All of this was made possible by Robert Abplanalp, who invented the leakproof spray-can valve. He had over 300 patents, most related to spray cans. His company is still in business, making valves.[1]
Of course, today he'd be derided as a patent troll.
Patent trolls neither develop patents (or if they do it is BS maths as a process or otherwise obvious patents), nor do they use the patents themselves. They make money from licensing / extortion.
...if he invented something then he wouldn't be a patent troll. Patent trolls buy up patents and then sue everybody who does something at all like what their patent may or may not be related to.
Of course, today he'd be derided as a patent troll.
[1] http://www.precisionglobal.com