Abstract: An overload release mechanism comprising a control plunger, a housing for slidably supporting the control plunger for axial displacement from an advanced coupling position to a retracted release position, the control plunger having a first portion having a first diameter, a second portion having a second smaller diameter and an inclined annular surface joining the first and second portions. The control plunger is maintained at the advanced coupling position until a predetermined axial force is applied and then is axially displaced to the retracted release position by a control ring having an inner diameter substantially the same as the second control plunger diameter made up of a plurality of discrete individual circumferential segments forming a substantially continuous ring when extending around the second control plunger portion.