Why is this cleat shaped the way it is?

[rbgarr]

It's a flag halyard cleat that seizes to a shroud. Which end goes up? What's the purpose of the ring? Is the flag halyard loop cleated to it in some particular way??

Thx-

http://i29.tinypic.com/34pz42d.jpg

(I'm guessing the ring is for securing any loose coil, or for a snapshackle or clip... but when would you use one of them?)

[Ian McColgin]

I'm not sure if it was meant this way, but I use it loop up. I run one part of the flag halyard through the loop before joining the ends. That way both parts can be pulled down and cleated off together in the normal way but you'll never loose the ends, an annoyance all to amusing.

[Figment]

ayup.

[Lew Barrett]

I like it.

[Gary E]

Looks like it could be a trolling weight...