Elongated connectors may be viewed as strap-like in their dimensions. In preferred embodiments, a portion of the elongated connectors is cut away to increase the unobstructed surface area over the wound or incision. This tends to facilitate drainage of exudates and application of medication. This cut-out is best produced during the die cut process. US Patent No. 6329564, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, depicts cut-outs, for example, in Fig. 3. The shape of the cut-out is not critical. What is important is that the structural integrity of the elongated connectors is not compromised by the introduction of the cut-outs. 

• Pulling Elements 

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure include pulling elements which are attached to elongated connectors, or to extensions of elongated connectors. Extensions of elongated connectors could themselves be considered to be pulling elements in embodiments in which only one elongated connector is associated with a component. By definition, the attached portion of an elongated connector attaches to the anchoring member of another component. Extensions of an elongated connector extend the length of the elongated connector for ease of application, and are generally removed following the application process. Perforations or scoring are preferably provided to facilitate their removal. For embodiments in which the number of elongated connectors associated with a component is greater than one, a pulling element is useful for joining the elongated connectors or extensions of elongated connectors to enable a user to easily apply a pulling force to more than one connecting member. 

Removal of the pulling elements minimizes the footprint of the applied two-component device. This decrease in the overall size of the device reduces the chance that a portion of the bandage may be caught, for example, on clothing or a pillow. Such an occurrence could tend to pull the applied device away from the skin thereby causing the wound or incision to open. Minimizing the overall footprint of the applied device also tends to provide for a more comfortable fit. 

• Eversion Edges 

In preferred embodiments, the wound edges of the first and second adhesive-backed anchoring members, are adapted to evert (or raise) skin edges to promote wound healing. It is known in the art that everting, raising or mounding of the skin edges at the wound or incision site prevents wound inversion. One way in which this can be accomplished is to provide a bend at the wound edge. The bend may be angled or arcuate. The adhesive on the lower portion of 

