Luer-actuated solution path connector with membrane and container using the connector and a method for establishing fluid communication with the container

A container having walls defining an interior, the container comprising:

• a tube connected to one of the walls and extending outside of the interior of the walls;
• a first coupling member having a first passageway and a spike that includes a flange having a diameter greater than a remainder of the spike, wherein the first coupling member connects to the tube and further wherein the spike is in the first passageway of the first coupling member;
• and
• a second coupling member having a second passageway wherein the second coupling member attaches to the first coupling member to provide fluid communication with the interior.

A method for establishing fluid communication with a container having an interior wherein access to the container is provided by a port, the method comprising the steps of:

• attaching a first coupling member to the container wherein the coupling member has walls defining a first passageway through the coupling member between a first end and a second end;
• sealing the first end of the coupling member with a membrane;
• inserting a spike having a lip in the passageway of the coupling member between the first end and the second end;
• wherein the lip prevents the spike from exiting the first passageway;
• and
• attaching a second coupling member at the second end of the first coupling member wherein attachment of the second coupling member causes the spike to pierce the membrane.