A thrust reverser comprising a pivot door and a lock mechanism , the lock mechanism comprising: a frame portion of the thrust reverser , the frame portion defining a first direction and a second direction with respect to the thrust reverser ; a blade housing connected to the frame portion ; a blade member slidably disposed within the blade housing and configured to translate with respect to the first direction and the second direction , the blade member configured to engage a lock fitting of the pivot door ; an actuator configured to translate the blade member in the first direction ; a spring element configured to urge the blade member in the second direction ; and a loose-joint coupling configured to connect the actuator to the blade member , wherein the loose-joint coupling comprises a first or coupling member made integral with the blade member and configured to translate the blade member in the first direction in response to the actuator , and the first or coupling member includes a bottom portion , a first side portion and a second side portion , wherein the actuator includes a translating member configured to translate in the first direction and the second direction and an arm connecting the translating member to the blade member , wherein the loose-joint coupling is positioned between the arm and the blade member , wherein the blade member comprises a base portion and the blade housing comprises a hollow portion configured for translational movement of the base portion within the blade housing , and wherein the spring element is a coil spring having a first end configured to abut the blade housing and a second end configured to abut the blade member . a frame portion of the thrust reverser , the frame portion defining a first direction and a second direction with respect to the thrust reverser ; a blade housing connected to the frame portion ; a blade member slidably disposed within the blade housing and configured to translate with respect to the first direction and the second direction , the blade member configured to engage a lock fitting of the pivot door ; an actuator configured to translate the blade member in the first direction ; a spring element configured to urge the blade member in the second direction ; and a loose-joint coupling configured to connect the actuator to the blade member , wherein the loose-joint coupling comprises a first or coupling member made integral with the blade member and configured to translate the blade member in the first direction in response to the actuator , and the first or coupling member includes a bottom portion , a first side portion and a second side portion , wherein the actuator includes a translating member configured to translate in the first direction and the second direction and an arm connecting the translating member to the blade member , wherein the loose-joint coupling is positioned between the arm and the blade member , wherein the blade member comprises a base portion and the blade housing comprises a hollow portion configured for translational movement of the base portion within the blade housing , and wherein the spring element is a coil spring having a first end configured to abut the blade housing and a second end configured to abut the blade member . <EOS>