US Patent 7836654 Shingle with reinforced nail zone and method of manufacturing

A roofing shingle includes an asphalt-coated sheet having a tab portion normally exposed on a roof and a headlap portion normally covered-up on a roof. The headlap portion has a lower zone that extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end of the roofing shingle adjacent the tab portion, and an upper zone adjacent the lower zone. At least a portion of the asphalt-coated sheet has granules adhered thereto. A reinforcement member is adhered to the lower zone of the headlap portion.