Multilayered supported elastomeric foams and processes for making same

A supported elastomeric foam comprising:

• an elastomeric matrix comprising an elastomer, and comprising:
• a first foamed region comprising a plurality of gas filled cells defined by the elastomer, the first foamed region having first and second sides positioned opposite one another;
• a first reinforcement region comprising a first porous layer having an interconnected network of pores at least partially imbibed with the elastomer on the first side of the first foamed region;
• a first surface region oriented on the second side of the first foamed region, wherein the first surface region is a non-porous surface layer;
• and
• one or more stiffening regions positioned adjacent to the first reinforcement region;
• and
• said supported elastomeric foam further comprising:
• a second foamed region, the second foamed region comprising a plurality of gas filled cells defined by the elastomer, the second foamed region having first and second sides positioned opposite one another;
• a second reinforcement region comprising a second porous layer having an interconnected network of pores at least partially imbibed with the elastomer on the second side of the second foamed region;
• wherein said first and second foamed regions are separated by the first reinforcement region, the one or more stiffening regions, and the second reinforcement region;
• wherein the one or more stiffening regions are located between first reinforcement region and the second reinforcement region;
• wherein the first and second porous layers independently comprise one of a woven material, a fibrous material or a porous film;
• and
• wherein the one or more stiffening regions is selected from a metal, a non-porous stiff polymer including modified tetrafluoroethylene polymers (TFM), and a porous stiff polymer including polyether ether ketone (PEEK).