first surface  56  of the first layer  36  through to a second surface  58  of the first layer  36 . The slits  96  can extend from the transverse edge,  48  or  50 , respectively, in a direction towards an interior region of the first layer  36  of the absorbent structure  34  such that the slits  96  can extend from the associated transverse edge,  48  or  50 , and in a direction toward the opposite transverse edge,  48  or  50 , respectively, of the first layer  36 . It should be realized that the slits  96  can have any length  98  as desired as the slits  96  extend from a transverse edge,  48  or  50 , in a direction towards the opposite transverse edge,  48  or  50 , of the first layer  36 . As illustrated in  FIG. 14  in a non-limiting embodiment, at least one of the slits  96  can have a first slit length  104  and at least one of the slits  96  can have a second slit length  106  wherein the first slit length  104  and the second slit length  106  are not the same. As illustrated in  FIG. 14  in a non-limiting embodiment, the slits  96  may be incorporated into layer  36  in a pattern of alternating lengths. In an embodiment in which slits  96  having different lengths are incorporated into a layer, such as layer  36  and/or  38 , the slits  96  having different lengths can be incorporated into the respective layer such that the different lengths of the slits  96  can be in a random sequence, in an alternating pattern, or in a repeating pattern. As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the slits  96  do not necessarily extend the entire first length  44  of the first layer  36 . It should be realized that transverse edges,  64  and  66 , of second layer  38  can be positioned anywhere along the first length  44  of the first layer  36  as desired and the second length  60  of second layer  38  can be any dimension as desired. In an embodiment, layer  38  can at least partially or completely overlay the contact elements  88  incorporated into layer  36 . As described herein, the transverse edges,  48  and  50 , can be located at the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . Thus, in an embodiment, the contact elements  88  of the absorbent structure  34  illustrated in  FIG. 14  can be located at the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the contact elements  88  can be oriented towards the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a slit  96  can also be incorporated into second layer  38 . 
       FIG. 15  provides an illustration of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of an absorbent structure  34  in which the first layer  36  can have a first width  46  greater than the second width  62  of the second layer  38 . As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the first length  44  of the first layer  36  can be substantially similar to the second length  60  of the second layer  38 . In the non-limiting example illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the second layer  38  can be bonded to the central region of the first width  46  of the first layer  36 . The central region of the first width  46  can be the area adjacent a center line  78  of the first width  46  of the first layer  36  of the absorbent structure  34 . It is to be understood that the central region of the first width  46  does not need to be the exact center of the first layer  36 , but can be located generally around the center line  78  of the first width  46 . In an embodiment, the central region of the first width  46  of the first layer  36  can be a position along the first width  46  which can be a distance  80  that can be about 0.35 to about 0.65 times the first width  46 , as measured from either longitudinal edge,  52  or  54 , of the first layer  36 . In an embodiment, the second layer  38  does not have to be bonded to the first layer  36  in the central region of the first width  46 , but rather could be bonded to the first layer  36  in an area adjacent to one of the longitudinal edges,  52  or  54 , or at any other position along the first width  46  of the first layer  36  as deemed suitable. In the non-limiting embodiment of  FIG. 15 , first layer  36  can have at least one slit  96  associated with transverse edge  48  and second layer  38  can have at least one slit  96  associated with transverse edge  64 . Each layer,  36  and  38 , can have at least two successive slits  96  associated with their respective transverse edges,  48  and  64 , and the two successive slits  96  can create a contact element  88  in each layer,  36  and  38 . With regards to the at least one slit  96  associated with the transverse edge  48  of the first layer  36 , the slit  96  can extend from a first surface  56  of the first layer  36  through to a second surface  58  of the first layer  36 . The slit  96  associated with transverse edge  48  can extend from the transverse edge  48  in a direction towards an interior region of the first layer  36  of the absorbent structure  34  such that the slit  96  can extend in a direction towards the opposite transverse edge  50  of the first layer  36 . With regards to the at least one slit  96  associated with the transverse edge  64  of the second layer  38 , the slit  96  can extend from a first surface  72  through to a second surface  74  of the second layer  38 . The slit  96  associated with transverse edge  64  can extend from the transverse edge  64  in a direction towards an interior region of the second layer  38  of the absorbent structure  34  such that the slit  96  can extend from the transverse edge  64  in a direction towards the opposite transverse edge  66  of the second layer  38 . While the slits  96  of the first layer  36  and the slits  96  of the second layer  38  are illustrated in a manner in which the slits  96  of the second layer  38  can be positioned to substantially align with the slits  96  of the first layer  36 , it should be realized that the slits  96  of the second layer  38  can be offset from the slits  96  of the first layer  36 . An offset of the slits  96  of the second layer  38  from the slits  96  of the first layer  36  can be in any amount as deemed suitable. It should be realized that the slits  96  of each of the layers,  36  and  38 , can have any length  98  as desired as the slits  96  extend from a transverse edge,  48  or  64 , in a direction towards the opposite transverse edge,  50  or  66 , of the first layer  36  or second layer  38 , respectively. As illustrated in  FIG. 15  in a non-limiting embodiment, at least one of the slits  96  of layer  36  and/or  38  can have a first slit length  104  and at least one of the slits  96  of the same layer,  36  and/or  38 , can have a second slit length  106  wherein the first slit length  104  and the second slit length  106  are not the same. As illustrated in  FIG. 15  in a non-limiting embodiment, the slits  96  may be incorporated into layer  36  and layer  38  in a pattern of alternating lengths. In an embodiment in which slits  96  having different lengths are incorporated into a layer, such as layer  36  and/or  38 , the slits  96  having different lengths can be incorporated into the respective layer such that the different lengths of the slits  96  can be in a random sequence, in an alternating pattern, or in a repeating pattern. As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the slits  96  do not necessarily extend the entire length,  44  or  60 , of the first layer  36  or the second layer  38 , respectively. As described herein, the transverse edges,  48 ,  50 ,  64 , and  66 , can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . Thus, in an embodiment, the contact elements  88  of the absorbent structure  34  illustrated in  FIG. 15  can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the contact elements  88  of layers  36  and  38  can be oriented towards the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, at least one of the layers,  36  and/or  38 , can also have at least one slit  96  associated with the opposite transverse edge,  50  and/or  66 , respectively. It should be realized that in the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the contact elements  88  of the first layer  36  and the contact elements  88  of the second layer  38  need not be bonded to each other. Thus, it should be realized that the two layers,  36  and  38 , do not need to be bonded to each other in any region wherein a contact element  88  is present. 
       FIG. 16  provides an illustration of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of an absorbent structure  34  in which the first layer  36  can have a first length  44  and a first width  46  that can each be greater than the second length  60  and the second width  62  of the second layer  38 . In the non-limiting illustration of  FIG. 16 , first layer  36  can have at least one slit  96  associated with a transverse edge such as transverse edge  48 . The first layer  36  can have at least two successive slits  96  associated with transverse edge  48  and the two successive slits  96  can create a contact element  88 . The slits  96  can extend from a first surface  56  of the first layer  36  through to a second surface  58  of the first layer  36 . The slits  96  can extend from the transverse edge  48  in a direction away from the transverse edge  48  and towards an interior region of the first layer  36  of the absorbent structure  34  such that the slits  96  can extend in a direction toward the opposite transverse edge  50  of the first layer  36 . It should be realized that the slits  96  can have any length  98  as desired as the slits  96  extend from transverse edge  48  in a direction towards the opposite transverse edge  50  of the first layer  36 . As illustrated in  FIG. 16  in a non-limiting embodiment, each slit  96  can have a length  98  substantially similar to the length  98  of each other slit  96  present. In an embodiment, the slits  96  can have varying lengths  98 . As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the slits  96  do not necessarily extend the entire first length  44  of the first layer  36 . In an embodiment, the slits  96  can extend a length  98  that is substantially similar to, less than or greater than a distance  118  between transverse edge  48  and transverse edge  64 . It should be realized that second layer  38  can be bonded to the first layer  36  at any position along the first length  44  and/or first width  46  of the first layer  36  as deemed suitable and can have any size dimension as deemed suitable. It should be realized that the two layers,  36  and  38 , do not need to be bonded to each other in any region wherein a contact element  88  is present. As described herein, the transverse edge  48  can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . Thus, in an embodiment, the contact elements  88  of the absorbent structure  34  illustrated in  FIG. 16  can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the contact elements  88  can be oriented towards the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In embodiment, at least one slit  96  can also be incorporated into second layer  38 . 
       FIG. 17  provides an illustration of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of an absorbent structure  34  which can have two layers,  36  and  38 . As illustrated, first layer  36  can have a first width  46  that can be substantially similar to a second width  62  of the second layer  38 . As illustrated, first layer  36  can have at least one fold  110  incorporated therein. In such an embodiment in which a fold  110  is present, the first layer  36  can be bent upon itself such that a first portion of at least one of the surfaces,  56  or  58 , can be in communication with a second portion of the same surface,  56  or  58 . As a non-limiting example, as illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the first layer  36  can contain a single fold  110  bringing a first portion  112  of the first surface  56  into communication with a second portion  114  of the first surface  56 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the fold  110  can bring transverse edge  48  of first layer  36  into communication with transverse edge  64  of the second layer  38 . It should be realized that layer  36  can have a first length  44  greater than a second length  60  of layer  38  and fold  110  can occur at any desired location along the first length  44  of layer  36 . In an embodiment, a fold  110  can bring transverse edge  48  of layer  36  into communication with transverse edge  64  of layer  38 , into communication with a portion of second layer  38  located between transverse edges  64  and  66 , into communication with transverse edge  66  of second layer  38 , into a configuration wherein transverse edge  48  can extend beyond transverse edge  66 , or to a location of first layer  36  such that transverse edge  48  is not in communication with the second layer  38 . As illustrated, first layer  36  can have at least one slit  96  which can be cut through from a second surface  58 , through the first and second portions,  112  and  114 , of the first surface  56 , and to the opposite second surface  58  of the first layer  36 . The first layer  36  can have at least two successive slits  96  and the two successive slits  96  can create a contact element  88 . As illustrated, the slit(s)  96  can be associated with the fold  110  of the first layer  36 . The slit(s)  96  can extend from the fold  110  of the first layer  36  in a direction away from the fold  110  and towards the interior region of the absorbent structure  34  such that the slits  96  can extend from the fold  110  of first layer  36  in a direction towards transverse edge  50  of layer  36 . The slit(s)  96  can be incorporated into the first layer  36  prior to or after fold  110  has been incorporated into layer  36 . It should be realized that, in an embodiment, at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into second layer  38 . In an embodiment, at least one of the layers,  36  and/or  38 , can have at least one slit  96  associated with the transverse edges,  48 ,  50 ,  64  and/or  66 , respectively. As described herein, the fold  110  can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . Thus, in an embodiment, the contact elements  88  of the absorbent structure  34  illustrated in  FIG. 17  can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the contact elements  88  can be oriented towards the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . 
       FIG. 18  provides an illustration of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of an absorbent structure  34  which can have two layers  36  and  38 . As illustrated, the first layer  36  can have two transverse edges,  48  and  50 , and the second layer  38  can have two transverse edges,  64  and  66 . In an embodiment, the first layer  36  can have more than one fold, such as folds  110  and  122 , incorporated therein. In such an embodiment, the first fold  110  can bring transverse edge  48  of first layer  36  into communication with transverse edge  64  of the second layer  38 . In an embodiment, fold  110  can bring transverse edge  48  of layer  36  into communication with transverse edge  64  of layer  38 , into communication with a portion of layer  38  located between transverse edges  64  and  66 , into communication with transverse edge  66  of layer  38 , into a configuration wherein transverse edge  48  can extend beyond transverse edge  66 , or to a location of layer  36  such that transverse edge  48  is not in communication with layer  38 . In such an embodiment, a first portion  112  of first surface  56  of the first layer  36  can be brought into a face-to-face relationship with a second portion  114  of first surface  56  of the first layer  36 . In an embodiment, the fold  110  can be utilized to bring the two portions,  112  and  114 , into a facing relationship and, in some embodiments, a space  120  can exist between the two portions,  112  and  114 , while they are in a facing relationship. In an embodiment, such as illustrated in the non-limiting embodiment of  FIG. 18 , a second fold  122  can be incorporated into layer  36 . In the non-limiting illustration, the second fold  122  can be incorporated into layer  36  at any location of the first layer  36  such as, for example, at a location between the transverse edge  48  and the first fold  110 . The second fold  122  can be configured such that the second fold  122  can position a portion of the first layer  36  into the space  120  created by the first fold  110 . The second fold  122  can bring a first portion  124  of the second surface  58  into a facing relationship with a second portion  126  of the second surface  58  of the first layer  36 . The first layer  36  can have at least one slit  96  incorporated therein (not shown). The at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into layer  36  before or after the incorporation of either of the folds,  110  and/or  122 . The at least one slit  96  can be associated with either or both of the folds  110  and/or  122 . In an embodiment in which slits  96  are associated with only one of the folds,  110  or  122 , the contact element(s)  88  formed by the incorporation of the slits  96  can be in an at least partially overlapping relationship with a portion of the folded first layer  36  not containing any slits  96  or contact elements  88 . In an embodiment in which slits  96  are associated with each of the folds,  110  and  122 , the contact element(s)  88  formed by the incorporation of the slits  96  can be in an at least partially overlapping relationship. As described herein, the folds  110  and  122  can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . Thus, in an embodiment, the contact elements  88  of the absorbent structure  34  illustrated in  FIG. 18  can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 18 , the contact elements  88  can be oriented towards the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into second layer  38 . In an embodiment, at least one of the layers,  36  and/or  38 , can have at least one slit  96  associated with the transverse edges,  48 ,  50 ,  64  and/or  66 , respectively. 
       FIG. 19  provides an illustration of a non-limiting embodiment of an absorbent structure  34  which can have two layers,  36  and  38 . As illustrated, the first layer  36  can have a first width  46  that can be substantially similar to a second width  62  of the second layer  38 . The first layer  36  can have a first length  44  which can be longer than a second length  60  of the second layer  38 . As illustrated, first layer  36  can have at least two folds,  110  and  122 , incorporated therein. In such an embodiment in which two folds,  110  and  122 , are present, the layer  36  can be bent upon itself such that a first portion of one surface,  56  or  58 , of the layer  36  can be in a facing relationship with a second portion of the same surface,  56  or  58 , and a third portion of one surface,  56  or  58 , of the layer  36  can be in a facing relationship with a first portion of the other surface,  56  or  58 . As a non-limiting example, as illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the layer  36  can contain a first fold  110  bringing a first portion  112  of the first surface  56  into a facing relationship with a second portion  114  of the first surface  56 . Following the creation of the first fold  110 , the transverse edge  48  of layer  36  can be located at any location along the first length  44  of layer  36  between the first fold  110  and transverse edge  64  of layer  38 . The layer  36  can contain a second fold  122  bringing a third portion  128  of the first surface  56  into a facing relationship with a first portion  124  of the second surface  58  of layer  36 . The second fold  122  can be created by bending layer  36  at a location along the first length  44  of layer  36  between the transverse edge  48  of layer  36  and the transverse edge  64  of layer  38 . As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , following the folding of layer  36  with fold  122 , transverse edge  48  need not be in communication with second layer  38  of the absorbent structure  34 . In an embodiment, each fold  110  and  122  can result in layer  36  having multiple layers, such as layers  130 ,  132 , and  134 . In an embodiment, layer  36  can have at least one slit  96  extending through the layers,  130 ,  132  and  134 , of the layer  36 . The first layer  36  can have at least two successive slits  96  and the two successive slits  96  can create a contact element  88 . As illustrated, the at least one slit  96  can extend from the second surface  58  of layer  36 , through the first and second portions,  112  and  114 , of the first surface  56  of layer  36 , through the first portion  124  of the second surface  58  of layer  36  and the third portion  128  of the first surface  56  of layer  36 , and to the opposite second surface  58  of the first layer  36 . As illustrated, the slit(s)  96  can be associated with the second fold  122  of the first layer  36 . The slit(s)  96  can extend from the fold  122  of the first layer  36  in a direction away from the fold  122  and towards the interior region of the absorbent structure  34  such that the slits  96  can extend from the fold  122  of first layer  36  in a direction towards transverse edge  50  of layer  36 . The at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into layer  36  prior to or after layer  36  has been folded. As described herein, the fold  122  can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . Thus, in an embodiment, the contact elements  88  of the absorbent structure  34  illustrated in  FIG. 19  can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 19 , the contact elements  88  can be oriented towards the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into second layer  38 . In an embodiment, at least one of the layers,  36  and/or  38 , can have at least one slit  96  associated with the transverse edges,  48 ,  50 ,  64  and/or  66 , respectively. 
       FIG. 20  provides an illustration of a non-limiting embodiment of an absorbent structure  34  which can have two layers,  36  and  38 . As illustrated, the first layer  36  can have a first width  46  that can be substantially similar to a second width  62  of the second layer  38 . The first layer  36  can have a first length  44  which can be longer than a second length  60  of the second layer  38 . As illustrated, first layer  36  can have at least two folds,  110  and  122 , incorporated therein. In such an embodiment in which two folds,  110  and  122 , are present, the layer  36  can be bent upon itself such that a first portion of one surface,  56  or  58 , of the layer  36  can be in a facing relationship with a second portion of the same surface,  56  or  58 , and a third portion of one surface,  56  or  58 , of the layer  36  can be in a facing relationship with a first portion of the other surface,  56  or  58 . As a non-limiting example, as illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the layer  36  can contain a first fold  110  bringing a first portion  112  of the first surface  56  into a facing relationship with a second portion  114  of the first surface  56 . Following the creation of the first fold  110 , the transverse edge  48  of layer  36  can be located at any location along the first length  44  of layer  36  between the first fold  110  and transverse edge  64  of layer  38 . The layer  36  can contain a second fold  122  bringing a third portion  128  of the first surface  56  into a facing relationship with a first portion  124  of the second surface  58  of layer  36 . The second fold  122  can be created by bending layer  36  at a location along the first length  44  of layer  36  between the transverse edge  48  of layer  36  and the transverse edge  64  of layer  38 . As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , following the folding of layer  36  with fold  122 , transverse edge  48  need not be in communication with second layer  38  of the absorbent structure  34 . In an embodiment, each fold  110  and  122  can result in layer  36  having multiple layers, such as layers  130 ,  132 , and  134 . In an embodiment, layer  36  can have at least one slit  96  extending through the layers,  130  and  132 , of the layer  36 . The first layer  36  can have at least two successive slits  96  extending through the layers,  130  and  132 , and the two successive slits  96  can create a contact element  88 . As illustrated, the at least one slit  96  can extend from the second surface  58  of layer  36  and through the first and second portions,  112  and  114 , of the first surface  56  of layer  36  to the first portion  124  of the second surface  58  of layer  36 . As illustrated, the slit(s)  96  can be associated with the first fold  110  of the first layer  36 . The slit(s)  96  can extend from the fold  110  of the first layer  36  in a direction away from the fold  110  and towards the second fold  122  of the first layer  36 . The at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into layer  36  prior to or after layer  36  has been folded with the first fold  110 . As described herein, the fold  110  can be located at a location between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . Thus, in an embodiment, the contact elements  88  of the absorbent structure  34  illustrated in  FIG. 20  can be located at a location between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 20 , the contact elements  88  can be oriented towards the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into second layer  38 . In an embodiment, at least one of the layers,  36  and/or  38 , can have at least one slit  96  associated with the transverse edges,  48 ,  50 ,  64  and/or  66 , respectively. 
       FIG. 21  provides an illustration of a non-limiting embodiment of an absorbent structure  34  which can have two layers,  36  and  38 . As illustrated, the first layer  36  can have a first width  46  that can be substantially similar to a second width  62  of the second layer  38 . The first layer  36  can have a first length  44  which can be longer than a second length  60  of the second layer  38 . As illustrated, less than 100% of surface  74  of second layer  38  can be in a face to face relationship with surface  56  of first layer  36 . As illustrated, first layer  36  can have at least two folds,  110  and  122 , incorporated therein. In such an embodiment in which two folds  110  and  122  are present, the layer  36  can be bent upon itself such that a first portion of one surface,  56  or  58 , of the layer  36  can be in a facing relationship with a second portion of the same surface,  56  or  58 , and a third portion of one surface,  56  or  58 , of the layer  36  can be in a facing relationship with a first portion of the other surface,  56  or  58 . As a non-limiting example, as illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the layer  36  can contain a first fold  110  bringing a first portion  112  of the first surface  56  into a facing relationship with a second portion  114  of the first surface  56 . Following the creation of the first fold  110 , the transverse edge  48  of layer  36  can be located at any location along the first length  44  of layer  36  between the first fold  110  and transverse edge  64  of layer  38 . The layer  36  can contain a second fold  122  bringing a third portion  128  of the first surface  56  into a facing relationship with a first portion  124  of the second surface  58  of layer  36 . The second fold  122  can be created by bending layer  36  at a location along the first length  44  of layer  36  between the transverse edge  48  of layer  36  and the transverse edge  64  of layer  38 . As illustrated in  FIG. 21 , following the folding of layer  36  with fold  122 , transverse edge  48  need not be in communication with second layer  38  of the absorbent structure  34 . In an embodiment, each fold  110  and  122  can result in layer  36  having multiple layers, such as layers  130 ,  132 , and  134 . In an embodiment, layer  36  can have at least one slit  96  extending through the layers,  130  and  132 , of the layer  36 . The first layer  36  can have at least two successive slits  96  extending through the layers,  130  and  132 , and the two successive slits  96  can create a contact element  88 . As illustrated, the at least one slit  96  can extend from the second surface  58  of layer  36  and through the first and second portions,  112  and  114 , of the first surface  56  of layer  36  to the first portion  124  of the second surface  58  of layer  36 . As illustrated, the slit(s)  96  can be associated with the first fold  110  of the first layer  36 . The slit(s)  96  can extend from the fold  110  of the first layer  36  in a direction away from the fold  110  and towards the second fold  122  of the first layer  36 . The at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into layer  36  prior to or after layer  36  has been folded with the first fold  110 . As described herein, the fold  110  can be located at a location between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . Thus, in an embodiment, the contact elements  88  of the absorbent structure  34  illustrated in  FIG. 21  can be located at a location between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 21 , the contact elements  88  can be oriented towards the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into second layer  38 . In an embodiment, at least one of the layers,  36  and/or  38 , can have at least one slit  96  associated with the transverse edges,  48 ,  50 ,  64  and/or  66 , respectively. 
       FIG. 22  provides an illustration of a non-limiting embodiment of an absorbent structure  34  which can have two layers,  36  and  38 . As illustrated, the first layer  36  can have a first width  46  that can be substantially similar to a second width  62  of the second layer  38 . The first layer  36  can have a first length  44  which can be longer than a second length  60  of the second layer  38 . As illustrated, first layer  36  can have at least two folds,  110  and  122 , incorporated therein. In such an embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 22  in which two folds,  110  and  122 , are present, the layer  36  can be bent upon itself such that a first portion of one surface,  56  or  58 , of the layer  36  can be in a facing relationship with a second portion of the same surface,  56  or  58 , and a first portion of the other surface,  56  or  58 , of the layer  36  can be in a facing relationship with a second portion of the same surface,  56  or  58 . As a non-limiting example, as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the layer  36  can contain a first fold  110  bringing a first portion  112  of the first surface  56  into a facing relationship with a second portion  114  of the first surface  56 . Following the creation of the first fold  110 , the transverse edge  48  of layer  36  can be located at any location along the first length  44  of layer  36  between the first fold  110  and transverse edge  64  of layer  38 . The layer  36  can contain a second fold  122  bringing a first portion  124  of the second surface  58  into a facing relationship with a second portion  126  of the second surface  58  of layer  36 . The second fold  122  can be created by bending layer  36  at a location along the first length  44  of layer  36  between the transverse edge  48  of layer  36  and the first fold  110  of layer  36 . As illustrated in  FIG. 22 , transverse edge  48  of layer  36  can be in communication with transverse edge  64  of the second layer  38  of the absorbent structure  34 . In an embodiment, each fold  110  and  122  can result in layer  36  having multiple layers, such as layers  130 ,  132 ,  134  and  136 . In an embodiment, layer  36  can have at least one slit  96  extending through the layers,  130 ,  132 ,  134  and  136 , of the layer  36 . The first layer  36  can have at least two successive slits  96  extending through the layers,  130 ,  132 ,  134 , and  136 , and the two successive slits  96  can create a contact element  88 . As illustrated, the at least one slit  96  can extend from the second surface  58  of layer  36 , through the first and second portions,  112  and  114 , of the first surface  56  of layer  36 , through the first and second portions,  124  and  126 , of the second surface  58  of layer  36 , through opposite first and second portions,  112  and  114 , of the first surface  56  of layer  36 , and to the opposite second surface  58  of the first layer  36 . As illustrated, the slit(s)  96  can be associated with the second fold  122  of the first layer  36 . The slit(s)  96  can extend from the fold  122  of the first layer  36  in a direction away from the fold  122  and towards the interior region of the absorbent structure  34  such that the slits  96  can extend from the fold  122  of first layer  36  in a direction towards transverse edge  50  of layer  36 . The at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into layer  36  prior to or after layer  36  has been folded. As described herein, the fold  122  can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . Thus, in an embodiment, the contact elements  88  of the absorbent structure  34  illustrated in  FIG. 22  can be located at the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the contact elements  88  can be oriented towards the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into second layer  38 . In an embodiment, at least one of the layers,  36  and/or  38 , can have at least one slit  96  associated with the transverse edges,  48 ,  50 ,  64  and/or  66 , respectively. 
       FIG. 23  provides an illustration of a non-limiting embodiment of an absorbent structure  34  which can have two layers,  36  and  38 . As illustrated, the first layer  36  can have a first width  46  that can be substantially similar to a second width  62  of the second layer  38 . The first layer  36  can have a first length  44  which can be longer than a second length  60  of the second layer  38 . As illustrated, first layer  36  can have at least two folds,  110  and  122 , incorporated therein. In such an embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 23  in which two folds,  110  and  122 , are present, the layer  36  can be bent upon itself such that a first portion of one surface,  56  or  58 , of the layer  36  can be in a facing relationship with a second portion of the same surface,  56  or  58 , and a first portion of the other surface,  56  or  58 , of the layer  36  can be in a facing relationship with a second portion of the same surface,  56  or  58 . As a non-limiting example, as illustrated in  FIG. 23 , the layer  36  can contain a first fold  110  bringing a first portion  112  of the first surface  56  into a facing relationship with a second portion  114  of the first surface  56 . Following the creation of the first fold  110 , the transverse edge  48  of layer  36  can be located at any location along the first length  44  of layer  36  between the first fold  110  and transverse edge  64  of layer  38 . The layer  36  can contain a second fold  122  bringing a first portion  124  of the second surface  58  into a facing relationship with a second portion  126  of the second surface  58  of layer  36 . The second fold  122  can be created by bending layer  36  at a location along the first length  44  of layer  36  between the transverse edge  48  of layer  36  and the first fold  110  of layer  36 . As illustrated in  FIG. 23 , transverse edge  48  of layer  36  can be in communication with transverse edge  64  of the second layer  38  of the absorbent structure  34 . In an embodiment, each fold  110  and  122  can result in layer  36  having multiple layers, such as layers  130 ,  132 ,  134  and  136 . In an embodiment, layer  36  can have at least one slit  96  extending through the layers, such as layers  130  and  132 , of the layer  36 . The first layer  36  can have at least two successive slits  96  extending through the layers,  130  and  132 , and the two successive slits  96  can create a contact element  88 . As illustrated, the at least one slit  96  can extend from the second surface  58  of layer  36 , through the first and second portions,  112  and  114 , of the first surface  56  of layer  36 , and to the second portion  126  of the second surface  58  of layer  36 . As illustrated, the slit(s)  96  can be associated with the first fold  110  of the first layer  36 . The slit(s)  96  can extend from the fold  110  of the first layer  36  in a direction away from the fold  110  and towards the second fold  122  of first layer  36 . The at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into layer  36  prior to or after layer  36  has been folded. As described herein, the fold  110  can be located between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . Thus, in an embodiment, the contact elements  88  of the absorbent structure  34  illustrated in  FIG. 23  can be located between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 23 , the contact elements  88  can be oriented towards the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into second layer  38 . In an embodiment, at least one of the layers,  36  and/or  38 , can have at least one slit  96  associated with the transverse edges,  48 ,  50 ,  64  and/or  66 , respectively. 
       FIG. 24  provides an illustration of a non-limiting embodiment of an absorbent structure  34  which can have two layers,  36  and  38 . As illustrated, the first layer  36  can have a first width  46  that can be substantially similar to a second width  62  of the second layer  38 . The first layer  36  can have a first length  44  which can be longer than a second length  60  of the second layer  38 . As illustrated, less than 100% of surface  74  of second layer  38  can be in a face to face relationship with surface  56  of first layer  36 . As illustrated, first layer  36  can have at least two folds,  110  and  122 , incorporated therein. In such an embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 24  in which two folds  110  and  122  are present, the layer  36  can be bent upon itself such that a first portion of one surface,  56  or  58 , of the layer  36  can be in a facing relationship with a second portion of the same surface,  56  or  58 , and a first portion of the other surface,  56  or  58 , of the layer  36  can be in a facing relationship with a second portion of the same surface,  56  or  58 . As a non-limiting example, as illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the layer  36  can contain a first fold  110  bringing a first portion  112  of the first surface  56  into a facing relationship with a second portion  114  of the first surface  56 . Following the creation of the first fold  110 , the transverse edge  48  of layer  36  can be located at any location along the first length  44  of layer  36  between the first fold  110  and transverse edge  64  of layer  38 . The layer  36  can contain a second fold  122  bringing a first portion  124  of the second surface  58  into a facing relationship with a second portion  126  of the second surface  58  of layer  36 . The second fold  122  can be created by bending layer  36  at a location along the first length  44  of layer  36  between the transverse edge  48  of layer  36  and the first fold  110  of layer  36 . As illustrated in  FIG. 24 , transverse edge  48  of layer  36  does not have to be, but can be, in communication with transverse edge  64  of the second layer  38  of the absorbent structure  34 . In an embodiment, each fold  110  and  122  can result in layer  36  having multiple layers, such as layers  130 ,  132 ,  134  and  136 . In an embodiment, layer  36  can have at least one slit  96  extending through the layers,  130  and  132 , of the layer  36 . The first layer  36  can have two successive slits  96  extending through the layers,  130  and  132 , and the two successive slits  96  can create a contact element  88 . As illustrated, the at least one slit  96  can extend from the second surface  58  of layer  36 , through the first and second portions,  112  and  114 , of the first surface  56  of layer  36 , and to the second portion  126  of the second surface  58  of layer  36 . As illustrated, the slit(s)  96  can be associated with the first fold  110  of the first layer  36 . The slit(s)  96  can extend from the fold  110  of the first layer  36  in a direction away from the fold  110  and towards the second fold  122  of first layer  36 . The at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into layer  36  prior to or after layer  36  has been folded. As described herein, the fold  110  can be located between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . Thus, in an embodiment, the contact elements  88  of the absorbent structure  34  illustrated in  FIG. 24  can be located between the insertion end  18  and the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the contact elements  88  can be oriented towards the insertion end  18  or the withdrawal end  20  of a resultant tampon  10 . In an embodiment, at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into second layer  38 . In an embodiment, at least one of the layers,  36  and/or  38 , can have at least one slit  96  associated with the transverse edges,  48 ,  50 ,  64  and/or  66 , respectively. 
     As described herein, the nonwoven ribbon  32  of an absorbent structure  34  can be separated into individual units of fleece  30  which can have the same absorbent structure  34  as was present in the nonwoven ribbon  32 . The fleece  30  can be formed into a blank  28  which can then be compressed into a pledget  12  of a tampon  10 . In various embodiments, the tampon  10  can have a cover  138  and a withdrawal aid  14 . 
     In various embodiments a cover  138  can be provided. As used herein, the term “cover” relates to materials that are in communication with and cover or enclose surfaces of a pledget  12  to prevent the fibrous materials of the absorbent structure  34  from directly contacting the inner walls of a woman&#39;s vagina and to reduce the ability of portions (e.g., fibers and the like) from becoming separated from the pledget  12  or the tampon  10  and being left behind upon removal of the tampon  10  from the woman&#39;s vagina. In various embodiments, the cover  138  can be a fluid-permeable cover  138 . By “fluid-permeable” it is meant that body fluid is able to pass through the cover  138 . The cover  138  can be hydrophobic or hydrophilic. By “hydrophilic” it is meant that the cover  138  has an affinity for absorbing or tending to combine with water. By “hydrophobic” it is meant that the cover  138  is antagonistic to or tending not to combine with water. The cover  138  can also be treated with a surfactant or other material to make it hydrophilic or to make it more hydrophilic. 
     The cover  138  can be bonded with: the nonwoven ribbon  32  prior to separation into individual units of fleece  30 , an individual unit of fleece  30 , a blank  28  which has been formed from a fleece  30 , or to the pledget  12  following compression of the blank  28 . In an embodiment in which the cover  138  is bonded with a pledget  12  following compression of a blank  28 , the cover  138  can be extensible such that the tampon  10  can expand within the vaginal cavity. In an embodiment in which the absorbent structure  34  is multi-layered, the cover  138  can be bonded with at least one layer of the absorbent structure  34  before, after, or while the layer of the absorbent structure  34  is bonded to another layer of the absorbent structure  34 . The absorbent structure  34  can be in a nonwoven ribbon  32  or can be in a fleece  30 . 
     In various embodiments, the cover  138  can be formed from nonwoven materials or apertured films. The nonwoven materials can include, but are not limited to, materials such as natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or blends of natural and synthetic fibers. Natural fibers include, but are not limited to, rayon, cotton, wood pulp, flax, and hemp. Synthetic fibers can include, but are not limited to, fibers such as polyester, polyolefin, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyacrylic, vinyl polyacetate, polyacrylate, cellulose acetate, or bicomponent fibers, such as bicomponent polyethylene and polypropylene fibers. The cover  138  can be made by any number of suitable techniques such as, for example, being spunbonded, carded, hydroentangled, thermally bonded, and resin bonded. In an embodiment, the cover  138  can be formed from an apertured thermoplastic film having either a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional thickness. In an embodiment, the cover  138  can be a 12 gsm smooth calendared material made from bicomponent, polyethylene sheath and polyester core, fibers such as Sawabond 4189 available from Sandler AG, Schwarzenbach, Germany. In an embodiment, the cover  138  can be formed from a single piece of material. In an embodiment, the cover  138  can be formed from multiple discrete pieces of material which are bonded together. In an embodiment, the cover  138  can be bleached. In an embodiment, the cover  138  can have a color. 
     In an embodiment, the cover  138  can be treated with an aqueous solution to reduce frictional drag, to give the tampon  10  a permanent wettability, to enhance the ease of insertion into and withdrawal from a woman&#39;s vagina, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the cover  138  can be treated either before being rolled or folded up with the fleece  30  into a blank  28  or after the blank  28  has been formed and the cover  138  has been bonded with the blank  28 . 
     In various embodiments, at least a portion of a cover  138  can cover a body facing surface  148 , a portion of an interior surface  146 , or combinations thereof of a blank  28 .  FIG. 25  provides an illustration of a non-limiting embodiment in which at least a portion of a cover  138  can cover a portion of a body facing surface  148  of a blank  28 , such as a softwind. As illustrated in  FIG. 26A , in an embodiment, at least a portion of a cover  138  can cover a portion of an interior surface  146  of a blank  28  when a fleece  30  is compressed, such as, for example, via side compression. As illustrated in  FIG. 26A , in an embodiment, at least a portion of the cover  138  can cover a combination of the body facing surface  148  and the interior surface  146  of a blank  28 . The interior surface  146  of the blank  28  can result from folding, rolling, or otherwise manipulating the fleece  30  into the blank  28 . It is to be understood that in an embodiment, the interior surface  146  of the pledget  12  may come into contact with the vaginal walls as the tampon  10  can expand when contacted by body fluids. The expansion of the tampon  10  can, therefore, cause exposure of the interior surface  146  of the pledget  12  to the vaginal walls and body fluid. As illustrated in  FIG. 26B , in an embodiment two covers  138  can be in communication with a fleece  30  which can be compressed, such as, for example, via side compression, into a blank  28 . As illustrated in  FIG. 26B , in such an embodiment, at least a portion of each of the covers  138  can cover a portion of an interior surface  146  of a blank  28  of a pledget  12 . In such an embodiment, at least a portion of each of the covers  138  can cover a combination of the body facing surface  148  and the interior surface  146  of a blank  28  of a pledget  12 . In various embodiments, the cover  138  can extend beyond the withdrawal end  20  of the pledget  12  to form a skirt  150  as illustrated in  FIG. 27 . It is to be understood that, in an embodiment, the cover  138  can extend beyond the insertion end  18  of a pledget  12 . 
     In an embodiment, the cover  138  can have two edges,  152  and  154 . As noted above, the cover  138  can be bonded to a nonwoven ribbon  32 , a fleece  30 , a blank  28 , or a pledget  12 . In an embodiment, during the bonding process, at least one of the edges,  152  or  154 , of the cover  138  can be substantially aligned with one of the transverse edges, such as transverse edges  48  and  50  or  64  or  66 . In an embodiment, during the bonding process, the cover  138  can be bonded to the nonwoven ribbon  32 , the fleece  30 , the blank  28 , or the pledget  12  so as to produce a spiral or helical pattern on the resulting pledget  12 . In an embodiment, the two edges,  152  and  154 , can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  16  of a pledget  12 . In an embodiment, the two edges,  152  and  154 , can be positioned in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis  16  of a pledget  12  or at any other angle to the longitudinal axis  16  of a pledget  12  such as may occur if the cover  138  is spirally wound about the pledget  12 . Thus, while the cover  138  and the edges,  152  and  154 , may be discussed herein in an orientation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  16  of a pledget  12 , one of ordinary skill will be able to recognize how to provide a cover  138  and edges,  152  and  154 , in an orientation parallel with the longitudinal axis  16  of a pledget  12  or in an orientation having any other angle in relation to the longitudinal axis  16  of a pledget  12 . 
     In an embodiment, the cover  138  can have uniform properties. In an embodiment, the cover  138  can have non-uniform properties. In such an embodiment, the cover  138  can have regions with differing properties which can be coordinated to increase or decrease absorbency and/or level of expansion of the tampon  10 . For example, a region can be more hydrophilic or hydrophobic in comparison to another region of the cover  138 . In an embodiment, the hydrophilic region of the cover  138  could substantially cover the portion of the tampon  10  that would contact the menses first to increase menses absorption and as a result increase expansion of that portion of the tampon  10 . 
     The regions of the cover  138  with differing properties may be produced by various methods. One example of a method is by treating the regions of the cover  138  with chemical finishes, such as hydrophilic or hydrophobic finishes that make the regions either more hydrophilic or more hydrophobic, respectively. The regions can also be mechanically altered. Any method known in the art of mechanically altering non-wovens or films can be used. Mechanically altering includes, but is not limited to, processes such as ring-rolling, corrugating, SELFing, and aperturing. 
     The composition of the cover  138  can also provide for differing properties of the cover  138 . Different regions of the cover  138  can be produced from different materials. For example, one region of the cover  138  may have a higher concentration of rayon than another section of the cover  138  to make that region more hydrophilic. Materials could be selected for any property desired for a cover  138  known in the art, such as a selection of a material to provide a region of the cover  138  with greater extensibility. In an embodiment, the cover  138  may include multiple discrete pieces that are bonded together to form a single cover  138 . The discrete pieces can have differing properties such as described above. In an embodiment, the discrete pieces of the cover  138  may form the different regions of the cover  138  such as described above. In such an embodiment, one discrete piece may form one region and another discrete piece may form a different region of the cover  138 . The discrete pieces can be bonded by any method known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as sewing, adhesive, thermal bonding, fusion bonding, or combinations thereof. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 28 , in an embodiment, the cover  138  can have at least one slit  156 . In an embodiment, the slit(s)  156  can be located between the two edges,  152  and  154 , of the cover  138 . In such an embodiment, the slit  156  can form a cover contact element  162 . In an embodiment, the slit(s)  156  can be associated with at least one of the edges,  152  and/or  154 . In an embodiment, at least one slit  156  can be associated with at least one of the edges,  152  and/or  154 , and at least one slit  156  can be located between the two edges,  152  and  154 . In an embodiment in which slits  156  are associated with at least one of the edges,  152  and  154 , the cover  138  can have at least two slits  156  which can form a cover contact element  162 . The cover contact element  162  can come into contact with the walls of the vagina and can direct fluid flow towards the tampon  10 . In an embodiment, the cover  138  can have at least one cover contact element  162 . In an embodiment, the cover  138  can have at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 cover contact elements  162 . In an embodiment, the cover  138  can have from about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 to about 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 cover contact elements  162 . In an embodiment, a cover contact element  162  can be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  16  of a tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a cover contact element  162  can be oriented parallel with the longitudinal axis  16  of a tampon  10 . In an embodiment, a cover contact element  162  can be oriented at any angle as desired to the longitudinal axis  16  of a tampon  10 . 
     In an embodiment, a slit  156  of the cover  138  can be substantially aligned with a slit  96  of a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 . In an embodiment, a slit  156  can be offset from a slit  96  of a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 . In an embodiment, a slit  156  of a cover  138  can be substantially aligned with a slit  96  of a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , and a slit  156  of a cover  138  can be offset from a slit  96  of a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 28 , the slits  156  of the cover  138  can be substantially aligned with the slits  96  of a layer of the absorbent structure  34 . In such an embodiment, a slit  156  in the cover  138  can allow the contact element  88  to expand in a direction away from the tampon  10  and to deform and flex away from the tampon  10 . In an embodiment, the length of a slit  156  in the cover  138  can be any length deemed suitable. In an embodiment, the length of a slit  156  in the cover  138  can be substantially similar to the length  98  of a slit  96  in a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 . In an embodiment, a width between two successive slits  156  in the cover  138  can be any width as deemed suitable. In an embodiment, the width between two successive slits  156  in the cover  138  can be substantially similar to the width  102  between two successive slits  96  in one of the layers,  36  and/or  38 . In an embodiment, the length of a slit  156  and the width between two successive slits  156  in the cover  138  can be substantially similar to or different from the length  98  of a slit  96  and the width  102  between slits  96  in a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , when the slits  156  in a cover  138  substantially align with the slits  96  in a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , or when the slits  156  in a cover  138  are offset from the slits  96  in a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 . In an embodiment, a cover contact element  162  can substantially align with a contact element  88  of a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 . In an embodiment, a cover contact element  162  can be offset from a contact element  88  of a layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 . 
     In various embodiments, the pledget  12  may be subject to further processing to result in a finished tampon. For example, the pledget  12  may be joined with a withdrawal aid  14  and/or applicator. 
     The withdrawal aid  14  may be attached to the pledget  12  in any suitable manner. For example, an opening can be formed through the pledget  12  (and cover  138  if provided) so as to provide a means for attaching a withdrawal aid  14 . In various embodiments, the withdrawal aid  14  can be attached to the fibrous material before or after it is compressed into the pledget  12 . The withdrawal aid  14  can be attached to the fibrous material and then looped upon itself. As illustrated in  FIG. 29 , the withdrawal aid  14  can be associated with the nonwoven ribbon  32  and can further be associated with the fleece  30 . In such an embodiment, the withdrawal aid  14  can be, as illustrated, wound with the fleece  30  in the formation of a blank  28 . A knot  144  can be formed near the free ends of the withdrawal aid  14  to assure that the withdrawal aid  14  does not separate from the fibrous material. The knot  144  can also serve to prevent fraying of the withdrawal aid  14  and to provide a location where a woman can grasp the withdrawal aid  14  when she is ready to remove the tampon  10  from her vagina. 
     The withdrawal aid  14  can be constructed from various types of threads or ribbons. A thread or ribbon can be made from 100% cotton fibers and/or other materials in whole or part. The withdrawal aid  14  can be bonded to the absorbent fibers with or without tying. The withdrawal aid  14  can have any suitable length and/or the withdrawal aid  14  can be dyed and/or treated with an anti-wicking agent, such as wax, before being secured to the pledget  12 . 
       FIG. 29  provides a non-limiting illustration of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a blank  28  of the present disclosure. A nonwoven ribbon  32  which can have an absorbent structure  34 , can ultimately result in a blank  28 . In an embodiment, the absorbent structure  34  of the nonwoven ribbon  32  can be a single layer. In an embodiment, the absorbent structure of the nonwoven ribbon  32  can be multi-layered. The absorbent structure  34  of the nonwoven ribbon  32 , can be manufactured via a multi-bank laydown process, a process whereby pre-formed fibrous material layers are bonded together, or a combination thereof. During the manufacture of the absorbent structure  34  of the nonwoven ribbon  32 , the absorbent structure  34  can have any configuration of layers as desired. During the manufacture of a multi-layered absorbent structure  34  of a nonwoven ribbon  32 , the layers can be configured into any desired configuration, such as, but not limited to, the configurations described and illustrated herein. The nonwoven ribbon  32  illustrated in  FIG. 29  can have an absorbent structure  34  which can have two layers,  36  and  38 , which can be placed into communication with each other. In an embodiment, the two layers,  36  and  38 , can be bonded to each other after they are placed into communication with each other. Each of the layers,  36  and  38 , can have transverse edges, such as transverse edges  48  and  50  of layer  36  and  64  and  66  of layer  38 . In the non-limiting illustration of  FIG. 29 , transverse edge  50  of first layer  36  can be substantially aligned with transverse edge  66  of second layer  38 . As illustrated in the non-limiting illustration of  FIG. 29 , the first layer  36  can have a first length  44  which can be longer than a second length  60  of second layer  38 . As noted herein, the two layers,  36  and  38 , can be arranged into any desired configuration including, but not limited to, any of the configurations described and illustrated herein. As described herein, at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into at least one of the layers,  36  and/or  38 , forming the absorbent structure  34  of the nonwoven ribbon  32 . The slit(s)  96  can be incorporated into at least one of the layer(s), such as layer(s)  36  and/or  38 , prior to, after, or while placing one of the layers of the absorbent structure  34  into communication with another layer of the absorbent structure  34 . In the non-limiting illustration of  FIG. 29 , the slit(s)  96  can be associated with a transverse edge of one of the layers,  36  and/or  38 , such as transverse edge  48  of layer  36 . As described herein, in an embodiment, at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into at least one of the layers,  36  and/or  38 , in such a configuration so as to not be associated with one of the transverse edges of either of the layers,  36  and/or  38 . In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated, a first layer  36  having two transverse edges,  48  and  50 , can be provided and a plurality of slits  96  can be associated with transverse edge  48  to form at least one contact element  88 . As discussed herein, in an embodiment, a contact element  88  can be associated with any of the transverse edges or can be located between the transverse edges of a layer. As illustrated in the non-limiting embodiment shown in  FIG. 29 , the contact elements  88  can be associated with transverse edge  48  of layer  36 . The nonwoven ribbon  32  can also be provided with a cover  138  and a withdrawal aid  14 . As noted above, to create a blank  28 , the nonwoven ribbon  32  can be separated into individual units of fleece  30 . The separation of the nonwoven ribbon  32  into individual units of fleece  30  can occur by any suitable method such as stretching, perforating, or cutting such as with the use of a die cutter or a knife cutter, and the like. As illustrated in  FIG. 29 , the nonwoven ribbon  32  can be provided with perforation cuts  140  which can facilitate the separation of the nonwoven ribbon  32  into individual units of fleece  30 . The cover  138  can be provided to the nonwoven ribbon  32  before the nonwoven ribbon  32  has been separated into an individual unit of fleece  30  and can be provided in such a way as to span at least a portion of the perforation cuts  140 . 
     As noted above, the nonwoven ribbon  32  can be separated into individual units of fleece  30  which can be rolled, stacked, folded or otherwise manipulated into blanks  28  before the blanks  28  are formed into pledgets  12 . For example, suitable menstrual tampons may include “cup” shaped pledgets like those disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2008/0287902 to Edgett and U.S. Pat. No. 2,330,257 to Bailey; “accordion” or “W-folded” pledgets like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,882 to Agyapong; “radially wound” pledgets like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,310,269 to Friese; “sausage” type or “wad” pledgets like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,464,310 to Harwood; “M-folded” tampon pledgets like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,716 to Jessup; “stacked” tampon pledgets like those disclosed in U.S. 2008/0132868 to Jorgensen; or “bag” type tampon pledgets like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,815,601 to Schaefer. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 29 , the fleece  30  can be radially wound into a blank  28 , such as a softwind. As illustrated in  FIG. 29 , the nonwoven ribbon  32  can be separated into individual units of fleece  30 , which can undergo a radial winding process, illustrated by the partially wound unit  142 , to result in a blank  28 . A suitable method for making “radial wound” pledgets is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,100 to Friese. The radial winding method can also include a method for forming the blank into a pledget like that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,310,269 to Friese. Suitable methods for making “W-folded” pledgets are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,070 to Agyapong; U.S. Pat. No. 7,677,189 to Kondo; and U.S. 2010/0114054 to Mueller. A suitable method for making “cup” pledgets and “stacked” pledgets is disclosed in U.S. 2008/0132868 to Jorgensen. 
     In various embodiments, the blank  28  can be formed into a pledget  12 . In an embodiment, forming the blank  28  into a pledget  12  can include a compressing step which can utilize any suitable means and apparatus. For example, the compressing step may utilize a plurality of dies which reciprocate relative to one another so as to form a mold cavity therebetween. When the blank  28  (e.g., a softwind) is positioned within the mold cavity, the dies may be actuated so as to move tangent to or towards one another, tangent to or towards the blank  28  and compress the blank  28 . The blank  28  may be compressed any suitable amount. For example, the blank  28  may be compressed at least about 25%, 50%, or 75% of the initial dimensions. For example, a blank  28  can be reduced in diameter to approximately ¼ of the original diameter. The cross-sectional configuration of the resultant pledget  12  may be circular, ovular, rectangular, hexagonal, or any other suitable shape. 
     In various embodiments, the compressing step may not include any additional heat applied to the pledget  12 . In other words, the blank  28  can be compressed into a pledget  12  without external heat being applied to the compression equipment or the blank  28 . In various embodiments, the compressing step may incorporate or may be followed by one or more additional stabilization steps. This secondary stabilization can serve to maintain the compressed shape of the pledget  12 . In general, the secondary stabilization step can create hydrogen bonds between the absorbent fibers and/or may further strengthen the entanglement of the absorbent fibers to maintain the shape of the compressed pledget  12 . 
       FIG. 30  provides a non-limiting illustration of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a nonwoven ribbon  32  of the present disclosure. A nonwoven ribbon  32  which can have an absorbent structure  34 , can ultimately result in a blank  28 . In an embodiment, the absorbent structure  34  of the nonwoven ribbon  32  can be a single layer. In an embodiment, the absorbent structure of the nonwoven ribbon  32  can be multi-layered. As described herein, the absorbent structure  34  of the nonwoven ribbon  32 , can be manufactured via a multi-bank laydown process, a process whereby pre-formed fibrous material layers are bonded together, or a combination thereof. During the manufacture of the absorbent structure  34  of the nonwoven ribbon  32 , the absorbent structure  34  can have any configuration of layers as desired. During the manufacture of a multi-layered absorbent structure  34  of a nonwoven ribbon  32 , the layers can be configured into any desired configuration, such as, but not limited to, the configurations described and illustrated herein. The nonwoven ribbon  32  illustrated in  FIG. 30  can have an absorbent structure  34  which can have two layers,  36  and  38 , which can be placed into communication with each other. In an embodiment, the two layers,  36  and  38 , can be bonded to each other after having been placed into communication with each other. Each of the layers,  36  and  38 , can have transverse edges, such as transverse edges  48  and  50  of layer  36  and  64  and  66  of layer  38 . In the non-limiting illustration of  FIG. 30 , transverse edge  50  of first layer  36  can be substantially aligned with transverse edge  66  of second layer  38 . As illustrated in the non-limiting illustration of  FIG. 30 , the first layer  36  can have a first length  44  which can be longer than a second length  60  of second layer  38 . As noted herein, the two layers,  36  and  38 , can be arranged into any desired configuration including, but not limited to, any of the configurations described and illustrated herein. In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated, a fold  110  can be incorporated into first layer  36 . The fold  110  can bring transverse edge  48  of layer  36  into communication with transverse edge  64  of layer  38 . As discussed herein, additional folds can be incorporated into the absorbent structure  34  as desired and into any configuration as desired. As described herein, at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into at least one of the layers,  36  and/or  38 , forming the absorbent structure  34  of the nonwoven ribbon  32 . The slit(s)  96  can be incorporated into at least one of the layer(s), such as layers  36  and/or  38 , prior to, after, or while placing one of the layers of the absorbent structure  34  into communication with another layer of the absorbent structure  34 . In the non-limiting illustration of  FIG. 30 , the slit(s)  96  can be associated with the fold  110  of first layer  36 . As illustrated in  FIG. 30 , a plurality of slits  96  can be associated with the fold  110  of first layer  36  to form at least one contact element  88 . As discussed herein, in an embodiment, a contact element  88  can be associated with any of the transverse edges, a fold, or can be located between the transverse edges of a layer. As described herein, in an embodiment, at least one slit  96  can be incorporated into at least one of the layers,  36  and/or  38 , in such a configuration so as to not be associated with one of the transverse edges of either of the layers,  36  and/or  38 . The nonwoven ribbon  32  can also be provided with a cover  138  and a withdrawal aid  14 . As noted above, to create a blank  28 , the nonwoven ribbon  32  can be separated into individual units of fleece  30 . The separation of the nonwoven ribbon  32  into individual units of fleece  30  can occur by any suitable method such as stretching, perforating, or cutting such as with the use of a die cutter or a knife cutter, and the like. As illustrated in  FIG. 30 , the nonwoven ribbon  32  can be provided with perforation cuts  140  which can facilitate the separation of the nonwoven ribbon  32  into individual units of fleece  30 . The cover  138  can be provided to the nonwoven ribbon  32  before the nonwoven ribbon  32  has been separated into an individual unit of fleece  30  and can be provided in such a way as to span at least a portion of the perforation cuts  140 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 30 , the fleece  30  can be radially wound into a blank  28 , such as a softwind. As illustrated in  FIG. 30 , the nonwoven ribbon  32  can be separated into individual units of fleece  30 , which can undergo a radial winding process, illustrated by the partially wound unit  142 , to result in a blank  28 . As described herein, in various embodiments, the blank  28  can be formed into a pledget  12 . 
     In various embodiments, the pledget  12  may be subject to further processing to result in a finished tampon. For example, the pledget  12  may be joined with a withdrawal aid  14 , such as described herein, and/or applicator. 
     The withdrawal aid  14  may be attached to the pledget  12  in any suitable manner. For example, an opening can be formed through the pledget  12  (and cover  138  if provided) so as to provide a means for attaching a withdrawal aid  14 . In various embodiments, the withdrawal aid  14  can be attached to the fibrous material before or after it is compressed into the pledget  12 . The withdrawal aid  14  can be attached to the fibrous material and then looped upon itself. As illustrated in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , the withdrawal aid  14  can be associated with the nonwoven ribbon  32  and can further be associated with the fleece  30 . In such an embodiment, the withdrawal aid  14  can be, as illustrated, wound with the fleece  30  in the formation of a blank  28 . A knot  144  can then be formed near the free ends of the withdrawal aid  14  to assure that the withdrawal aid  14  does not separate from the fibrous material. The knot  144  can also serve to prevent fraying of the withdrawal aid  14  and to provide a place or point where a woman can grasp the withdrawal aid  14  when she is ready to remove the tampon  10  from her vagina. 
     In various embodiments, the tampon  10  may also include one or more additional features. For example, the tampon  10  may include a “protection” feature as exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,927 to Hasse, U.S. 2004/0019317 to Takagi, U.S. Pat. No. 2,123,750 to Schulz, and the like. In some embodiments, the tampon  10  may include an “anatomical” shape as exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,633 to Villalta, an “expansion” feature as exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 7,387,622 to Pauley, an “acquisition” feature as exemplified by U.S. 2005/0256484 to Chase, an “insertion” feature as exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 2,112,021 to Harris, a “placement” feature as exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 3,037,506 to Penska, or a “removal” feature as exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,984 to Brown. 
       FIGS. 31-40  illustrate one suitable embodiment of an apparatus, indicated generally at  200 , and method for making a tampon, and more particularly for making a cover, such as a web (or ribbon) of cover material used to cover the pledget, such as pledget  12 , in forming the tampon  10 . As illustrated schematically in  FIGS. 31 and 32 , the apparatus  200  is for making a web of cover material from a pair of web materials, referred to broadly herein as a first or base material and a second or absorbent material. It is contemplated that the second material can have other properties in addition to or instead of being absorbent, such as, but not limited to wicking and/or wiping. 
     Materials suitable for the base material and the absorbent material are described above. For example, materials suitable for the base material can include materials described above with respect to the cover  138  and materials suitable of the absorbent material can include materials described above with respect to the absorbent structure  34 . In one suitable embodiment, the absorbent material has a tensile strength in the MD direction of 2-38 Newtons per inch of width, a tensile strength in the CD direction of 0.13-6 Newtons per inch of width, and a thickness in the range of 0.25-1 mm. Suitably, the material used for the absorbent material is bondable, has a minimal Poisson&#39;s ratio, is hydrophilic, is drapable and soft, and has minimal linting. In one suitable embodiment, the base material, which is water permeable, has a tensile strength in the MD direction at of at least 5-75 Newtons per inch of width, a tensile strength in the CD direction of 1-20 Newtons per inch. Suitably, the material used for the base material is bondable, has a minimal Poisson&#39;s ratio, is drapable and soft, and has minimal linting. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 31 and 32 , the apparatus  200  includes a source of base material, such as a wound roll  201  comprising a wound or rolled continuous web  205  of base material, and a source of absorbent material, such as a wound roll  203  comprising a wound or rolled continuous web  213  of absorbent material. It is understood, however, that in other embodiments other suitable sources  201 ,  203  of base material and/or absorbent material may be used (e.g., blocks, boxes, bins, formed in-line). 
     In an embodiment, the web  205  of base material and the web  213  of absorbent material are unwound and moved throughout the apparatus in a machine direction (referenced throughout the various FIGs. as machine direction MD) (i.e., the direction in which the respective webs are moved forward through the apparatus). In the illustrated embodiment, the web  205  of base material has a width sufficient to simultaneously make a pair of side-by-side webs of cover material. For example, in one embodiment, the web  205  of base material has a width in the range of 100 mm (about four times the final width of the web of absorbent material) to about 150 mm (about six times the final width of the web of absorbent material), and more particularly about 110 mm. It is contemplated that the widths of the webs can be measured using any convention measuring technique including rulers, photoeyes, vision cameras, web width sensors, visual indicators, and combinations thereof. 
     The web  205  of base material is unwound from the roll  201  in the machine direction MD by a suitable drive member  211 , and passes through a tensioning member  209  and guide rolls  207  following unwinding from the roll. Suitable drive members, tensioning members and guide rolls as used herein are conventional and thus not further described herein except to the extent necessary to disclose the present invention. The transverse, or cross-direction position of the web is established by the position of the unwind equipment (e.g., roll, etc.). Conventional centering components (e.g., shepherds, hooks, vertical idlers, and other suitable centering components) may be used to maintain the transverse or CD position of the web  205  relative to the machine direction MD. In addition to guide rolls, other conventional web handling components may be used to maintain the orientation and centering of the web as it moves through the apparatus, such as guide trays and the like. Suitable web guides and web guide controllers are commercially available, such as, the Fife web guiding system. 
     Thus, both the web  205  of base material and the web  213  of absorbent material are registered in both the MD and CD direction. In other words, both of the webs  205 ,  213  are aligned relative to one or more reference points. The one or more reference points can be a portion of the web  205 ,  213  itself, a portion of the other web, a component (or portion thereof) of the apparatus  200 , and/or combinations thereof. In one suitable embodiment, CD registration of the webs  205 ,  213  is maintained within ±0-5 mm, and MD registration of webs is maintained within ±0-2 mm. The web  213  of absorbent material is centered at its desired location on the web  205  of base material within ±0-5 mm. Suitably, one or more inspection systems can be used to ensure proper CD and MD registration of the webs  205 ,  213 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the web  213  of absorbent material on the roll  203  has a width sufficient to simultaneously make a pair of side-by-side webs of cover material. However, the width of the web  213  of absorbent material, in one embodiment, is also narrower than the width of the web  205  of base material. For example, in one embodiment the width of the web  213  of absorbent material on the roll  203  is in the range of about 25 mm to about 70 mm, and more particularly about 50 mm. In other embodiments, the web  205  of base material and the web  213  of absorbent material may have respective widths sufficient to make a single web of cover material, or more than two side-by-side webs of cover material. It is also contemplated that in other embodiments the relative widths of the web  205  of base material and the web  213  of absorbent material may be other than as described above. 
     The web  213  of absorbent material on the roll  203  is unwound from the roll in the machine direction thereof by a suitable drive member  221 , and passes through a tensioning member  219  and guide rolls  217  following unwinding from the roll. The transverse, or cross-direction position of the web  213  is established by the position of the unwind equipment (e.g., roll, etc.). Conventional centering components (e.g., shepherds, hooks, vertical idlers, and other suitable centering components) may be used to maintain the transverse position of the web  213  relative to the machine direction MD. In addition to guide rolls, other conventional web handling components may be used to maintain the orientation and centering of the web  213  as it moves through the apparatus, such as guide trays and the like. Suitable web guides and web guide controllers are commercially available, such as, the Fife web guiding system. 
     A subsequent drive member  223  further moves the web  213  through a slitter  225  where the web of absorbent material is slit longitudinally (i.e., in the machine direction of the web) to form two separate side-by-side webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material, each corresponding to what will become a respective web of cover material upon association with the base material. The pair of absorbent material webs  213   a ,  213   b  is further passed over a series of turn rolls  227  to re-orient the webs and space them apart to a desired alignment for subsequent overlayment with the web  205  of base material. It is understood that the turn rolls  227  can be other suitable devices including, but not limited to, fife guides, guide trays. The webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material are directed over additional guide rolls, to the drive member  223  at which the webs of absorbent material are overlayed onto the web  205  of base material. It is contemplated that the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material can be overlayed onto the web  205  of base material before or after the drive member  223 . In one suitable embodiment, the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material are overlayed onto the web  205  of base material at a bonder anvil. 
     Tension in each of the webs  205 ,  213 , in one embodiment, is established using conventional devices, such as the respective drive members  211 ,  221 ,  223 , spindle friction (not shown), dancer roll  209 ,  219 , closed loop tension feedback device (not shown) and/or other suitable tension control devices. Web tensioning provides appropriate material strain in each of the webs  205 ,  213  to prevent wrinkling, curl and/or tearing during processing, and provides appropriate strain match during subsequent combining of the webs as described later herein. 
     With reference to  FIG. 34 , in one embodiment the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material are overlayed onto the single web  205  of base material in transversely spaced (relative to the machine direction MD of the web) relationship with each other, but transversely inward from respective side edges  231  of the web of base material to allow for subsequent folding of the web of base material. For example, in one embodiment, the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material are transversely spaced in the range of about 90 mm to about 130 mm from each other, and more particularly about 100 mm. The webs  213   a ,  213   b  are transversely spaced from the respective side edges  231  of the web  205  of base material a distance of about 0 mm to about 55 mm and more particularly about 55 mm, the reasons for which will become apparent. It is understood that the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material can be transversely spaced from each and the respective side edge  231  by other suitable distances. The respective speeds of the webs  205 ,  213 , i.e., the speed of movement in the machine direction MD, at the instant of overlayment are, in one embodiment, equal. In another embodiment, the webs  205 ,  213  may be moving at different speeds as overlayment occurs. The speeds of the webs  205 ,  213  can be controlled, for example, by servo motors, mechanical linkages, and the like. 
     It is contemplated that the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material can be placed beneath the web  205  of base material or that the web of base material can be overlayed onto webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material. It is also contemplated that the webs  213   a    213   b  of absorbent material can be placed on opposite faces of the web  205  of base material. For example, one of the webs  213   a  of absorbent material can be placed beneath the web  205  of base material and the other web  213   b  of absorbent material can be overlayed onto the web of absorbent material. 
     The overlayed webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material and web  205  of base material are then moved by a suitable drive member  233  through a bonding apparatus  235  for a bonding operation (broadly, a first securement) in which the webs of absorbent material are bonded (i.e., secured) to the web of base material. The bonding can occur by any method deemed suitable including, but not limited to, adhesives, heat bonding, vibration energy, mechanical bonding, chemical bonding, vacuum bonding, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, pressure bonds, mechanical entanglement, hydroentanglement, microwave bonds, or any other conventional technique. The bonding can be continuous or it can be intermittent. 
     In one embodiment, the bonding apparatus is suitable for autogenous bonding, which as used herein means bonding provided by fusion and/or self-adhesion of fibers and/or filaments without an applied external adhesive or bonding agent. Autogenous bonding can be provided by contact between fibers and/or filaments while at least a portion of the fibers and/or filaments are semi-molten or tacky. Autogenous bonding may also be provided by blending a tackifying resin with the thermoplastic polymers used to form the fibers and/or filaments. Fibers and/or filaments formed from such a blend can be adapted to self-bond with or without the application of pressure and/or heat. Solvents may also be used to cause fusion of fibers and filaments which remain after the solvent is removed. 
     In one embodiment, the autogenous bonding is thermal point bonding, or pattern bonding, conducted by a suitable thermal point bonding apparatus  235  which involves passing the web between a heated calendar roll and an anvil roll. The calendar roll is usually, but not always, patterned in some way so that the entire fabric is not bonded across its entire surface, and the anvil roll is usually flat. As a result, various patterns for calendar rolls have been developed for functional as well as aesthetic reasons. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus  235  bonds the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent materials to the web  205  of base material along a predetermined pattern of point bonds, such as the pattern of staggered point bonds  237  illustrated schematically in  FIGS. 35 and 36 . Other potential point bond patterns include staggered dashes, curved bond lines, or a combination of abstract, geometrical or realistic shapes and objects. Securing the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent materials to the web  205  of base material at this stage of manufacture allows for subsequent folding and processing of the webs while maintaining desired registration and alignment therebetween. In other embodiments, the first securement may be provided by thermal bonding, adhesive bonding or other suitable securement techniques. It is also understood that, in some embodiments, the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material can be held in registration with the web  205  of base material using other suitable methods (e.g., vacuum conveyors). 
     Following this first securement operation, the secured webs  213   a ,  213   b ,  205  of absorbent material and base material together form a web  239  of cover material that in the illustrated embodiment is actually a pair of side-by-side (and at this stage connected) webs of cover material. The web  239  of cover material is then drawn by the drive member  233  through a folding station, which is generally indicated at  241 . All of the folding stations of the illustrated apparatus  200  perform web alignment by creating a repeatable folded edge ensuring CD alignment of the web. In one embodiment, the folding station  241  is configured to fold transversely outward segments  243  of base material transversely inward over the entire respective web  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material to substantially enclose the web of absorbent material between opposed layers of the web of base material. Suitable folding devices include, without limitation, folding boards, folding skis, folding fingers, GEO folder and the like and combinations thereof. Additionally in an embodiment, the folding station  241  and first securement are designed to fold the web  205  of base material tightly around and in constant contact with the webs  213   a ,  231   b  of absorbent material. Thus, the web  205  of base material is inhibited from puckering, wrinkling or otherwise misalignment with the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material. 
       FIG. 37  schematically illustrates the cross-section of the web  239  of cover material following folding at this folding station  241 . In this embodiment, the inward folded transverse segments of the web  205  of base material extend transversely inward beyond inner side edges  245  of the respective webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material such that a portion of the opposed layers of the base material web face each other without any web of absorbent material therebetween. In other embodiments, the transverse segments of the web  205  of base material may extend transversely inward to the respective inner side edges  245  of the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material, or extend short of the respective inner side edges of the webs of absorbent material. 
     The folded web  239  of cover material is subsequently drawn by a suitable drive member  247  through another folding station, generally indicated at  251 , for additional folding. Suitable folding devices include, without limitation, folding boards, folding skis, folding fingers, GEO folder and the like and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, as illustrated schematically in  FIG. 38 , the already folded portion of the web  239  of cover material is further folded transversely inward upon itself. More particularly, it is folded over such that the web  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material is folded generally in half. In other embodiments, the already folded portion of the web  239  of cover material may be folded over upon itself more or less than illustrated in  FIG. 38  without departing from the scope of this invention. 
     The folded web  239  of cover material is directed through a securement station, generally indicated at  255 , comprising a bonding apparatus for a second bonding operation (broadly, a second securement) in which the webs  213   a ,  213   b ,  205  of absorbent material and base material are bonded (i.e., secured) together at the folded portions thereof in order to secure the web of cover material in its folded configuration. The bonding can occur by any method deemed suitable including, but not limited to, adhesives, heat bonding, vibration energy, mechanical bonding, chemical bonding, vacuum bonding, ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, pressure bonds, mechanical entanglement, hydroentanglement, microwave bonds, or any other conventional technique. The bonding can be continuous or it can be intermittent. 
     In one embodiment, the bonding apparatus is suitable for autogenous bonding. In an embodiment, the autogenous bonding is ultrasonic bonding performed by suitable ultrasonic bonding apparatus  255  that ultrasonically bonds all of the layers of the folded portions of the web  239  of cover material together in a predetermined bond pattern. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the apparatus  255  bonds the webs  213   a ,  213   b ,  205  of absorbent material and base material together at the folded portions thereof along a predetermined pattern of point bonds, such as the repeating but otherwise non-uniform (i.e., not symmetric in the machine direction and/or the transverse direction) snail-shaped pattern of point bonds illustrated schematically in  FIG. 39 . Other potential point bond patterns include staggered dots and/or dashes, curved bond lines, or a combination of abstract, geometrical or realistic shapes and objects. In other embodiments, the bond pattern may be any suitable bond pattern. For example, the bond pattern may be another suitable non-uniform bond pattern, or it may be any suitable uniform bond pattern. 
     The bond pattern in one embodiment is sufficient to provide an adequate number of bonds, or adequate bonded surface area, for each of the later-formed contact elements  162  ( FIG. 28 ), e.g., formed by the slits  156  in the cover  138 . In an embodiment, the bond pattern may be sufficient to provide an equal number of point bonds, or an even distribution of bonded surface area, over each of the later-formed contact elements  162 . In another embodiment, the bond pattern may provide an unequal number of point bonds, or a non-uniform distribution of bonded surface area, over multiple later-formed contact elements  162 . 
     In an embodiment, this second bonding (i.e., second securement) operation provides a bond having a bond strength that is greater than the bond strength provided by the first bonding (i.e., first securement) operation. It is understood that the bond strength, for example, can be controlled by pressure, energy, temperature, time and pattern used in the bonding process. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the bond pattern provided by this second bonding operation has a higher bond point density and/or a higher bonded surface area than the bond pattern provided by the first bonding operation. In addition, the second bonding operation of the illustrated embodiment is operated at a temperature sufficient to melt the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material and to the web  205  of base material whereas the first bonding operation is not operated at such a temperature. 
     In an embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 33 , the securement station further comprises an additional bonding apparatus  261 . In the illustrated embodiment, the additional bonding apparatus  261  is also an ultrasonic bonding apparatus and is operable to bond the folded portions of the web  239  of cover material at a location that is at least in part different from the location at which the bond pattern is applied by the upstream bonding apparatus. More particularly, this bonding apparatus  261  bonds at least the folded portion of the web  205  of base material at which the opposed layers of base material face each other without intervening absorbent material therebetween. In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 40 , this additional bonding apparatus  261  additionally bonds all of the layers of the folded portion of the web  239  of cover material together generally along the inner side edges  245  of the respective webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material. This additional bonding operation securely encloses the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material within the folded web  205  of base material. 
     In one embodiment, the bond pattern produced by this additional bonding operation is a uniform, generally sinusoidal (e.g., wave) bond pattern. In other embodiments, the bond pattern produced by this additional bonding operation may be any suitable uniform or non-uniform bond pattern. For example, in one embodiment, the bond pattern is an intermittent, offset stitch pattern to inhibit CD movement of the web as it passes through the apparatus  200 . The bond strength provided by this additional bonding operation is also greater than the bond strength provided by the first bonding (i.e., first securement) operation. 
     Downstream of the securement station, the folded and bonded web  239  of cover material is subsequently drawn through a slitter  271  which is operable to slit the web of cover material into two discrete, side-by-side webs of cover material ( FIGS. 31 and 33 ). For example, the web  239  of cover material may be slit along the transverse mid-point of the web, transversely inward of each of the folded portions of the web. In such an embodiment, each web  239  of cover material thus includes a folded portion and an unfolded portion comprised only of the base material. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 31 and 33 , the webs  239   a ,  239   b  of cover material are further drawn through a die cutter  273  or other suitable cutting apparatus. The die cutter  273  is operable to cut slits in the folded portion of each of the webs of cover material, such as to form the slits  156  and corresponding contact elements  162  of the embodiment of  FIG. 28 . In an embodiment, the die cutter  273  may be operable to cut the slits in a pattern in which a set of equally spaced slits is cut into the folded portions of the webs  239  of cover material along a segment corresponding to the length of cover material to be applied to a single pledget to form a single tampon, followed by a relatively larger gap before the next set of equally spaced slits along a segment corresponding to the next length of cover material to applied to another pledget to form another tampon. In this embodiment, the gap can be used as a point of registration during further processing (e.g., cutting, bonding) of the webs  239   a ,  239   b  of cover material. 
     In another embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIG. 41 , the die cutter  273  may be operable to cut the slits  96  such that each slit is equally spaced in the folded portions of the webs  239  of cover material along a segment P 1  corresponding to the length of cover material to be applied to a single pledget to form a single tampon, followed by the next set of equally spaced slits along a segment P 2  corresponding to the next length of cover material to applied to another pledget to form another tampon. Thus, in this embodiment, each tampon  10  has the same number of contact elements  196  and each of the contact elements  196  has the same width W and the same length L 1 . In the illustrated embodiment, for example, each of the tampons  10  formed from the web  239  would have seven complete (i.e., whole) contact elements  196 . It is understood, however, that number of contact elements  196  per tampon  10 , the width W of each of the contact elements, and length L 1  of each of the contact elements can differ. In yet another embodiment, the die cutter  273  may be omitted from the apparatus  200 . In such an embodiment, the slits  96  can be formed in a later process as described in more detail below. 
     In an embodiment, after passing the die cutter  273  (or the slitter  271  if the die cutter is omitted) the webs  239   a ,  239   b  of cover material are wound onto respective rolls (not shown) for subsequent transport to a tampon making apparatus where the webs of cover material are each cut into discrete webs of cover material and applied about the circumference of an absorbent structure, such as a pledget  12 , to form a tampon. In one suitable embodiment, one or both of the webs  239   a ,  239   b  of cover material is turned over about its centerline longitudinally before being wound into a roll. Winding of the webs  239   a ,  239   b  of cover material, in one suitable embodiment, can be done in a traverse spooling pattern and can be controlled (e.g., by steering devices, servos) such that the continuous longitudinal support structure of the web (unslit portion, or folded portion depending on die cutter placement) is registered to adjacent windings in the CD and radial layers in order to provide roll stability and prevent damage to the webs including any contact elements. 
       FIGS. 42-50  illustrate another embodiment of an apparatus, indicated generally at  300 , and method for making a tampon, and more particularly for making a cover, such as a web (or ribbon) of cover  138  used to cover the pledget, such as pledget  12 , in forming the tampon. In this embodiment, a folding station, generally indicated at  381  in  FIGS. 42 and 43 , is disposed adjacent and prior to the drive member  223  (after the web  213  of absorbent material is split into the pair of side-by-side webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material) and the joint drive roll  229  (at which the webs of absorbent material are overlaid onto the web  205  of base material) in the machine direction of the webs of absorbent material. Suitable folding devices include, without limitation, folding boards, folding skis, folding fingers, GEO folder and the like and combinations thereof. At this initial folding station  381 , each of the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material is folded transversely inward upon at least a portion of itself. For example, in one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 45 , the transversely outermost one-third of each of the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material is folded transversely inward at this initial folding station. In other embodiments, more or less than one-third of the outermost portion of each web  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material may be folded transversely inward over another portion thereof. In other embodiments, an innermost portion of each web  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material may be folded transversely outward over another portion thereof, or both an innermost portion and an outermost portion of each web of absorbent material may be folded over another portion thereof. 
     The initially folded webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material are then drawn over the joint drive roll  229  where the webs of absorbent material are overlaid onto the web  205  of base material in transversely spaced (relative to the machine direction of the web) relationship with each other, but transversely inward from the respective side edges  231  of the web of base material (as illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 46 ) for reasons which will become apparent. For example, in one embodiment the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material are transversely spaced in the range of about 0 mm to about 55 mm from each other, and more particularly about 2 mm. The webs  213   a ,  213   b  are transversely spaced from the respective side edges  231  of the web  205  of base material a distance of about 0 mm to about 10 mm and more particularly about 3 mm. 
     The overlayed webs  213 ,  205  of absorbent material and web of base material are then moved by the drive member  233  through the bonding apparatus  235  for a bonding operation (broadly, a first securement) in which the webs of absorbent material are bonded (i.e., secured) to the web of base material. As discussed above, in one embodiment the bonding apparatus is a point bonding apparatus that bonds the webs of absorbent materials to the web of base material along a pattern of point bonds  237  as illustrated schematically in  FIGS. 46 and 47 . Securing the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material to the web  205  of base material at this stage of manufacture allows for subsequent folding and processing of the webs while maintaining desired registration and alignment therebetween. In other embodiments, the first securement may be provided by thermal bonding, adhesive bonding or other suitable securement techniques. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 42 and 44 , following this first securement operation, the secured webs  213 ,  205  of absorbent material and base material together form a web  239  of cover material that in the illustrated embodiment is actually a pair of side-by-side (and at this stage connected) webs  239   a ,  239   b  of cover material. The web  239  of cover material is then drawn by the drive member  247  through the folding station, generally indicated at  251 . In one embodiment this folding station  251  is configured to fold each of the initially folded webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material transversely inward over at least another portion of itself to define three layers of the folded absorbent material as illustrated in  FIG. 48 . The web  205  of base material underlying each of the folded portions of the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material is folded along with the webs of the absorbent material, with the side edges  231  of the web of base material extending transversely inward beyond the inner side edges  245  of the folded webs of absorbent material such that a portion of opposed layers of the base material web face each other without any absorbent material therebetween. In other embodiments, the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material may be folded other than in segments of equal width. In another embodiment, the side edges  231  of the web  205  of base material may extend transversely inward to the respective inner side edges  245  of the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material, or extend short of the respective inner side edges of the webs of absorbent material. 
     The drive member  253 , which is disposed downstream of the folding station  251 , also draws the folded web  239  of cover material through a securement station, generally indicated at  254 , comprising a bonding apparatus  255  for a second bonding operation (broadly, a second securement) in which the webs  213 ,  205  of absorbent material and base material are bonded (i.e., secured) together at the folded portions thereof in order to secure the web of cover material in its folded configuration. In one embodiment, the bonding apparatus  255  is an ultrasonic bonding apparatus that ultrasonically bonds all of the layers of the folded portions of the web of cover material together in a predetermined bond pattern  257 . In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 49 , the bond pattern is a generally non-uniform bond pattern (i.e., not symmetric in the machine direction and/or the transverse direction), such as the illustrated snail-shaped bond pattern. In other embodiments, the bond pattern may be any suitable bond pattern. For example, the bond pattern may be another suitable non-uniform bond pattern, or it may be any suitable uniform bond pattern. 
     The bond pattern in one embodiment is sufficient to provide an adequate number of bonds, or adequate bonded surface area, for each of the later-formed contact members  162  ( FIG. 28 ), e.g., formed by the slits  156  in the cover  138 . In an embodiment, the bond pattern may be sufficient to provide an equal number of point bonds, or an even distribution of bonded surface area, over each of the later-formed contact elements  162 . In another embodiment, the bond pattern may provide an unequal number of point bonds, or a non-uniform distribution of bonded surface area, over multiple later-formed contact elements  162 . 
     In an embodiment, this second bonding (i.e., second securement) operation provides a bond having a bond strength that is greater than the bond strength provided by the first bonding (i.e., first securement) operation. It is understood that the bond strength can be controlled by pressure, energy, temperature, time and pattern used in the bonding process. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the bond pattern provided by this second bonding operation has a higher bond point density, and thus a higher bonded surface area, than the bond pattern provided by the first bonding operation. 
     In an embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 42 and 44 , the securement station  254  further comprises the additional bonding apparatus  261 . In the illustrated embodiment, the additional bonding apparatus  261  is also an ultrasonic bonding apparatus and is operable to bond the folded portions of the web  239  of cover material at a location that is at least in part different from the location at which the bond pattern  257  is applied by the upstream bonding apparatus. More particularly, this bonding apparatus  261  bonds at least the folded portion of the web  205  of base material at which the opposed layers of base material face each other without intervening absorbent material therebetween. In one embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 50 , this additional bonding apparatus  261  additionally bonds all of the layers of the folded portion of the web  239  of cover material together generally along the inner side edges  245  of the respective webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material. This additional bonding operation securely encloses the webs  213   a ,  213   b  of absorbent material within the folded web  205  of base material. It is contemplated that the bonding apparatus  261  can be any suitable bonding apparatus including, for example, a stitching or sewing apparatus. 
     In one embodiment, the bond pattern  263  produced by this additional bonding operation is a uniform, generally sinusoidal (e.g., wave) bond pattern. In other embodiments, the bond pattern  263  produced by this additional bonding operation may be any suitable uniform or non-uniform bond pattern. For example, in one embodiment, the bond pattern is an intermittent, offset stitch pattern to inhibit CD movement of the web as it passes through the apparatus  200 . The bond strength provided by this additional bonding operation is also greater than the bond strength provided by the first bonding (i.e., first securement) operation. 
     Downstream of the securement station  254 , the folded and bonded web  239  of cover material is subsequently drawn through the slitter  271  which is operable to slit the web of cover material into two discrete, side-by-side webs  239   a ,  239   b  of cover material. For example, the web  239  of cover material may be slit along the transverse mid-point of the web, transversely inward of each of the folded portions of the web. In such an embodiment, each web  239   a ,  239   b  of cover material thus includes a folded portion and an unfolded portion comprised only of the base material. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 42 and 44 , the webs  239   a ,  239   b  of cover material are further drawn through the die cutter  273  or other suitable cutting apparatus. The die cutter  273  is operable to cut slits in the folded portion of each of the webs of cover material, such as to form the slits  156  and corresponding contact elements  162  of the embodiment of  FIG. 28 . In one suitable embodiment, the die cutter  273  may be operable to cut the slits  96  in a pattern in which a set of equally spaced slits is cut into the folded portions of the webs of cover material along a segment corresponding to the length of cover material to be applied to a single pledget to form a single tampon, followed by a relatively larger gap before the next set of equally spaced slits along a segment corresponding to the next length of cover material to applied to another pledget to form another tampon. 
     In another embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIG. 41 , the die cutter  273  may be operable to cut the slits  96  such that each slit is equally spaced in the folded portions of the webs  239  of cover material along a segment P 1  corresponding to the length of cover material to be applied to a single pledget to form a single tampon, followed by the next set of equally spaced slits along a segment P 2  corresponding to the next length of cover material to applied to another pledget to form another tampon. Thus, in this embodiment, each tampon  10  has the same number of contact elements  196  and each of the contact elements  196  has the same width W and the same length L 1 . In the illustrated embodiment, for example, each of the tampons  10  formed from the web  239  would have seven complete (i.e., whole) contact elements  196 . It is understood, however, that number of contact elements  196  per tampon  10 , the width W of each of the contact elements, and length L 1  of each of the contact elements can differ. In yet another embodiment, the die cutter  273  may be omitted from the apparatus  300 . In such an embodiment, the slits  96  can be formed in a later process as described in more detail below. 
     In an embodiment, after passing the die cutter  273  (or the slitter  271  if the die cutter is omitted) the webs  239   a ,  239   b  of cover material are wound onto respective rolls (not shown) for subsequent transport to a tampon making apparatus where the webs of cover material are each cut into discrete lengths of cover material and applied about the circumference of an absorbent structure, such as a pledget  12 , to form a tampon. 
       FIG. 51  schematically illustrates one suitable embodiment of an apparatus, indicated generally at  400 , for making the tampon  10 . As seen in  FIG. 51 , a web  490  (e.g., a web of material suitable for the fleece  30  of the tampon  10 ) is fed from a suitable supply source (e.g., supply tub  492 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the web  490  (broadly, “a substrate”) is fed from the supply tub  492  by a first web transfer device, indicated generally at  402 , to an assembly station, indicated generally at  404 . 
     While the illustrated embodiment of the apparatus  400  shows the web supply source as being the supply tub  492 , it is understood that any suitable supply source (e.g., a roll, a barrel) can be used. It is also understood that the web  490  can be formed in-line. For example, the web  490  could be formed using any suitable web forming technique, such as a carding line, and fed directly to the web transfer device (not shown) upon its formation. 
     The first web transfer device (not shown) is adapted to draw the web  490  from the supply tub  492  at a predetermined rate (i.e., speed) and under a predetermined amount of tension. Web tensioning can suitably be established via the use of conventional tensioning devices (e.g., spindle friction, dancer roll, drive rolls, closed loop tension feedback device, and the like). The first web transfer device  402  also aligns the web  490  in the cross-machine direction (CD direction). In one suitable embodiment, the first web transfer device  402  aligns the web  490  generally along a machine centerline. As mentioned above, the web  490  is fed by the first web transfer device  402  to the assembly station  404 . 
     The transverse, or cross-direction position of the web  490  is established by the position of the unwind equipment (e.g., roll, etc.). Conventional centering components (e.g., shepherds, hooks, vertical idlers, and other suitable centering components) may be used to maintain the transverse or CD position of the web  490  relative to the machine direction MD. In addition to guide rolls, other conventional web handling components may be used to maintain the orientation and centering of the web as it moves through the apparatus, such as guide trays and the like. Suitable web guides and web guide controllers are commercially available, such as, the Fife web guiding system. 
     At the assembly station  404 , the web  490  is perforated in the cross-machine direction at predetermined intervals to define transverse lines of weakness  405  in the web ( FIG. 54 ). In one suitable embodiment, the assembly station  404  is configured to perforate the web  490  to define the transverse line of weakness  405  approximately every 256 mm of web. That is, in one embodiment, the lines of weakness  405  are spaced apart approximately every 256 mm along the length of the web  490 . It is understood that the lines of weakness  405  can be formed in other suitable ways besides perforating the web  490 . For example, the lines of weakness  405  can be formed by embossing, scoring, and/or combinations thereof. It is also understood that the lines of weakness  405  can be spaced apart any suitable distance along the length of the web  490 . The web  490  having one of the lines of weakness  405  defined by a plurality of perforations is illustrated in  FIG. 54 . 
     Simultaneously, a web (or multiple webs)  494  of suitable cover material is provided from a suitable supply source (e.g., supply roll  496 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the web  494  is fed from the supply roll  496  through a web guide device, indicated generally at  406 , to the assembly station  404 . In one suitable embodiment, the web  494  of cover material is fed in the machine direction and generally aligned with the web  490  of fleece material. It is understood, however, that one or both of the webs  490 ,  494  can be fed to the apparatus  400  at any suitable angle including, for example, the cross-section direction. While the illustrated embodiment of the apparatus  400  shows the web supply source as being the supply roll  496 , it is understood that any suitable supply source (e.g., a tub, a barrel) can be used. It is also understood that the web  494  can be formed in-line. For example, the web  494  could be formed using the apparatus and methods described above. 
     As seen in  FIG. 52 , which is a cross-section taken transversely (i.e., in the cross-machine direction) through the web  494 , the web in one suitable embodiment comprises a base web  498  and an absorbent web  408  carried by the base web. In the illustrated embodiment, the base web  498  is a continuous web of material suitable for covering the fleece  30  of the tampon  10 . It is understood that the base web  498  can have other suitable properties in addition to or instead of being absorbent, such as, for example cleaning and/or wiping. The absorbent web  408  can be a continuous web or a discontinuous web (i.e., discrete pieces) of a suitable absorbent material that is bonded at one end to the base web  498 . Thus, the absorbent web  408  has a bonded end  410  and a free end  412  spaced from the bonded end. The free end  412  of the absorbent web  408  can move (e.g., by pivoting the absorbent web about the bonded end  410 ) relative to the base web  498 . It is contemplated that in some embodiments the base web  498  and the absorbent web  408  can be formed as a single, integrated web. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments the absorbent web  408  can be bonded to the base web  498  through the full width (CD direction) of the absorbent web. It is further contemplated that in other embodiments the absorbent web  408  can be free from bonding to the base web  498 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 53 , which is a fragmentary top view of the web  494 , the absorbent web  408  has a plurality of slits  96 , which are provided to form the contact elements  88  of the tampon  10 . As mentioned above, it is contemplated that other components of the tampon  10  can have slits  96  for forming the contact elements  88  of the tampon  10 . It is also contemplated that the slits  96  can be preformed (i.e., formed before web  494  is to be used as the supply roll  496 ) or formed during the manufacturing of the tampon  10  as described in more detail below. 
     With reference again to  FIG. 51 , the second web transfer device  406  is adapted to draw the web  494  from the supply roll  496  at a predetermined rate (i.e., speed) and under a predetermined amount of tension. Web tensioning can suitably be established via the use of conventional tensioning devices (not shown) (e.g., spindle friction, dancer roll, drive rolls, closed loop tension feedback device, and the like). In one suitable embodiment, a second web transfer device (not shown) is adapted to control the wrinkling and/or to remove wrinkles present in one or both of the webs  494 ,  490 . Web tensioning also provides the appropriate strain match during the combining of the webs  490 ,  494 . 
     It is also contemplated that the second web transfer device  406  can be configured to detect splices or other defects in the web  494 , to control/remove dust from the web, and/or to inhibit static charges from building up in the web. The second web transfer device  406  also aligns the web  494  in the cross-machine direction (CD direction). In one suitable embodiment, the second web transfer device  406  aligns the web  494  with the other web  490  (i.e., the web of fleece  30  material) generally along the machine centerline. 
     The transverse, or cross-direction position of the web  494  is established by the position of the unwind equipment (e.g., roll, etc.). Conventional centering components (e.g., shepherds, hooks, vertical idlers, and other suitable centering components) may be used to maintain the transverse or CD position of the web  494  relative to the machine direction MD. In addition to guide rolls, other conventional web handling components may be used to maintain the orientation and centering of the web as it moves through the apparatus, such as guide trays and the like. Suitable web guides and web guide controllers are commercially available, such as, the Fife web guiding system. 
     Thus, both of the webs  490 ,  494  are registered in both the MD and CD direction. In other words, both of the webs  490 ,  494  are aligned relative to one or more reference points. The one or more reference points can be a portion of the web  490 ,  494  itself, a portion of the other web, a component (or portion thereof) of the apparatus  400 , and/or combinations thereof. In one suitable embodiment, CD registration is ±2 mm and MD registration is ±3 mm of the webs  490 ,  494  and can be measured by Photoeyes, vision system, visual indicators, rulers, and other conventional measuring techniques. 
     As mentioned above, the web  494  of cover material is fed from the second web transfer device (not shown) to the assembly station  404 . At the assembly station  404 , the web  494  is cut or perforated in the cross-machine direction into discrete web segments  414  having a predetermined length L ( FIG. 54 ). In the illustrated embodiment, for example, each of the web segments  414  have a length of approximately 128 mm. It is understood that the web segments  414  can be cut into any suitable lengths. 
     During the cutting process, the absorbent web  408  of the web  494  is controlled to ensure that it is cut properly along with the base web  494 . In one suitable embodiment, the absorbent web  408  is held against the base web  494  by a suitable hold down device to maintain the absorbent web  408  in proper registration with the base web  494  as the web segments  414  are cut from the web  494 . The hold down device can be, for example, air-knife, vacuum covers, vacuum conveyor, ski, folding board, nip roll, fold finger, surface coatings, and/or side vacuum assist. The hold down device in the form of a vacuum conveyor  420  is illustrated in  FIGS. 52 and 53 . The illustrated vacuum conveyor  420  comprising a vacuum chamber  422  and a conveyor belt  424  having a plurality of apertures  426  for allowing the vacuum to act on the web  494  (i.e., both the base web  494  and the absorbent web  408 ). The apertures are of appropriate size and distribution to act effectively on each contact element if cut, or the pattern is registered in the MD and CD to control the contact elements. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the discrete web segments  414  are placed on the perforated, continuous web  490  of fleece material at predetermined spaced intervals. In one suitable embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIG. 54 , the web segments  414  are placed on the web  490  such that web segments extends over the lines of weakness  405  formed in the web by a predetermined distance D 1 . It is understood, that the web segments  414  can be placed on the web  490  in any suitable manner. 
     More specifically, the cutting and placing of segment  414  is mechanically linked to the perforating of continuous web  490  to establish MD registration of the discrete web segment, the continuous web and the slits  159 , wherever they are applied. In one suitable embodiment, the assembly station  404  may include a vision/closed loop automated or manual phasing system to ensure that the MD registration of discrete web segment  414 , the continuous web  490  and the slits  159  is within a predetermined tolerance. In one suitable embodiment, the tolerance of dimension D 1  is within the range of 25 mm and 31 mm and more suitably about 28 mm. 
     While still at the assembly station  404 , each of the discrete web segments  414  is bonded (e.g., pressure bonded, thermal bonded, ultrasonically bonded, adhesively bonded) to the web  490 . In the illustrated embodiment, for example, each of the web segments  414  is thermally bonded to the web  490 . More specifically, the base web  494  of each of the web segments  414  is thermally bonded to the web  490  while the absorbent web  408  of each of the web segments is free from bonding. 
     In one suitable embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIG. 55 , the base web  494  of each of the segments  414  is thermally bonded to the web  490  by feeding the base web  494  and the web  490 , which is aligned with the base web, through a nip  434  defined by a pair of spaced-part upper rolls  436  and a lower roll  438 . The upper rolls  436  are sufficiently spaced apart to allow the absorbent web  408  of each of the web segments  414  to pass between the upper rolls. While the lower roll  438  is illustrated as being a single roll, it is understood that the lower roll could be formed as two separate spaced apart rolls similar to the upper rolls  436 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 55 , the assembly station  404  comprises an absorbent web controller, indicated generally at  430 , for positioning the absorbent web  408  such that the base web  494  can be suitably bonded to the web  490 . In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the absorbent web controller  430  comprises a pair of rods  432  for pivoting the absorbent web about its bonded end  410  to a generally perpendicular position such that the free end  412  is spaced from the base web  494 . It is contemplated that the absorbent web controller  430  can be other suitable web controllers including, but not limited to, proper tension, horizontal-straight-through webpaths, conveyors, vacuum conveyors, vacuum rolls, roll to roll transfer, air-knifes, skis, rotating discs, nip rolls, fold fingers, surface coatings, and/or side vacuum assist. Also is a requirement to control the contact elements once cut to ensure they stay in their registered placement, are active and able to open to the outside of the tampon and are undamaged. Any combination of the web controlling items listed above would be employed after the contact elements are cut in the web to maintain control throughout the process. 
     After the web segments  414  are bonded to the continuous web  490 , a secondary bond  473  can be added to bond the absorbent web  408  to the base web  498  ( FIG. 54 ). In one suitable embodiment, the secondary bond  473  is limited to an area or a portion of the area that will be overlapped in the soft roll forming process, which is described in more detail below. In such an embodiment and as illustrated in  FIG. 54 , the secondary bond  473  would be disposed on the trailing side of the line of weakness  405 . Thus, the secondary bond  473  should be sufficient to bond the absorbent web  408  to the base web  498 . However, the secondary bond  473  should not bond the base web  798  to the underlying web  490 . While the illustrated secondary bond  473  comprises point bonding, it is understood that any suitable bonding technique can be used to bond the absorbent web  408  to the base web  498 . 
     In one suitable embodiment, the assembly station  404  further comprises an inspection system (e.g., one or more photo eyes), indicated generally at  409  in  FIG. 51 , adapted to inspect one or more of the following—the lines of weakness  405  formed in the web  490  of fleece material, the cuts in the web  494  to form the discrete web segments  414 , the placement of the web segments  414  on the web  490  of fleece material (e.g., cross-machine direction alignment, machine direction alignment) and the bonding of the discrete web segments  414  to the web  490 . 
     As mentioned above, the slits  96  in the absorbent web  408  of the discrete web segments  414  can be preformed (i.e., formed before web  494  is used as the supply roll  496 ) or formed during the manufacturing of the tampon  10 . In an embodiment, the die cutting module is mechanically linked to the perforating cutters of the fleece and cover material and is phasable in order to maintain precise registration of the contact elements cuts and/or dead zones to the edges of the other materials. This could also be done via servo drives, phasing gearboxes, etc. In one suitable embodiment wherein the slits  96  are formed during the manufacturing of the tampon  10 , the web  490  having the discrete web segments  414  bonded thereto is fed from the assembly station  404  to a die cutting station  440  adapted to cut slits  96  in absorbent web  408 . 
     In one suitable embodiment, the die cutting station  440  includes an absorbent web controller, indicated generally at  442 , for positioning the absorbent web  408  such that the absorbent web can be suitably cut at the cutting station to form the slits  96 . The die cutting station  440  is operable to cut slits in the folded portion of the web  494  of cover material, such as to form the slits  156  and corresponding contact elements  162  of the embodiment of  FIG. 28 . In an embodiment, the die cutting station  440  may be operable to cut the slits in a pattern in which a set of equally spaced slits is cut into the folded portions of the web  494  of cover material along a segment corresponding to the length of cover material to be applied to a single pledget to form a single tampon, followed by a relatively larger gap before the next set of equally spaced slits along a segment corresponding to the next length of cover material to applied to another pledget to form another tampon. 
     In another embodiment, which is illustrated in  FIG. 41 , the die cutting station  440  may be operable to cut the slits  156  such that each slit is equally spaced in the folded portions of the web of cover material along a segment P 1  corresponding to the length of cover material to be applied to a single pledget to form a single tampon, followed by the next set of equally spaced slits along a segment P 2  corresponding to the next length of cover material to applied to another pledget to form another tampon. Thus, in this embodiment, each tampon  10  has the same number of contact elements  196  and each of the contact elements  196  has the same width W and the same length L 1 . In the illustrated embodiment, for example, each of the tampons  10  formed from the web  494  would have seven complete (i.e., whole) contact elements  196 . It is understood, however, that number of contact elements  196  per tampon  10 , the width W of each of the contact elements, and length L 1  of each of the contact elements can differ. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 56 , the absorbent web controller  442  comprises a pair of support rods  444  for holding the absorbent web  408  in a generally perpendicular position such that the free end  412  of the absorbent web is spaced from the base web  494  and can be acted on a suitable cutting device (e.g., a knife roll  446  and anvil roll  448  as illustrated in  FIG. 56 ). It is contemplated that the absorbent web controller  442  can be other suitable web controllers including, but not limited to, proper tension, horizontal-straight-through webpaths, conveyors, vacuum conveyors, vacuum rolls, roll to roll transfer, air-knifes, skis, rotating discs, nip rolls, fold fingers, surface coatings, and/or side vacuum assist. Also is a requirement to control the contact elements once cut to ensure they stay in their registered placement, are active and able to open to the outside of the tampon and are undamaged. Any combination of the web controlling items listed above would be employed after the contact elements are cut in the web to maintain this control throughout the process (especially through the stringing module and into the soft winding station). The die cutting station can include a suitable inspection system (e.g., one or more photo eye) for ensuring that the slits  96  are properly cut in the absorbent web  408 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 51 , the apparatus  400  comprises a withdrawal aid placement station  500  having a suitable supply source  502  of a continuous supply of string  504  (or other suitable withdrawal aid material) suitable for use as the withdrawal aid  14  of the tampon  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 57 , the string  502  can be cut and wrapped around the web  490  at a predetermined located spaced from the discrete web segments  414 . More specifically, a cut portion  506  of the string  502  is wrapped around the web  490  at a predetermined distance D 2  from a leading edge of the web segment  414 . In one suitable embodiment, the distance D 2  corresponding to the distance between the string  502  and leading edge of the web segment  414  is approximately equal to the distance D 1  corresponding to the distance between the line of weakness  405  formed in the web  490  and a trailing edge of the web segment. It is understood that the distances D 1 , D 2  can be different. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the string  504  can be located approximately 170.7 mm forward from the trailing line of weakness  405 . In other words, the string  504  can be located at a location approximately two-thirds the distance between adjacent leading and trailing lines of weakness  405 . In other words, the string  504  is registered in both the CD and MD directions. 
     As seen in  FIG. 57 , the cut portion  506  of the string  502  wrapped around the web  490  extends beyond the web and is positioned such that both ends of the cut portion are generally adjacent each other. The part of the cut portion  506  extending beyond the web  490  is rolled and/or tied to form the knot  444  in the withdrawal aid  14  of the tampon  10 . In one suitable embodiment, an inspection system (e.g., one or more photo eyes) is provided at the withdrawal aid placement station  500  to ensure, for example, that the cut portion  506  of the string  502  is located properly relative to the web segment  414  and/or that the knot  444  is properly formed. 
     After the part of the cut portion  506  extending beyond the web  490  is tied, the web is conveyed by a ribbon transport device  510  (e.g., upper and lower spaghetti conveyors) to a suitable winding and sealing device, indicated generally at  520 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 51 , the ribbon transport device  510  is a pair of opposed conveyors. In one suitable embodiment, the opposed conveyors may employ metal fingers to move the main ribbon. Suitably, the metal fingers of the opposed conveyors are MD registered to inhibit damage to the contact elements. The winding and sealing device  520  is configured to separate the web  490  about the line of weakness  405  into individual units as the web is being fed to the winding and sealing device. Each of the individual units corresponds to a single tampon  10 . 
     After being separated from the web  490 , each of the units is manipulated (e.g., rolled or folded) to form a softwind wherein the fleece material defines the core and the cover overlies and covers the fleece material such as illustrated in  FIG. 25 . In this embodiment, however, the cover is carrying the absorbent web  408  having the plurality of slits  96 , which are provided to form the contact elements  196  of the tampon  10 . 
     As the soft wind process begins, a secondary absorbent tucker apparatus (not shown) can be used to ensure the absorbent web  408  is tucked into a soft wind cup and to maintain parallelism through the winding process without damaging the contact elements  196 . The wind process needs to be MD registered and timed to complete its operation during the winder dwell time. As a result, predictable and repeatable angular rotation of the softwind cups from loading through each dwell point through ejection is required. 
     A cover to cover sealing device  522  is provided to seal the overlapping portions of the web segments  414  ( FIG. 51 ). More specifically, the portion of the base web  494  defining the cover of the tampon  10  is overlapped upon itself and heat sealed along the overlap. In one suitable embodiment, the overlap generally corresponds to the distance D 1  between the trailing edge of the web segment  414  and the line of weakness  405  formed in the web  490 . It is understood, however, cover can be sealed using any suitable technique and that the cover can have other suitable overlaps. It is also understood that the cover can be free from overlap (e.g., when the cover is sealed end-to-end). Suitably, the seal is sufficient to withstand the further processing and use. 
     In one suitable embodiment, the cover to cover sealing device  522  can be MD registered and timed to act during the soft wind dwell time. The cover-to-cover bond of the web segment  414  can be a continuous bond pattern or several different bond points acting with different patterns, pressures, and temperatures. This bond could also be registered in to relation with the angular position of the winding forks in each winding cup. Additionally, back pressure from the winding forks may be needed to ensure reliable seal. 
     Concentric ejecting and receiving transfer points aid in minimizing damage and misalignment of the absorbent web  408  during transfer of the soft wind. It is contemplated that the contact surfaces of the transfer points may be tapered, coated, patterned to inhibit misalignment and damage of the absorbent web. These may be CD or MD registered relative to the contact element locations, cover to cover sealing and geometry features of the compressor. 
     As noted above, the individual units can also be stacked, folded or otherwise manipulated into the softwind. For example, suitable menstrual tampons may include “cup” shaped pledgets like those disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2008/0287902 to Edgett and U.S. Pat. No. 2,330,257 to Bailey; “accordion” or “W-folded” pledgets like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,882 to Agyapong; “radially wound” pledgets like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,310,269 to Friese; “sausage” type or “wad” pledgets like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,464,310 to Harwood; “M-folded” tampon pledgets like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,716 to Jessup; “stacked” tampon pledgets like those disclosed in U.S. 2008/0132868 to Jorgensen; or “bag” type tampon pledgets like those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,815,601 to Schaefer. 
     A suitable method for making “radial wound” pledgets is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,100 to Friese. The radial winding method can also include a method for forming the blank into a pledget like that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,310,269 to Friese. Suitable methods for making “W-folded” pledgets are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,070 to Agyapong; U.S. Pat. No. 7,677,189 to Kondo; and U.S. 2010/0114054 to Mueller. A suitable method for making “cup” pledgets and “stacked” pledgets is disclosed in U.S. 2008/0132868 to Jorgensen. 
     The softwind is then pushed from the winding and sealing device  520  by a suitable push rod (not shown) into a cup  528  of an articulating arm, indicated generally at  530  ( FIG. 38 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 51 , the articulating arm  528  transport the softwind from the winding and sealing device  520  to a compression station, indicated generally at  540 . More specifically, a push rod (not shown) pushes the softwind from the cup  528  of the articulating arm  530  into one of a plurality of mold cavities  542  formed in a compressor of the compression station  540 . 
     CD registration in the articulating arm  530  is established by eject arm stroke length or stop points in the arm. The articulating arm  530  is used to bring the soft wind from the winding and sealing device  520  to the compression station  540  in a repeatable and predictable angular position. In order to achieve a desired angular position, the articulating arm  530  may be capable of rotating the soft wind while transferring it. This may be controlled by inspection stations before, during, and or after transportation of the soft wind. Concentric ejecting and receiving transfer points aid in minimizing the damage and misalignment of the absorbent web  408  during transfer of the soft wind. Additionally, the contact surfaces of the transfer points may be tapered, coated, patterned to prevent misalignment and damage and the absorbent web  408 . The ejection process (i.e., the process of removing the soft wind from the cup  528 ) is controlled to register the soft wind in the CD in the articulating arm  530 . Additionally, the articulating arm  530  can be capable of rotating the soft wind 180 degrees to reverse the nose and string end of the tampon. 
     During exit of the soft wind from the articulating arm  530  to one of mold cavities of the compressor of the compressor station  540 , CD registration is controlled by the push length of the ejecting apparatus and/or stop points in the compressor. The angular position of the soft wind (i.e., the position about the circumference of the soft wind) established by the articulating arm  530  is maintained, such as, by guide rails as the soft wind enters the compressor. The compressor geometry can be such that in the open position there is oversized clearance or tapered, coated, patterned surfaces to protect the absorbent web  408  during CD transport into the compressor. It is contemplated that the ejecting apparatus can be adapted to rotate the soft wind in addition to or instead of the articulating arm  530 . 
     The compressor (e.g., compressive jaws of the compressor) can have any suitable pattern to facilitate compression of the soft wind while maintaining the integrity of the absorbent web  408  including the contact elements. For example, the compressive jaws can have a continuous pattern that varies in the CD direction and/or its annularity. For example, the compressive can vary in actuation depth or can have relief (i.e., a cutout) to accommodate the absorbent web  408  and, more particularly, the contact elements during the compression of the soft wind. It is contemplated that the compressive jaws can be arranged to act on the contact elements and/or slits in the absorbent web  108 , can be arranged not to act on the contact elements and/or slits, or a combination thereof. 
     In one suitable embodiment, when the softwind is positioned within one of the mold cavities of the compression station  540 , a plurality of dies moves towards one another and compress the softwind. In some suitable embodiments, the compression station  540  is adapted to apply heat to the softwind. The softwind can be compressed any suitable amount. For example, the softwind may be compressed at least about 25%, 50%, or 75% of the initial dimensions. For example, the softwind can be reduced in diameter to approximately ¼ of the original diameter. The cross-sectional configuration of the resultant tampon  10  may be circular, ovular, rectangular, hexagonal, or any other suitable shape. 
     The compressed soft wind (i.e., the pledget) exits the compressor of the compression station  540  into one of a plurality of holding tubes. CD registration of the pledget is controlled and the angular position of the pledget (i.e., the position about the circumference of the pledget) established by the articulating arm  530  is maintained as the pledget enters the respective holding tube. 
     A suitable nose forming apparatus (not shown) of the compression station  540  forms the nose of the pledget. Thus, the location of the pledget within the holding tube must be concentric predictable, and repeatable. In one suitable embodiment, the location of the pledget within the holding tube can be accomplished via mechanical linkages. 
     Once formed, the tampons  10  are pushed from the mold cavities  542  of the compression station  540  by a push rod (not shown) in to a suitable wrapper at a wrapping and sealing station, indicated generally at  550 , for sealing the tampons. The wrapping and sealing station  550  is configured to wrap each of the tampons  10  in the wrapper and to seal the wrapped. After the tampons  10  are wrapped and sealed in the wrapper at the wrapping and sealing station  550 , the tampons can be packaged for sale (i.e., placed in boxes suitable for sale to consumers). It is contemplated that the tampons  10  can be placed into suitable applicators (not shown) prior to being wrapped and sealed at the wrapping and sealing station  550 . 
     During the transfer of the softwind from the winding and sealing device  520  to the cup  528  of an articulating arm  530  (which is illustrated in  FIG. 58 ) and/or the transfer of the softwind from the cup of the articulating arm into one of the plurality of mold cavities  542  formed in the compression station  540 , a transfer assist device, indicated generally at  560  in  FIG. 58 , facilitates the transferring for the softwind while maintaining the proper positioning of the portion of the absorbent web  408  forming the softwind relative to the portion of the base web  494  forming the softwind. In one suitable embodiment, the transfer assist device  560  is a tapered guide  562  adapted to direct the tampon  10  into the cup  528  or the respective mold cavity  542  (the cup  528  being seen in  FIG. 58 ). More specifically, the tapered guide  562  is adapted to direct the free end  412  or bonded end  410  (depending on the direction the softwind is being pushed and the direction in which the free end and bonded end are oriented) into the cup  528  or respective mold cavity  542  while inhibiting the portion of the absorbent web  408  forming the softwind from becoming misaligned (e.g., wrinkled, creased, folded) with respect to the portion of the base web  494  forming the softwind. It is understood that the transfer assist device  560  can be other types of suitable devices including, for example, an air-knife, vacuum covers, vacuum conveyor, ski, folding board, nip roll, fold finger, surface coatings, and/or side vacuum assist. 
     It is contemplated that once the contact elements are formed in the web of cover material, air flow (e.g., shielding, hold down devices, deflectors, vacuum) can be used to avoid disruption of the contact elements as the web of cover material is moving through the process. It is also contemplated that static energy and humidity can be controlled through all or portions of the process. Static energy, for example, can be controlled using de-ionizing bars, static eliminators, grounding “tinsels,” or other suitable grounding techniques. 
     In the interests of brevity and conciseness, any ranges of values set forth in this disclosure contemplate all values within the range and are to be construed as support for claims reciting any sub-ranges having endpoints which are whole number values within the specified range in question. By way of hypothetical example, a disclosure of a range of from 1 to 5 shall be considered to support claims to any of the following ranges: 1 to 5; 1 to 4; 1 to 3; 1 to 2; 2 to 5; 2 to 4; 2 to 3; 3 to 5; 3 to 4; and 4 to 5. 
     The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.” 
     All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by references, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern. 
     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.