Patent ID: 8066311

Claim:
A device for retrieving animal feces, comprising: a handle portion; a scoop portion having a working surface, wherein at least said working surface of the scoop portion contacts the feces for removal; a spray device coupled to at least said handle portion and configured to aid in removal of the animal feces from said working surface of said scoop portion, said spray device comprising: a reservoir; a pump in fluid communication with said reservoir; at least one outlet in fluid communication with said reservoir and said pump, said at least one outlet positioned proximate to at least said workin surface of said scoop portion; and a trigger configured to actuate said pump, thereby forcing a rinsing solution through said at least one outlet, said at least one outlet being configured to direct said rinsing solution towards said working surface of said scoop portion; wherein said handle defines an axis, and said working surface of said scoop portion is positioned at an angle β between 30 degrees to 80 degrees from said handle axis, and wherein feces material is retained by at least said working surface of the scoop portion when the scoop portion is lifted from the ground; and wherein at least a portion of said working surface of said scoop portion includes a coating, wherein said coating exhibits a coefficient of friction (μ) of less than or equal to 1.0 and a contact angle of 90° or greater relative to animal waste.