Tanning lamp having grooved periphery

A device for effectuating tanning of a person's skin, the device comprising:

• a housing structure having a body portion and a base portion, the body portion defining an internal tanning chamber which is adapted and configured for receiving the person;
• and
• a discharge lamp assembly disposed within the internal tanning chamber, the lamp assembly including:
• an elongated vitreous tube having an outer periphery and axially opposed first and second ends which define an axial length for the tube therebetween, the outer periphery having a plurality of grooves defined therein and formed along a helical path;
• a first electrode assembly associated with the first end of the tube;
• a second electrode assembly associated with the second end of the tube;
• and
• a coating on an interior of the vitreous tube along the entire length for emitting ultraviolet radiation when a voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes, the ultraviolet radiation effectuating the tanning of the person's skin.

A discharge lamp for use in tanning applications comprising:

• an elongated vitreous tube having an outer periphery and axially opposed first and second ends which define an axial length for the tube therebetween, the outer periphery having a plurality of grooves defined therein and positioned along an axially extending helical path, the tube having an outside diameter of about between 0.25 inch and 2.5 inches and the grooves having a depth of between about 0.100 inch to about 0.250 inch and;
• a first electrode assembly associated with the first end of the tube;
• a second electrode assembly associated with the second end of the tube;
• and
• a coating on an interior of the tube along the entire length for emitting ultraviolet radiation when a voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes.

A method of exposing a person to ultraviolet radiation:

• a) positioning a discharge lamp assembly in proximity to a person, the discharge lamp including:
• an elongated vitreous tube having an outer periphery and axially opposed first and second ends which define an axial length for the tube therebetween, the outer periphery having a plurality of grooves defined therein and formed along a helical path;
• a first electrode assembly associated with the first end of the tube;
• a second electrode assembly associated with the second end of the tube;
• and
• a coating on an interior of the vitreous tube along the entire length for emitting ultraviolet radiation in tanning wavelengths when a voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes.
• b) energizing said discharge lamp for a period of time to effect skin tanning of said person.