Patent ID: 8525697

Claim:
A mirror reflective element sub-assembly suitable for use in an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle, said mirror reflective element sub-assembly comprising: a mirror reflective element; a mirror back plate attached at the rear of said mirror reflective element, said mirror back plate comprising a plastic molding formed in a plastic injection molding operation and having (i) a generally planar portion and (ii) an indicator mounting portion, both established by said plastic injection molding operation; wherein said indicator mounting portion of said mirror back plate is angled relative to said generally planar portion, and wherein an aperture is established through said mirror back plate generally at said indicator mounting portion; a heater pad disposed at the rear of said mirror reflective element, wherein said heater pad has a light transmitting portion that is generally aligned with said aperture of said mirror back plate; a blind spot indicator having a light source that is activatable to emit light; wherein said blind spot indicator comprises a self-contained substantially sealed indicator module; wherein said indicator mounting portion is configured for mounting said blind spot indicator thereat; an indicia element; wherein said blind spot indicator is associated with a blind spot detection system of the vehicle; and wherein, with said light source activated, light emitted by said light source transmits through said indicia element, said aperture of said mirror back plate and said light transmitting portion of said heater pad and exits said mirror reflective element at an angle relative to said generally planar portion of said mirror back plate.