A fastener, such as a nail, screw, etc., which possesses supplemental support
and/or
retention capability is provided. The fastener includes an elongated auxiliary
member secured interiorly to, exteriorly to, or along the shaft of the fastener.
The auxiliary member is secured to the shaft at two or more portions of the shaft.
The auxiliary member provides the shaft with additional support strength and/or
enables fastened materials to be retained upon breakage or shearing of the shaft
as a result of, for example, heavy tensile or shearing loads. To facilitate breakage
or shearing of the shaft, the shaft may be provided with a deformation, such as
a notch or reduced circumference, at one or more desired locations such that the
shaft breaks or shears at the deformation(s), thereby allowing the auxiliary member
to function as the sole member which retains the fastened materials. The auxiliary
member may be sufficiently flexible and pliable such that, upon breakage or shearing
of the shaft, retention of the materials is maintained but in a less stressed form.
