Patent ID: 8733071

Claim:
A method, comprising: packaging a part by: placing the part adjacent to a non-shape memory material having a shape memory polymer located at an end thereof, the non-shape memory material and the shape memory polymer forming a single layer, the shape memory polymer being in a permanent shape; heating the shape memory polymer in the permanent shape to a temperature above a switching temperature of the shape memory polymer; any of deforming or thermoforming the non-shape memory material such that it substantially surrounds the part; applying a force to the heated shape memory polymer such that it surrounds an other end of the any of deformed or thermoformed non-shape memory material to form a crimp, thereby changing the shape memory polymer from the permanent shape into a temporary shape; and cooling the shape memory polymer to a temperature below the switching temperature to set the shape memory polymer into the temporary shape; and de-packaging the part by: heating the shape memory polymer to a temperature above the switching temperature, thereby reverting the shape memory polymer from the temporary shape into the permanent shape, and separating the shape memory polymer from the other end of the any of the deformed or thermoformed non-shape memory material to open up the non-shape memory material and enable the part to be removed therefrom; and removing the part.