Triple-ended USB cables

I was reorganizing my desks and found two different triple-ended USB cables. I don't know their origin or purpose. I have never seen triple-ended USB cables before. What are they used for?

The lower cable is most likely for an external (2.5") hard drive. Often these used to require more than the USB-provided 2.5W, so two ports were used to get 5 Watts, even though this violates the USB standard in most cases, it still works.

About the triple USB A-plug cable on top - the only idea would be that a manufacturer would save money and equipped their device with a A- instead of a B-receptable which is normally used for devices. And it's crazy and dangerous.