Abstract: There is shown herein an improved means for safely storing articles in motor vehicles comprising a box-like receptacle having a lockable upholstered cover to function as an armrest, the receptacle being mounted on the back support for the backrest cushion of a bench-type motor vehicle seat, particularly the front seat of a passenger automobile, where it is conveniently available to the driver and the passenger seated on the front seat. The receptacle is pivotally mounted on the back support and is upholstered on its bottom and exposed end surfaces so that it may be swung upwardly and lie in a cavity provided in the backrest to receive it. The cover is so pivotally mounted on the receptacle that it will be automatically closed and concealed from access when the receptacle is swung into the backrest. When in lowered, i.e., horizontal position, the cover of the receptacle may serve as a seat for a small child.