example, to an area such as a joint. An anchoring member produced from a film having a degree of elasticity is less likely to release prematurely than an anchoring member produced from a substantially inelastic material when applied to such an area. Elasticity is a property to be avoided when producing elongated connectors. Any stretching of elongated connectors is to be avoided as this will tend to allow premature opening of a laceration or incision. In embodiments in which the first and second components are not monolithic, anchoring members may be produced from stock having a degree of elasticity. Elongated connectors are produced separately from stock which is substantially inelastic. One or more first elongated connectors are then attached (e.g., with adhesive) to a first anchoring member to produce a first component. A second component is similarly constructed. As discussed elsewhere, a wound edge bar may be attached to reinforce the wound edge, particularly in embodiments wherein the sheet stock employed has a degree of elasticity. It is not a requirement that elongated connectors and anchoring members of non- monolithic components be produced from different stock material. It may be desirable, for example, to create an overlap in a portion of the elongated connectors (e.g., the bridging portion) in order to provide for additional strength. Thus, double-thickness in the bridging area may be provided by producing a monolithic anchoring member including a portion of connecting member. A separately produced elongated connector is then attached, in an overlapping manner, to the monolithic anchoring member. This creates a first component which is double thick in the bridging portion for additional strength and further eliminates stretching. It may be desirable to reinforce the wound edge portion of the anchoring member with another layer of less flexible stock. This "wound edge bar" would provide better translation of the force applied by the elongated connectors uniformly along the entire wound edge. Similarly, it may be desirable to reinforce the optional pulling element, or a portion thereof, with another layer of less flexible stock. This "pull bar" would be useful in applying uniform tension from the pulling element to all elongated connectors, as the device is positioned for closure. This feature would become more important in embodiments of the device intended to close long lacerations or incisions where there might be up to four or more elongated connectors to be pulled and secured to each adhesive-backed anchoring member. • Reinforcing Elements