Humidity-buffering composition and preparation process

Abstract

Attached

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a humidity-bufferingcomposition and preparation process and more particularly to a humidity-bufferingand keratin-conditioning composition and process for preparing a composition forpreserving a feather shuttlecock.BACKGROUND

[0002] The preservation of natural-feather shuttlecocks is a significant concern inthe sports industry. Feather shuttlecocks are sensitive to ambient humidity, whichaffects their performance and lifespan. At low relative humidity, feathers becomebrittle and prone to fracture, while high humidity causes deformation andcompromises aerodynamic stability.

[0003] Existing methods for controlling humidity include the use of humiditypacks, passive desiccants, manual water-based humidification, and roomhumidification. These approaches focus on regulating moisture levels but neglectthe molecular integrity of β-keratin in feathers. The β-keratin structure is crucial formaintaining the strength and flexibility of feathers.

[0004] Traditional methods have limitations, including the risk of microbiologicalcontamination and aerodynamic variability due to excessive wetting andinconsistent dosing.SUMMARY

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a humiditybufferingcomposition and preparation process. This summary is neither intendedto identify essential features of the present invention nor intended to determine orlimit the scope of the present invention.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a composition to maintainhumidity of a feather shuttlecock is disclosed. The composition comprising asolvent, one or more polyols, at least one humectant, a modulator, a buffer and apreservative. The solvent comprising a distilled water in a proportion of about 40%to 70% of the total composition. The one or more polyols comprises a propyleneglycol in the range of 22% to 37%, a glycerine in the range of 6% to 18%, a sorbitolin the range of 12% to 18%. The one or more polyols is together present in acumulative amount ranging from about 20% to 40%, wherein the one or morepolyols is configured to provide a two-way humidity buffering for maintaining anequilibrium relative humidity (RH) level within an apparatus, and wherein the twowayhumidity buffering is configured to absorb and release moisture. The at leastone humectant comprises a sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate (Sodium PCA) andnon-reducing disaccharides in an amount of about 0.1% to 6%.

[0007] The modulator comprises a keratin plasticizer and a keratin stabilizer. Thekeratin plasticizer comprising a urea included in a mild concentration range of0.05% to 0.3%. The keratin plasticizer is configured to maintain flexibility and toprevent brittleness of the feather shuttlecock. The keratin stabilizer comprises Lcysteineadded in the range of 0.05% to 0.3%, and Tris phosphine hydrochloride(TCEP-HCl) in range of 0.001% to 0.02%. The keratin stabilizer is configured topreserve the natural structure of the modulator and prevent the modulator frombreaking down. The modulator is configured to regulate disulfide cross-links withina feather β-keratin without visible deformation.

[0008] The buffer is protein-compatible organic acid adjusted within a pH range of5.0 to 6.0. The buffer is configured to preserve a natural protein structure of thefeather while preventing hydrolytic weakening. The preservative is selected from aphenoxyethanol and an equivalent compound at microbiologically effectiveconcentration. The phenoxyethanol comprises a concentration of 0.1% to 0.5%. Thepreservative is configured to maintain microbiological stability of the compositionduring storage and use.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a process for preparing acomposition for preserving a feather shuttlecock comprises formulating acomposition to maintain humidity of the feather shuttlecock. The composition isprepared by combining distilled water (about 40% to 70%) with one or more polyols(cumulative amount of about 20% to 40%). At least one humectant (about 0.1% to6%) is incorporated into the distilled water. A modulator is added, comprising urea(0.05% to 0.3%) as a keratin plasticizer, L-cysteine (2.5-3.5%), and tris phosphinehydrochloride (TCEP-HCl) in trace quantities (0.8% to 2%). The mixture isbuffered to a pH of about 5.0 to 6.0 using a protein-compatible organic acid buffer.The mixture is preserved using phenoxyethanol (0.1% to 0.5%).

[0010] The composition is immobilized in at least one cartridge with an absorbentmedium and positioned in the apparatus with the feather shuttlecock. Thecomposition maintains a relative humidity range within ±3% of a target setpointbetween 65% and 75% RH for at least 24 to 72 hours. The semi-sealed apparatuscomprises a headspace volume of 2 to 4 liters at 20 to 28°C with a feathershuttlecock load of 6 to 12 units.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0011] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understoodwhen read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document exampleconstructions of the disclosure; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specificmethods and apparatus disclosed in the document and the drawings.

[0012] The present disclosure is described in detail with reference to theaccompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentify the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbersare used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subjectmatter.

[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view depicting an apparatus (100) tocondition feather shuttlecocks by maintaining a controlled humidity environment,in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view depicting the apparatus (100), inaccordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view depicting the apparatus (100) with acartridge (206) , in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view depicting the cartridge (206) withcomposition (404), in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart depicting a process for preparing acomposition (404) for preserving a feather shuttlecock, in accordance with animplementation of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for preparing acomposition (404) to maintain humidity of a feather shuttlecock, in accordance withan implementation of the present disclosure.

[0019] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagramsherein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principlesof the present invention. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flowdiagrams, and the like represent various processes which may be substantiallyrepresented in computer readable medium and so executed by a computer orprocessor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a humiditybufferingcomposition and preparation process.

[0021] In the following description, for purpose of explanation, specific details areset forth in order to provide an understanding of the present invention. It will beapparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these details.

[0022] One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the presentinvention, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a numberof compositions. However, the compositions and methods are not limited to thespecific embodiments described herein. Further, structures and devices shown inthe figures are illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the present invention andare meant to avoid obscuring of the present invention.

[0023] Furthermore, connections between components and / or modules within thefigures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, thesecomponents and modules may be modified, re-formatted or otherwise changed byintermediary components and modules.

[0024] References in the present disclosure to "one embodiment" or "anembodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or functiondescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment"in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the sameembodiment.

[0025] The present disclosure relates to a humidity-buffering composition andpreparation process formulated for use in controlled storage environments,particularly for extending the durability and performance of natural feathershuttlecocks.

[0026] Natural-feather shuttlecocks degrade rapidly under suboptimal ambienthumidity. At low relative humidity (RH), feathers become brittle and fracture morereadily; at high RH, feathers deform, affecting aerodynamic stability. Existingapproaches include humidity packs designed for tobacco / wood storage, passivedesiccants, manual water-based humidification, and room humidification.

[0027] The existing methods primarily regulate moisture but do not address themolecular integrity of β-keratin in feathers. Excessive wetting and inconsistentdosing from sprays can introduce microbiological risk and aerodynamic variability.There remains a need for a passive, apparatusized, two-way humidity controlsolution that simultaneously conditions keratin microstructure in a proteincompatibleenvironment, leading to reduced brittleness and extended service lifewithout liquid transfer or over wetting.

[0028] The present disclosure provides a humidity-buffering composition andpreparation process formulated for use in controlled storage environments,particularly for extending the durability and performance of natural feathershuttlecocks. The composition comprises an aqueous base, typically distilled water,combined with one or more polyols such as propylene glycol, glycerin, and sorbitolto provide two-way humidity control and gradual vapor diffusion. To enhancefeather flexibility and resilience, the solution incorporates urea as a mild keratinplasticizer, along with L-cysteine and a stabilizing reductant such as tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP-HCl) to support disulfide bondstability and reduce oxidative brittleness in β-keratin structures.

[0029] The formulation further includes a buffered organic acid, preferably lacticacid, adjusted within a physiologically compatible pH window, to protect featherproteins against hydrolytic damage, while a preservative such as phenoxyethanol isintroduced to maintain microbiological safety of the reservoir medium. The relativeproportions of each component are maintained within broad functional ranges:water forming the largest share, polyols collectively forming a significant but lowerfraction, keratin-active additives (urea, cysteine, TCEP-HCl, preservative andbuffer. The solution is combined under ambient laboratory conditions untilhomogenous and then immobilized within a porous carrier along with absorbentmedium such as sodium polyacrylate for controlled release inside a semi-sealedapparatus. The resulting system regulates the microenvironment to a target relativehumidity range while simultaneously conditioning the feather substrate, therebyextending shuttlecock life and improving consistency of play.

[0030] The present disclosure provides a composition a composition for preservinga feather shuttlecock. The composition includes water as the predominant phase.The composition further comprises one or more polyols selected from glycerin,Propylene glycol, butylene glycol, xylitol, and erythritol, in a combined amountsufficient for two-way humidity buffering and to moderate water activity. Thecomposition also includes at least one advanced humectant selected frompyrrolidone carboxylates and non-reducing disaccharides, to anchor equilibriumRH and protect protein structures.

[0031] The composition further comprises a keratin microstructure modulator,which is a thiol and / or phosphine species, including L-cysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, dithiothreitol, and / or tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine salt, selected tomodulate keratin cross-link microenvironments without visible featherdeformation. A protein-compatible organic acid buffer is also included, adjusted toa mildly acidic pH, such as lactic, citrate, acetate, or their combinations, withbuffering capacity limiting pH drift. A broad-spectrum preservative is also presentat microbiologically effective levels.

[0032] The combined polyols and advanced humectants provide a secondary phasesufficient to establish two-way humidity buffering and anchor equilibrium RH, withtotal polyols exceeding any single advanced humectant on a weight basis. Keratinmicrostructure modulators and preservative are maintained at micro- to low-levelseffective for performance and stability. The ratio of non-reducing disaccharide topyrrolidone carboxylate is selected to achieve RH convergence to a preservationband from both sub-45% and supra-80% starting conditions within a practicaltimeframe.

[0033] The composition is prepared by dissolving advanced humectants in water,incorporating polyols, adjusting pH with the buffer system to a mildly acidic range,then adding keratin modulator(s) and preservative. Filtration and clean fill intocarriers are recommended. Oxygen exposure is limited during preparation andpackaging to reduce oxidative drift of thiols, and packaging headspace isminimized.

[0034] The composition is immobilized in a carrier, which includes sponge,cellulose matrix, alginate hydrogel, polyurethane foam, super absorbent polymers,or combinations thereof. The composition is immobilized to prevent free liquidpooling and direct contact transfer to feathers. Functional loading is defined perapparatus volume to achieve RH target without condensation.

[0035] The apparatus is semi-sealed through gasket and materials selected for atarget leakage rate or MVTR ensuring RH stability. An optional saturated saltreservoir provides an RH ceiling within the preservation band, spatially separatedfrom shuttlecocks and carrier.

[0036] The feather shuttlecocks are placed in the apparatus with the immobilizedcomposition for a conditioning period sufficient to converge RH to the preservationband and improve flexural fatigue metrics versus humidity control lacking keratinmodulators. The system avoids visible over wetting and liquid transfer whilereducing brittleness and fracture incidence.

[0037] RH regulation is tested by measuring headspace RH / time curves inapparatuss of defined volume with a specified shuttlecock load. Flexural fatigue istested by cyclic bending of feather vane segments at defined frequency anddisplacement until failure. Fracture incidence is tested under robot hits using astandardized impact protocol. pH stability, microbiology, and safety / compatibilityare also tested.

[0038] The composition variants replacing specific polyols, humectants, buffers, orpreservatives with chemically analogous members are contemplated. Salt-freeembodiments relying solely on solution water activity control, and controlembodiments with humidity regulation only are also contemplated. A cartridgearticle with integrated RH indicator is also contemplated.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a composition to maintainhumidity of a feather shuttlecock is disclosed. The composition comprising asolvent, one or more polyols, at least one humectant, a modulator, a buffer and apreservative. The solvent comprising a distilled water in a proportion of about 40%to 70% of the total composition. The one or more polyols comprises a propyleneglycol in the range of 22% to 37%, a glycerine in the range of 6% to 18%, a sorbitolin the range of 12% to 18%. The one or more polyols is together present in acumulative amount ranging from about 20% to 40%, wherein the one or morepolyols is configured to provide a two-way humidity buffering for maintaining anequilibrium relative humidity (RH) level within an apparatus, and wherein the twowayhumidity buffering is configured to absorb and release moisture. The at leastone humectant comprises a sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate (Sodium PCA) andnon-reducing disaccharides in an amount of about 0.1% to 6%.

[0040] The modulator comprises a keratin plasticizer and a keratin stabilizer. Thekeratin plasticizer comprising a urea included in a mild concentration range of0.05% to 0.3%. The keratin plasticizer is configured to maintain flexibility and toprevent brittleness of the feather shuttlecock. The keratin stabilizer comprises Lcysteineadded in the range of 0.05% to 0.3%, and Tris phosphine hydrochloride(TCEP-HCl) in range of 0.001% to 0.02%. The keratin stabilizer is configured topreserve the natural structure of the modulator and prevent the modulator frombreaking down. The modulator is configured to regulate disulfide cross-links withina feather β-keratin without visible deformation.

[0041] The buffer is protein-compatible organic acid adjusted within a pH range of5.0 to 6.0. The buffer is configured to preserve a natural protein structure of thefeather while preventing hydrolytic weakening. The preservative is selected from aphenoxyethanol and an equivalent compound at microbiologically effectiveconcentration. The phenoxyethanol comprises a concentration of 0.1% to 0.5%. Thepreservative is configured to maintain microbiological stability of the compositionduring storage and use.

[0042] The one or more polyols, comprise polyethylene glycol (PEG-400) within arange of 12% to 18%. A total polyol content exceeds the individual content of atleast one humectant on a weight basis and represents the majority of the nonaqueousphase.

[0043] The ratio of non-reducing disaccharide to pyrrolidone carboxylate isselected to achieve relative humidity convergence to a target preservation bandfrom initial conditions below 45% RH and above 80% RH within a definedconditioning period. The composition establishes a self-regulating humiditymicroenvironment, maintaining a required relative humidity between 60% to 80%when deployed in the apparatus (95% sealed) with the feather shuttlecock.

[0044] The preservative comprises phenoxyethanol, optionally combined withethylhexylglycerin, to maintain microbiological stability of the carrier phase underthe semi-sealed apparatus. The composition maintains a relative humidity bandwithin ±3% of a target setpoint between 65% and 75% RH for at least 24 to 72hours in the apparatus, which has a headspace volume of 2 to 4 liters at 20 to 28°Cwith a feather shuttlecock load of 6 to 12 units.

[0045] The apparatus exhibits a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) andleakage rate corresponding to 0.1 to 1.0 air changes per day, ensuring RH stabilitywithout condensation. A saturated salt reservoir is spatially separated from thesemi-sealed apparatus and the feather shuttlecock, dimensioned to cap the relativehumidity not exceeding a setpoint within the preservation band at 25°C. The semisealedapparatus is selected from a sponge, a cellulose matrix, an alginate hydrogel,a polyurethane foam, and superabsorbent polymers.

[0046] The apparatus comprises a housing with one open side that is closed by asnap-fit lid including a vent to allow controlled moisture vapor transmission. Atleast one replaceable cartridge is placed within a cartridge bay positioned at a baseregion of the housing. The cartridge comprises a composition formulated to bothabsorb and release water vapor, enabling the internal environment to convergetoward a targeted humidity preservation range. The cartridge further includes abottom plate to hold the composition and a perforated top plate configured toprevent direct liquid contact while allowing vapor-phase diffusion.

[0047] The apparatus thereby regulates the internal humidity to remain within afavorable preservation band for feather shuttlecocks, improving moisture balancewithin β-keratin without causing condensation.

[0048] A method for conditioning feather shuttlecocks using the apparatus is alsodisclosed. By placing shuttlecocks inside the housing with their feathers exposed,closing the lid to form a semi-sealed internal chamber, and maintaining theapparatus in operation for a designated duration, shuttlecocks regain flexibility anddurability through vapor-phase rehydration of feather shuttlecocks.

[0049] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a process for preparing acomposition for preserving a feather shuttlecock comprises formulating acomposition to maintain humidity of the feather shuttlecock. The composition isprepared by combining distilled water (about 40% to 70%) with one or more polyols(cumulative amount of about 20% to 40%). At least one humectant (about 0.1% to6%) is incorporated into the distilled water. A modulator is added, comprising urea(0.05% to 0.3%) as a keratin plasticizer, L-cysteine (2.5-3.5%), and tris phosphinehydrochloride (TCEP-HCl) in trace quantities (0.8% to 2%). The mixture isbuffered to a pH of about 5.0 to 6.0 using a protein-compatible organic acid buffer.The mixture is preserved using phenoxyethanol (0.1% to 0.5%).

[0050] The composition is immobilized in a porous carrier with an absorbentmedium and positioned in the apparatus with the feather shuttlecock. Thecomposition maintains a relative humidity range within ±3% of a target setpointbetween 65% and 75% RH for at least 24 to 72 hours. The semi-sealed apparatuscomprises a headspace volume of 2 to 4 liters at 20 to 28°C with a feathershuttlecock load of 6 to 12 units.

[0051] The composition for maintaining humidity and conditioning a feathershuttlecock provides distinct technical advantages. The composition establishes aself-regulating humidity microenvironment within a semi-sealed apparatus,maintaining a relative humidity range between 60% and 80%. This environmentprevents the feather shuttlecock from becoming brittle due to low humidity ordegrading due to high humidity. Concurrently, the modulator component of thecomposition, comprising urea, L-cysteine, and tris phosphine hydrochloride(TCEP-HCl), conditions the feather β-keratin by regulating disulfide cross-links.This action preserves the structural integrity and flexibility of the feather, therebymaintaining its aerodynamic properties and extending its usable lifespan.

[0052] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of thepresent invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be ableto devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein,embody the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, all examples recitedherein are principally intended expressly to be only for explanatory purposes to helpthe reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the conceptscontributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as beingwithout limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover,all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention,as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0053] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will nowbe discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and"including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning andbe open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is notmeant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited toonly the listed item or items.

[0054] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and"the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Theexemplary composition and methods for preserving a feather shuttlecock are nowdescribed. The disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure,which may be embodied in various forms.

[0055] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the generic principles herein may be applied to otherembodiments. Although the present disclosure is described in the context of acomposition for a feather shuttlecock, the principles of the system utilizing a polyolbasedhumidity buffer and a keratin-specific modulator can be applied to thepreservation of other hygroscopic, keratin-based natural materials. Thus, thepresent disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated butis to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and featuresdescribed herein.

[0056] While aspects of the described a composition and method for preserving afeather shuttlecock may be formulated and immobilized in any number of differentporous carriers and apparatus configurations, the embodiments are described in thecontext of the following exemplary formulation.

[0057] It should be noted that the above advantages and other advantages will beevident in the subsequent description. Further, in the subsequent section, the presentsubject is better explained with reference to the figures. In order to maintainconsistency and brevity of reading, all the figures from 1, and 2 are explained.Table;

[0058] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus 100 for conditioningfeather shuttlecocks. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a housing 204that is generally cuboidal in shape, defining an internal storage volume for receivingat least one feather shuttlecock in their barrels or in loose form. The housing 204has one open side which is closed in use by a lid 202. The lid 202 is shown in aclosed position, seated along the upper rim of the housing 204, and engaged by asnap-fit interface configured to provide a semi-sealed condition while stillpermitting a controlled exchange of air. At least one vent 102 is provided in the lid202, for example as one or more small apertures or a micro-vent structure, and isconfigured to permit moisture vapor transmission between the interior of theapparatus 100 and the external environment at a predetermined rate. This ensuresthat the internal humidity does not drift excessively when the external climatechanges. The overall proportions of the housing 204 are selected to comfortablyaccommodate the feather shuttlecock load while allowing sufficient headspaceabove an internal cartridge so that vapor can circulate freely around the feathers.The apparatus 100 is dimensioned to rest on a flat surface, with a base region 302positioned at the bottom.

[0059] Figure 2 presents an exploded view of the apparatus 100, in which the lid202 is separated from the housing 204 to expose the internal conditioning volumeand the structural details of the base region 302. The housing 204 is shown with anupwardly open mouth corresponding to its open side, the mouth having acontinuous peripheral edge that cooperates with the underside of the lid 202. Alongthis edge, a seal ridge 304 may be formed either on the housing 204 or on the lid202 to improve sealing performance when the lid 202 is pressed into place. Thisseal ridge 304 helps to limit air leakage and thereby sustains the semi-sealedenvironment required for stable humidity control. Within the housing 204, the baseregion 302 is shaped to define a cartridge bay 208 recessed into the interior floor.The cartridge bay 208 is dimensioned to receive at least one cartridge 206 centrallylocated to promote symmetric vapor diffusion. The exploded view shows how thecartridge 206 is intended to be placed into the cartridge bay 208 prior to closing thehousing 204 with the lid 202, forming a vertically stacked assembly in which thecartridge lies at the bottom, the shuttlecocks are arranged above, and the lid closesthe system at the top. This figure illustrates the spatial relationship between thestructural components of apparatus 100 and highlights the ease with which the lid202 can be removed and the cartridge 206 can be replaced without disturbing theoverall geometry of the housing 204.

[0060] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the interior of the housing 204 withthe cartridge 206 seated inside the cartridge bay 208. In this figure, the cartridgebay 208 is illustrated as a generally circular or disc-shaped recess formed in thebase region 302 of the housing 204. Within the cartridge bay 208, one or morecircular seating formations 210 are provided. These seating formations 210 maycomprise annular ridges or concentric rings that define a stable resting surface forthe cartridge 206. The geometry of the circular seating formations 210 is selectedto engage the underside of the cartridge 206 in a way that prevents lateraldisplacement or rocking motion when the apparatus 100 is moved or when thehousing 204 is inadvertently tilted. This ensures that the perforated top surface ofthe cartridge 206 maintains a consistent orientation towards the interior headspace,supporting predictable vapor diffusion patterns. The figure also illustrates that thecartridge 206 sits slightly elevated relative to the absolute lowest point of the baseregion 302, which reduces the risk of any incidental liquid accumulation around thecartridge and facilitates uniform airflow channels for vapor distribution. Whenshuttlecocks are loaded into the housing 204 above the cartridge 206, vaporemerging from the cartridge passes upward around and between the feathers,thereby conditioning them via vapor-phase diffusion.

[0061] Figure 4 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the at least one cartridge206. The cartridge 206 includes a bottom plate 402, which serves as a containmentplatform for a composition 404, and a top plate 406 that encloses the compositionfrom above. The composition 404 is a humidity-buffering and optionally keratinconditioningformulation that is immobilized within or supported on the bottomplate 402. The top plate 406 incorporates a plurality of openings 408 distributedacross its surface. These openings 408 may be formed as circular, elongated, orotherwise shaped perforations arranged in concentric or radial patterns to promoteuniform escape and absorption of moisture vapor. The size and spatial distributionof the openings 408 are chosen so that vapor can pass efficiently while preventingbulk liquid transfer and physically isolating the composition 404 from direct contactwith the feather shuttlecocks. The bottom plate 402 may be configured as a shallowtray, cup, or reservoir element, fabricated from a polymer or corrosion-resistantmaterial, capable of holding the composition 404 in either gel, semi-solid, orimmobilized liquid form. The top plate 406 is secured to the bottom plate 402, forexample by a snap-fit, weld, adhesive, or mechanical fastening, thereby forming areplaceable cartridge unit that can be inserted into and removed from the cartridgebay 208 as needed.

[0062] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of a process for preserving a feathershuttlecock. The process begins with step 502, formulating the composition 404configured to maintain humidity and condition the keratin of a feather shuttlecock.In step 504, immobilizing the composition 404 in at least one cartridge 206 alongwith an absorbent medium. The process concludes with step 506, positioning the atleast one cartridge 206 in the apparatus 100 with the feather shuttlecock. Thisconfiguration establishes a self-regulating humidity microenvironment. Thecomposition 404 maintains a relative humidity range between 60% and 80% andconditions the feather keratin by regulating disulfide cross-links to preventbrittleness.

[0063] Figure 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for preparing the composition404. The method begins with step 602, combining a solvent consisting of distilledwater in a proportion of 40% to 70% with one or more polyols in a cumulativeamount of 20% to 40% of the total composition. In step 604, incorporating at leastone humectant in an amount of 0.1% to 6% into the mixture. In step 606, adding amodulator comprising urea in a concentration of 0.05% to 0.3%, L-cysteine in arange of 2.5-3.5%, and tris phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP-HCl) in a range of0.8% to 2%, thereby forming a mixture. The process then advances to step 608,buffering the mixture by adjusting the pH to a range of 5.0 to 6.0 using a protein-compatible organic acid buffer. The process concludes with step 610, preservingthe mixture using a preservative comprising phenoxyethanol in a concentration of0.1% to 0.5%.

[0064] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages.Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages mayinclude those provided by the following features.

[0065] Although implementations for methods and a composition and method forpreserving a feather shuttlecock have been described in language specific tostructural features and / or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claimsare not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, thespecific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations forprotecting the occupants of a composition and method for preserving a feathershuttlecock.

Claims

1. A composition (404) to maintain humidity of feather shuttlecocks, wherein the composition (404) comprising: a solvent, wherein the solvent comprising a distilled water in a proportion of about 40% to 70% of the total composition; one or more polyols, wherein the one or more polyols comprises: a propylene glycol in the range of 22% to 37%; a glycerine in the range of 6% to 18%; a sorbitol in the range of 12% to 18%; and wherein the one or more polyols is together present in a cumulative amount ranging from about 20% to 40%, wherein the one or more polyols is configured to provide a two-way humidity buffering for maintaining an equilibrium relative humidity (RH) level within a apparatus (100), and wherein the two-way humidity buffering is configured to absorb and release moisture; at least one humectant, wherein the at least one humectant comprises a sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate (Sodium PCA) and non-reducing disaccharides, wherein the at least one humectant is present in an amount of about 0.1% to 6%; a modulator, wherein the modulator comprises: a keratin plasticizer, wherein the keratin plasticizer comprising a urea included in a mild concentration range of 0.05% to 0.3%, wherein the keratin plasticizer is configured to maintain flexibility and to prevent brittleness of the feather shuttlecock; a keratin stabilizer, wherein the keratin stabilizer comprises L-cysteine added in the range of 0.05% to 0.3%, and Tris phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP-HCl) in range of 0.001% to 0.02%, wherein the keratin stabilizer is configured to preserve the natural structure of the modulator and prevent the modulator from breaking down; and wherein the modulator is configured to regulate disulfide cross-links within a feather β-keratin without visible deformation; a buffer, wherein the buffer is protein-compatible organic acid adjusted within a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0, wherein the buffer is configured to preserve a natural protein structure of the feather while preventing hydrolytic weakening; and a preservative, wherein the preservative is selected from a phenoxyethanol and an equivalent compound at microbiologically effective concentration, wherein the phenoxyethanol comprises a concentration of 0.1% to 0.5%, and wherein the preservative is configured to maintain microbiological stability of the composition (404) during storage and use.

2. The composition (404) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one more polyols comprise a polyethylene glycol (PEG-400) within range of 12% to 18%; and wherein a total of the one or more polyols content exceeds the individual content of at least one humectant on a weight basis and represents the majority of a non-aqueous phase.

3. The composition (404) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a ratio of nonreducing disaccharide to pyrrolidone carboxylate is selected to achieve relative humidity convergence to a target preservation band from initial conditions selected from below 45% RH and above 80% RH within a defined conditioning period.

4. The composition (404) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition (404) is configured to establish a self-regulating humidity microenvironment maintaining a required relative humidity between 60% to 80% upon deployed in the apparatus (100) (95% sealed) with the feather shuttlecock.

5. The composition (404) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the preservative comprises phenoxyethanol optionally combined with ethylhexylglycerin, adapted to maintain microbiological stability of the carrier phase under the apparatus (100).

6. The composition (404) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition is configured to maintain the relative humidity band within ±3% of a target setpoint between 65% and 75% RH for at least 24 to 72 hours in the apparatus (100) comprising a headspace volume between 2 and 4 liters at 20 to 28°C with the feather shuttlecock load of 6 to 12 units.

7. The composition (404) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the apparatus (100) exhibits a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) and leakage rate corresponding to 0.1 to 1.0 air changes per day, ensuring the RH stability without condensation.

8. The composition (404) as claimed claim 1, wherein content present in the absorbent medium is selected from a sponge, a cellulose matrix, an alginate hydrogel, a polyurethane foam, and a superabsorbent polymers.

9. A process for preparing a composition (404) for preserving feather shuttlecocks, comprising: formulating, the composition (404), wherein the composition (404) is configured to maintain humidity of the feather shuttlecocks, wherein the composition (404) comprising: combining, a distilled water in a proportion of about 40% to 70% with one or more polyols added in a cumulative amount ranging from about 20% to 40% of the composition (404); incorporating, at least one humectant in an amount of about 0.1% to 6% to the distilled water; adding, a modulator, wherein the modulator comprises a urea, wherein the urea is included in a mild concentration range of 0.05% to 0.3% to act as a keratin plasticizer, L-cysteine in the range of 2.5-3.5%, and tris phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP-HCl) in trace quantities of 0.8% to 2%, thereby forming a mixture; buffering, the mixture by adjusting the pH to about 5.0 to 6.0 using a buffer, wherein the buffer is proteincompatible organic acid; and preserving, the mixture using a preservative, wherein the preservative comprises a phenoxyethanol, and wherein the phenoxyethanol is present in a concentration of 0.1% to 0.5%; immobilizing, the composition (404) in at least one cartridge (206) along with a superabsorbent medium, wherein the superabsorbent medium comprising silica gel and polyacrylate; and positioning, the at least one cartridge (208) in an apparatus (100) with the feather shuttlecock, thereby the composition (404) forms a relative humidity range and condition keratin in the feather shuttlecock, wherein the relative humidity range within ±3% of a target setpoint between 65% and 75% RH for at least 24 to 72 hours in the apparatus (100), wherein the apparatus (100) comprising a headspace volume between 2 and 4 liters at 20 to 28°C with the feather shuttlecock load of 6 to 12 units.